Andy Montoya
Parmesan cheese is a hard cheese with a long shelf life, especially when stored properly. When unopened, a block of Parmesan can last between six to nine months in the refrigerator. Once opened, it will last one to two months. Grated Parmesan, on the other hand, has a shorter shelf life, lasting about one week in the refrigerator. Proper storage is crucial to preserving the flavour and texture of Parmesan cheese. To extend its shelf life, it should be wrapped in parchment paper, cheesecloth, or wax paper and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Whole, unopened block of Parmesan cheese | Lasts seven to nine months in the refrigerator |
| Whole opened block of Parmesan cheese | Lasts one to two months in the refrigerator |
| Container of grated Parmesan cheese | Lasts about one week in the refrigerator |
| Grated or shredded Parmesan | Should be stored in a vacuum-sealed bag or a container with a tight lid |
| Parmesan cheese in original packaging | Can last for several months beyond the expiration date |
| Opened package of Parmesan | Shelf life depends on factors such as sealing and storage |
| Opened Parmesan | Should be stored in an airtight container or resealable bag in the refrigerator |
| Refrigerator temperature for Parmesan cheese | Below 40°F (4°C) |
| Well-wrapped Parmesan | Can be kept at room temperature for a few days |
| Opened, whole, shredded, and grated hard cheeses | Last at least three to four weeks in the refrigerator |
| Wrapping for hard cheeses | Wax paper, parchment paper, or cheese paper |
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What You'll Learn
Properly stored Parmesan can last for months
Parmesan cheese is a hard cheese with a long shelf life, especially when stored properly. Its low moisture content and high salt content, combined with an intense aging period, contribute to its longevity.
When it comes to unopened Parmesan, it can last for several months beyond its expiration date when stored correctly. The USDA states that an unopened block of Parmesan cheese can be stored in the refrigerator for six months. Additionally, unopened Parmesan can be kept at room temperature for a few days, similar to how it is stored in grocery stores. However, it is important to note that proper storage techniques are crucial to preserving the cheese's quality and texture.
Once a package of Parmesan is opened, its shelf life depends on factors such as sealing and storage methods. A whole, opened block of Parmesan can last one to two months in the refrigerator. Grated or shredded Parmesan, on the other hand, has a shorter shelf life. When stored in an airtight container or resealable bag in the refrigerator, it can last about one week. To extend the shelf life of opened Parmesan, it is recommended to use a vacuum-sealed bag or a container with a tight lid.
It is important to pay attention to signs of spoilage, such as mould growth, off odours, or changes in texture. If mould is spotted on hard cheeses like Parmesan, it is generally safe to cut off the affected portion and consume the remaining cheese. However, with pre-grated cheese, the entire container should be discarded if mould is present. Properly stored Parmesan can indeed last for months, but it is always advisable to inspect the cheese closely and use your judgment to determine if it is still suitable for consumption.
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Unopened Parmesan can last beyond its expiration date
Parmesan cheese is a hard cheese with a long shelf life, especially when stored properly. Its low moisture content and high salt content, combined with an intense aging period, aid in its preservation.
Once opened, Parmesan has a shorter shelf life. A whole, opened block of Parmesan will last one to two months in the refrigerator, while grated Parmesan will last about one week. It's important to follow any specific storage instructions provided on the packaging and to pay attention to signs of spoilage, such as mould growth, off odours, or changes in texture.
While Parmesan can be kept at room temperature for a few days, as it is often displayed in grocery stores, it is generally recommended to store it in the refrigerator to prolong its shelf life.
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Grated Parmesan has a shorter shelf life
Parmesan cheese is a hard cheese with a long shelf life, especially when stored properly. A whole, unopened block of Parmesan cheese can last seven to nine months in the refrigerator, and an opened block will last one to two months. However, grated Parmesan has a shorter shelf life.
Grated Parmesan is more susceptible to spoilage because of its increased surface area. Moisture can cause spoilage, and grated Parmesan has more surface area exposed to the air, making it more prone to moisture absorption. Therefore, it is important to store grated Parmesan in an airtight container or resealable bag to prolong its freshness. Even with proper storage, a container of grated Parmesan cheese will typically last about one week in the refrigerator.
