Parmesan Cheese: How Long Does Bottled Bliss Last?

Parmesan cheese has a long shelf life, but how long does bottled Parmesan cheese last? The answer depends on several factors, such as the type of cheese, the storage conditions, and whether the bottle has been opened. Proper storage is essential to maintaining the flavour and texture of Parmesan cheese. In general, grated Parmesan cheese sold unrefrigerated will stay at best quality for about 10 to 18 months in the refrigerator after it has been opened. To extend the shelf life, it is recommended to store the cheese in an airtight container or resealable bag in the refrigerator, ensuring the temperature remains below 40°F (4°C).

Opened vs. unopened

The shelf life of bottled Parmesan cheese depends on whether it is opened or unopened.

Unopened bottled Parmesan cheese can last for several months beyond the expiration date, provided it has been stored properly. Proper storage involves keeping the cheese in the refrigerator at temperatures below 40°F (4°C).

Once the package of Parmesan cheese is opened, its shelf life depends on factors such as how well it is sealed and stored. Opened Parmesan cheese should be stored in an airtight container or resealable bag in the refrigerator to extend its shelf life. The cheese should be kept well-sealed to prevent it from drying out or absorbing odours from the refrigerator.

Opened grated Parmesan cheese sold unrefrigerated will generally stay at best quality for about 10 to 12 months in the refrigerator after it has been opened. To further extend the shelf life, it can be frozen in covered airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Frozen Parmesan cheese may lose some of its texture and flavour, and it may be best suited for cooked dishes.

It is important to check for signs of spoilage, such as mould growth, off odours, or changes in texture. If mould is noticed on the surface of hard cheeses like Parmesan, it is generally safe to cut off the affected portion, and the rest of the cheese should still be usable.

Refrigerated vs. unrefrigerated

Parmesan cheese has a relatively long shelf life, especially when stored properly. When it comes to refrigeration, the duration of how long Parmesan cheese lasts depends on whether it is refrigerated or unrefrigerated, as well as other factors such as the type of Parmesan cheese, its packaging, and how well it is sealed and stored.

Refrigerated Parmesan Cheese

Refrigeration is an effective way to extend the shelf life of Parmesan cheese. If unopened and stored properly, Parmesan cheese can last for several months beyond its expiration date in the refrigerator. Once opened, its shelf life depends on factors such as the quality of sealing and storage. To maximise the shelf life of opened Parmesan cheese, it should be stored in an airtight container or resealable bag in the refrigerator, ensuring it is well-sealed to prevent it from drying out or absorbing odours.

The type of Parmesan cheese also affects its shelf life. Grated or shredded Parmesan, for example, may have a shorter shelf life compared to a block or wheel of Parmesan due to its increased surface area, which can lead to faster drying or spoilage. To mitigate this, grated Parmesan should be stored in a vacuum-sealed bag or a container with a tight lid.

When stored under proper conditions in the refrigerator, Parmesan cheese can generally last for several weeks to months. However, it is important to regularly check for any 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 the rest of the cheese can still be consumed.

Unrefrigerated Parmesan Cheese

Unrefrigerated Parmesan cheese, such as commercially packaged and sold unrefrigerated grated Parmesan, can also have a long shelf life. When stored at room temperature, unrefrigerated grated Parmesan cheese can last for 12-18 months, depending on the storage conditions. However, refrigeration is recommended to maximise its shelf life, and once opened, it should be stored in the refrigerator.

In summary, refrigeration plays a crucial role in extending the shelf life of Parmesan cheese. When stored properly in the refrigerator, Parmesan cheese can last for several weeks to months, while unrefrigerated grated Parmesan cheese can also have a long shelf life of up to 18 months. Proper sealing, storage, and regular checks for spoilage are essential to ensure the longevity and quality of Parmesan cheese.

Signs of spoilage

Parmesan cheese has a long shelf life, but it can still spoil. Here are some signs to look out for to determine if your bottled Parmesan cheese has gone bad:

• Mould growth: If you see any mould on the surface of the cheese, cut off the affected portion. However, if mould appears in grated or shredded Parmesan, discard the entire container as the mould may be more widespread.
• Off odours: If the cheese develops an unpleasant or unusual smell, it has likely gone bad.
• Changes in texture: Parmesan cheese should have a hard, dry texture. If it becomes sticky, clumpy, or wet, it may have spoiled.
• Changes in appearance: Keep an eye out for any discolouration or changes in the cheese's appearance.
• Changes in flavour: If the cheese tastes strange or develops an off flavour, it has likely spoiled.

It's important to note that proper storage is key to extending the shelf life of Parmesan cheese. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator at temperatures below 40°F (4°C). Additionally, grated or shredded Parmesan may have a shorter shelf life compared to a block or wheel due to increased surface area.

Extending shelf life

Parmesan cheese has a relatively long shelf life, especially if stored properly. Here are some tips to extend the shelf life of your bottled Parmesan cheese:

Wrap the Cheese

Moisture will cause spoilage, so Parmesan cheese needs to breathe to prevent condensation. Wrap a wedge of Parmesan cheese in parchment paper, cheesecloth/cheese paper, or wax paper. Store grated Parmesan in an airtight container.

Refrigerate

Cover the cheese block in plastic wrap or aluminium foil to prevent it from absorbing smells in the refrigerator. Place the wrapped cheese in a crisper drawer. Keep the refrigerator temperature below 5°C (40°F).

Freeze the Cheese

You can also freeze Parmesan cheese in an airtight container or freezer bag. This will extend the shelf life of the cheese by several months. Frozen Parmesan cheese may lose some of its texture and flavour, so it is best suited for cooked dishes.

Use Cornstarch, Flour, or Arrowroot Powder

Adding a little cornstarch, flour, or arrowroot powder to your grated Parmesan can help absorb moisture and prevent clumping. This will extend the shelf life of the cheese and maintain its flavour.

Storage conditions

The shelf life of bottled Parmesan cheese depends on several storage conditions. Firstly, it is important to differentiate between unopened and opened bottles of Parmesan cheese. Unopened bottles of Parmesan cheese can last for several months beyond the expiration date, provided they have been stored properly. This involves keeping the cheese in the refrigerator at temperatures below 40°F (4°C).

Once the bottle of Parmesan cheese is opened, its shelf life depends on factors such as sealing and storage. To maximise the shelf life of opened grated Parmesan cheese, it should be stored in the refrigerator. An airtight container or resealable bag can be used to extend the shelf life further. It is important to ensure that the cheese is well-sealed to prevent it from drying out or absorbing odours from the refrigerator. For grated or shredded Parmesan, a vacuum-sealed bag or a container with a tight lid is recommended.

The ideal temperature for storing Parmesan cheese is below 5°C. At this temperature, the cheese is less likely to absorb moisture, which can lead to clumping and bacterial growth. While Parmesan cheese can be stored for several weeks to months, it is recommended to use it within two weeks of opening for the best quality and to prevent clumping.

To further extend the shelf life, Parmesan cheese can be frozen. Grated Parmesan cheese can be placed in covered airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags and stored in the freezer. When properly stored, grated Parmesan cheese can maintain its best quality for about 18 months in the freezer but will remain safe beyond that time. Frozen Parmesan cheese may lose some of its texture and flavour, so it is best suited for cooked dishes such as sauces, soups, and casseroles.

Frequently asked questions