Parmesan Cheese: How Long Does It Last?

Parmesan cheese is a hard cheese that can last for a long time if stored properly. The shelf life of Parmesan cheese depends on several factors, including moisture content, storage method, and whether it is grated or in a block. Proper storage involves keeping the cheese dry, tightly wrapped, and protected from moisture and air to prevent mould.

Parmesan cheese storage methods

Parmesan cheese is a hard cheese with a lengthy aging process of a minimum of two years and occasionally more than four. Its shelf life is extended when properly stored.

Wrapping

Wrapping Parmesan cheese is essential to prevent moisture from causing spoilage. You can use parchment paper, cheesecloth/cheese paper, wax paper, or food-grade plastic film. For grated Parmesan, use an airtight container. This wrapping will allow the cheese to breathe and prevent condensation.

Refrigeration

Place the wrapped cheese in the refrigerator, preferably in the crisper drawer. Cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from absorbing other smells. An unopened block of Parmesan can be stored for up to nine months, while an opened block will last for one to two months.

Freezing

If you want to extend the shelf life even further, you can freeze Parmesan cheese. Use an airtight container or freezer bag. Shredded Parmesan can last for three to six months, while a wedge can stay frozen for over a year. You can use shredded frozen cheese directly from the freezer, but be sure to break up any clumps before use. For a wedge of frozen cheese, allow it to defrost at room temperature for about ten minutes before using it.

Vacuum-sealed storage

Vacuum-packed Parmigiano-Reggiano can be stored in the refrigerator at a temperature of 4°C to 8°C. Ensure that the package remains sealed and tight, preventing exposure to air. This method can keep the cheese fresh for several months.

Container storage

Parmigiano Reggiano should be stored in glass or plastic containers, especially if kept in the refrigerator. This helps to maintain optimal humidity levels and prevents the cheese from absorbing other food smells.

By following these storage methods, you can enjoy your Parmesan cheese for an extended period, making the most of its delicious flavour and texture.

How long does unopened Parmesan cheese last?

Parmesan cheese is a hard cheese with a lengthy aging process of a minimum of two years and occasionally more than four. It is made from skimmed, unpasteurized cow's milk. The aging process and the hardness of the cheese mean that, when unopened, it has a long shelf life.

An unopened block of Parmesan cheese can last seven to nine months in the refrigerator. This is because hard cheeses are low in moisture, which makes it difficult for bacteria to flourish. The cheese will last even longer if it is stored in the freezer, where a wedge of Parmesan will stay for over a year.

To ensure your Parmesan lasts as long as possible, it is important to store it properly. Wrap the cheese to prevent moisture from causing spoilage. You can use parchment paper, cheesecloth, cheese paper, or wax paper. Then, cover the wrapped cheese in plastic wrap or aluminium foil to prevent it from taking on smells from the refrigerator. Place the cheese in a drawer in the fridge.

If you are storing grated Parmesan, it is best to use an airtight container. This will last for about a week in the refrigerator or three to six months in the freezer.

How long does opened Parmesan cheese last?

Parmesan cheese is a hard cheese made from skimmed, unpasteurized cow's milk, with a lengthy aging process of a minimum of two years and occasionally more than four. Parmesan cheese is a popular addition to pasta sauces, casseroles, and soup dishes.

When it comes to how long cheese will last in the refrigerator, its shelf life depends on its moisture content. Moisture is needed for bacterial growth—so cheeses with higher moisture levels have a shorter shelf life. In contrast, cheeses with lower moisture levels will last longer, as they lack the ideal environment for bacteria to thrive.

Hard cheeses, such as Parmesan, are low in moisture, making it difficult for bacteria to flourish. Once opened, a package of hard cheese can last a long time—about four weeks in the refrigerator, according to Gordon Edgar, a cheesemonger at Rainbow Grocery Cooperative in San Francisco. However, other sources suggest that a block of opened Parmesan cheese will last in the fridge for up to two months. This is supported by a user on Reddit who claims that a small wedge of Parmesan will stay fresh for 2-3 months in the fridge if wrapped tightly in parchment paper and then foil.

To ensure your hard cheese lasts as long as possible, follow these steps for proper storage:

• Remove the cheese from its plastic packaging.
• Wrap it loosely in cheese paper, parchment paper, or wax paper.
• Put the cheese in a container with an airtight lid.
• Cover the cheese block in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from soaking up smells in the refrigerator.

How to prevent Parmesan cheese from spoiling

Parmesan cheese is a hard cheese with a lengthy aging process of a minimum of two years and occasionally more than four. Its shelf life is longer than soft cheese due to its low moisture content. To prevent Parmesan cheese from spoiling, follow these steps:

Wrap the Parmesan cheese:

Prevent moisture from causing spoilage by wrapping a wedge of Parmesan cheese in parchment paper, cheesecloth, cheese paper, or wax paper. Store grated Parmesan in an airtight container. Make sure to wrap the cheese tightly to prevent it from drying out.

Place in the refrigerator:

Cover the cheese block in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from absorbing other smells in the refrigerator. Place the wrapped cheese in a crisper drawer. A block of opened Parmesan cheese will last in the fridge for up to two months. An unopened block can keep for seven to nine months. Keep the cheese at a temperature ranging from 4 to 8°C.

Freeze the cheese (optional):

You can extend the shelf life of Parmesan cheese by freezing it. Place the cheese in an airtight container or freezer bag. Shredded Parmesan cheese can last for three to six months in the freezer, while a wedge of Parmesan will stay fresh for over a year.

By following these steps, you can effectively prevent your Parmesan cheese from spoiling and maintain its quality and freshness for a longer period of time.

What to do with leftover Parmesan cheese rinds

Parmesan cheese is a hard cheese that, if stored properly, can last for months. A whole, unopened block of Parmesan cheese can be kept for seven to nine months in the refrigerator, and a whole opened block will last for one to two months. To store an opened block of Parmesan cheese, wrap the cheese in parchment paper, cheesecloth, cheese paper, or wax paper, then cover it in plastic wrap or aluminium foil and place it in the refrigerator.

Now, what can you do with leftover Parmesan cheese rinds? Well, the good news is that they are completely safe to eat, though their texture is rather unappealing. However, they are packed full of flavour and can be used to enrich sauces, soups, stews, and more. Here are some ideas:

• Plop the rinds into your next tomato sauce, ragù, or soup and let it simmer. Remove the rind just before serving—it will add a salty flavour and thicken the dish.
• Save up four to five rinds and make a Parmigiano Reggiano broth. It's perfect for serving with pasta or using in risotto.
• Make Parmesan rind crisps. Shave off the waxy coating from the rind, cut it into small squares, and rinse and dry them. Then, transfer them to a microwave-safe plate and microwave on high for about a minute. Allow them to cool before enjoying them as a tasty, crunchy snack.
• Throw the rinds into broths, stocks, or risottos for a subtle burst of rich, cheesy flavour.

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