Bushra Griffith
Kraft Parmesan cheese is a popular product with a long shelf life. Once opened, it can be stored in the refrigerator to maintain its quality for up to 10-12 months. Proper storage is essential to maximise its shelf life, and freezing is an option to further extend it. While the best-by date on the package is not a safety indicator, consumers should be cautious and discard the product if they notice any signs of spoilage, such as discolouration, foul odours, or mould.
What You'll Learn
Kraft Parmesan cheese should be stored in the fridge
The precise length of time that Kraft Parmesan cheese will last once opened depends on storage conditions. If stored in a refrigerator, it will generally stay at peak quality for about 10 to 12 months. However, it's important to note that the cheese will start to lose flavor after one month of opening, even if stored in the fridge. If you want to extend the shelf life of opened Kraft Parmesan cheese even further, you can freeze it. Place it in covered airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Frozen Parmesan cheese may lose some of its texture and flavor, so it is best suited for cooked dishes such as sauces, soups, and casseroles.
It's also worth noting that the "best before" date on the Kraft Parmesan cheese packaging is not a safety date but rather the manufacturer's estimate of how long the product will remain at peak quality. As long as the cheese is stored properly and the packaging is undamaged, it will still be safe to consume beyond this date. However, if you notice any mold, discoloration, or foul odors, it's best to discard the cheese.
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It will last for weeks, if not months, after opening
Kraft Parmesan cheese will last for weeks, if not months, after opening. This is because Parmesan is a dry, hard cheese with very low water content, which means it has a longer shelf life than softer cheeses. Additionally, Kraft's grated Parmesan cheese is pasteurized and heat-treated to kill bacteria, which further extends its shelf life.
To maximize the shelf life of opened grated Parmesan cheese, it should be stored in the refrigerator. When stored properly, Kraft Parmesan cheese will generally stay at best quality for about 10 to 12 months in the refrigerator after opening. If you want to extend its shelf life even further, you can freeze it in covered airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. However, keep in mind that frozen Parmesan cheese may lose some of its texture and flavor, making it better suited for cooked dishes like sauces, soups, and casseroles.
While Kraft Parmesan cheese can last for weeks or months after opening, it's important to inspect it for any signs of spoilage before consumption. If you notice any discoloration, foul odors, or moisture on the cheese, it's best to discard it. Additionally, if mold appears, discard the entire container, as the presence of mold can indicate the growth of harmful bacteria.
By following proper storage practices and regularly checking for any signs of spoilage, you can safely enjoy Kraft Parmesan cheese for weeks, if not months, after opening.
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It will lose flavour over time
Kraft Parmesan cheese is designed to last a long time, but it will lose flavour over time. Generally, once opened, it will last weeks before there's any risk of spoilage, and it can be safely stored in the refrigerator for 10 to 12 months. However, anything past a month after opening, and you will notice a significant loss of flavour. This is because Kraft Parmesan is formulated for stability rather than maximum taste.
The shelf life of Kraft Parmesan is far longer than its expiry date, and it can be safely consumed beyond this date as long as it is stored properly. The use-by date is the minimum time that the product will be good for and is often far shorter than the actual time the cheese will last. However, the cheese will gradually lose flavour over time, and it may become stale or develop an off-flavour.
To extend the shelf life of Kraft Parmesan cheese, it can be frozen. However, freezing may cause it to lose some of its texture and flavour, and it may be better suited for cooked dishes such as sauces, soups, and casseroles.
It is important to note that Kraft Parmesan cheese is highly processed and contains preservatives. While it is designed to last a long time, it may not have as much flavour as other types of Parmesan cheese. Additionally, hard cheeses like Parmesan naturally have a longer shelf life than softer cheeses due to their drier texture.
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It should be discarded if mould appears
Kraft Parmesan cheese is a commercially packaged product that is sold unrefrigerated. However, once opened, it should be stored in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness and quality. Proper storage can extend the shelf life of Kraft Parmesan cheese.
While Kraft Parmesan cheese can last for an extended period when stored correctly, it is important to regularly inspect the product for any signs of spoilage. The appearance of mould is a clear indication that the cheese has spoiled and should be discarded immediately. Mould can spread quickly and can be harmful if consumed. Therefore, it is essential to take a cautious approach and prioritise your health and safety.
Mould can develop on Kraft Parmesan cheese due to various factors, such as exposure to moisture or air, cross-contamination with other foods, or improper storage conditions. It is important to handle the cheese with clean utensils and store it in a sealed container to minimise the risk of mould growth.
When discarding mouldy Kraft Parmesan cheese, proper disposal methods should be followed. It is recommended to wrap the mouldy cheese in plastic or place it in a sealed bag before throwing it away in a waste bin. This helps contain the mould and prevent it from spreading to other areas of your home or contaminating other food items.
Additionally, it is important to clean and sanitise any surfaces, utensils, or containers that may have come into contact with the mouldy cheese. This includes countertops, shelves, and drawers. By taking these precautionary measures, you can help ensure the safety and hygiene of your food storage areas.
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It can be frozen to extend its shelf life
Kraft Parmesan cheese is designed to last a long time. The product is highly processed, and the company pasteurises or heat-treats all its cheeses to kill bacteria. As a dry, hard cheese, Kraft Parmesan has a very low water content, which means it will last longer than softer cheeses.
Even so, it can be frozen to extend its shelf life. To do this, place the grated Parmesan in covered airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Frozen in this way, the cheese will maintain its best quality for about 18 months in the freezer but will remain safe to eat beyond that. However, frozen Parmesan may lose some of its texture and flavour, so it is best suited to cooked dishes such as sauces, soups, and casseroles.
If you are storing Kraft Parmesan in the refrigerator, it will generally stay at its best quality for about 10 to 12 months after opening. If you notice any discoloration, foul odours, or moisture on the grated cheese, throw it out.
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Frequently asked questions
Kraft Parmesan cheese will generally last for about 10 to 12 months in the refrigerator after it has been opened.
To extend the shelf life of Kraft Parmesan cheese, it is recommended to store it in the refrigerator at 40 degrees Fahrenheit. It should not be kept at room temperature for more than one hour.
Yes, to further extend the shelf life, Kraft Parmesan cheese can be frozen by placing it in covered airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Frozen Parmesan cheese may lose some of its texture and flavor, so it is best suited for cooked dishes such as sauces, soups, and casseroles.
The best way to determine if Kraft Parmesan cheese has gone bad is to examine its odor, flavor, and appearance. If the cheese develops an off odor, flavor, or appearance, or if mold appears, it should be discarded.