The shelf life of grated Parmesan can be further extended by freezing it. Freezing grated Parmesan can significantly increase its longevity, allowing it to be stored for several months. However, it is important to note that freezing may affect the texture and taste of the cheese to some extent.
Additionally, it is crucial to pay attention to any signs of spoilage, such as mould growth, off odours, or changes in texture. If mould is spotted on grated Parmesan, it is generally recommended to discard the entire container, as it is more challenging to salvage grated cheese compared to a block of cheese where the affected portion can be cut off.
In summary, grated Parmesan has a shorter shelf life compared to blocks of Parmesan due to its increased surface area, which makes it more susceptible to moisture absorption and spoilage. Proper storage in airtight containers and refrigeration can extend its freshness, but it will generally have a shorter lifespan than its block counterpart.
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Signs of spoilage: mould, odours, texture changes
Parmesan cheese has a long shelf life, but it can still go bad. Here are some signs of spoilage to look out for:
Mould
Mould growth is a common sign of spoilage in Parmesan cheese. While surface mould can often be trimmed off and the cheese can still be consumed, widespread mould growth indicates that the cheese should be discarded. If mould occurs repeatedly, it is better to throw the cheese away to avoid potential health risks and unpleasant flavours. Parmesan cheese may also develop white spots, which are usually tyrosine or calcium lactate crystals formed as a natural part of the cheese's aging process and are safe to consume.
Odours
A sour or rancid smell is another sign of spoilage in Parmesan cheese. Parmesan cheese has a strong, nutty aroma when fresh, but it should not smell mouldy or rancid. An ammonia-like smell can also indicate spoilage, resulting from the production of ammonia by bacteria that break down the protein in the cheese.
Texture changes
Texture changes, such as a spongy texture, sliminess, excessive hardness, or a crumbly consistency, are further signs of spoilage in Parmesan cheese. Grated Parmesan cheese may also exhibit a drier texture than fresh cheese due to the dehydration process involved in grating. Graininess or grittiness can indicate fat rancidity, where the fat in the cheese has gone rancid and developed a granular texture.
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Parmesan can be stored at room temperature for a few days
Parmesan cheese is a hard cheese with a lengthy aging process of a minimum of two years. Its long shelf life can be attributed to its low moisture content, which inhibits bacterial growth. However, the quality and flavour of Parmesan cheese are best when it is fresh.
While Parmesan can be stored at room temperature for a few hours, it is not recommended to exceed this time frame. According to the U.S. Department of Health, cheese should not be left out at room temperature for more than two hours. If the temperature rises above 90°F (32°C), this duration further reduces to one hour. This guideline applies to all types of cheese, including hard cheeses like Parmesan. Exposing Parmesan to room temperature for longer periods can lead to spoilage due to bacterial growth.
To ensure the longevity of your Parmesan cheese, it is advisable to store it in the refrigerator. A whole, unopened block of Parmesan can last seven to nine months in the fridge, while an opened block will remain fresh for one to two months. Grated Parmesan, on the other hand, has a shorter shelf life and should be consumed within one week of refrigeration.
Proper wrapping and storage are crucial to maintaining the quality of Parmesan. To prevent moisture and condensation, wrap a wedge of Parmesan cheese in parchment paper, cheesecloth, cheese paper, or wax paper. Grated Parmesan should be stored in an airtight container to maintain freshness. Additionally, always remember to handle the cheese with clean hands to prevent mould growth.
In conclusion, while Parmesan can be stored at room temperature for a few hours, it is best to refrigerate it to ensure its freshness and prolong its shelf life. Proper wrapping and storage techniques are essential to preserving the quality and flavour of this beloved hard cheese.
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Frequently asked questions
Unopened parmesan cheese packets can last for several months beyond the expiration date when stored properly in the refrigerator.
An opened packet of parmesan cheese will last one to two months in the refrigerator when stored properly.
Grated parmesan cheese will last about one week in the refrigerator. To extend its shelf life, store it in an airtight container or resealable bag.
Parmesan cheese has gone bad when it turns yellow or mouldy, or develops a distinctive off-flavour.
Parmesan cheese should be stored in the refrigerator at temperatures below 4°C. It should be well-sealed to prevent it from drying out or absorbing odours.
