Andy Montoya
Parmesan cheese is a hard cheese with a low moisture content, which means it has a longer shelf life than softer cheeses. When it comes to shredded parmesan cheese, how long it lasts depends on various factors, such as whether it was sold refrigerated or unrefrigerated, and whether it is stored in an airtight container. If stored correctly, shredded parmesan cheese can last anywhere from a few days to several months.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Refrigerated shelf life | 3-5 days for best quality, up to 7 days for okay quality |
| Unrefrigerated shelf life | 12-18 months |
| Refrigerated shelf life (unopened) | 7-9 months |
| Freezing option | Yes |
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What You'll Learn
How to store open shredded parmesan cheese
To store open shredded parmesan cheese, you should place it in an airtight container or tightly seal the original packaging. The cheese should then be stored in the refrigerator. This will prevent spoilage and limit exposure to moisture and heat.
When stored in this way, open shredded parmesan cheese will generally last for about a week. However, some sources suggest that it can last for up to two months. To prolong its shelf life, you can also freeze shredded parmesan cheese. Place it in covered airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. However, freezing may affect the texture and flavour of the cheese, so it is best used in cooked dishes.
To check if your parmesan cheese has gone bad, look for any changes in colour, texture, or smell. Fresh parmesan is very pale, almost white or a very light yellow. Once the cheese starts to deteriorate, it will become darker and more orange-coloured. Fresh grated parmesan is dry and flows freely, but when it starts to spoil, it will become wet or spongy and start to clump together. Parmesan also has a distinctive smell, which some find unpleasant or sour. If you notice any of these changes, discard the cheese.
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How long does open shredded parmesan cheese last in the fridge?
Shredded Parmesan cheese is a dry, hard cheese with a low moisture content, which means it has a longer shelf life than other cheeses. When stored in the fridge, it can last anywhere from a few days to several months.
Once opened, shredded Parmesan cheese should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will help to maintain its quality and flavour, while reducing the risk of mould and bacterial growth. When stored in this way, shredded Parmesan cheese will generally stay at best quality for about one week. However, some sources suggest that it can last for up to two months.
To extend the shelf life of shredded Parmesan cheese even further, you can freeze it. Freezing can be done by placing the cheese in covered airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. 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.
It is important to note that the shelf life of shredded Parmesan cheese may vary depending on the specific product and storage conditions. To ensure food safety, always check the cheese for any signs of spoilage, such as mould, discolouration, or an off odour, flavour, or appearance. If you have any doubts about the quality of the cheese, it is best to discard it.
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How long does open shredded parmesan cheese last in the freezer?
The shelf life of shredded Parmesan cheese depends on how well it is sealed and stored. To extend its shelf life, it is recommended to keep opened Parmesan in an airtight container or resealable bag in the refrigerator.
To freeze shredded Parmesan cheese, seal the original packaging tightly and place it in the freezer. If freezing for longer than 2 months, place the package inside a heavy-duty freezer bag to prevent freezer burn.
When properly stored, shredded Parmesan cheese will maintain its best quality for about 8 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.
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How to tell if open shredded parmesan cheese has gone bad
Shredded parmesan cheese is a convenient option for those who want to use the cheese right away without having to grate it themselves. However, it's important to know how to tell if this cheese has gone bad, especially since it has a shorter shelf life than blocks of parmesan. Here are some detailed indicators to look out for:
Colour
The colour of fresh parmesan is usually white to beige. When parmesan cheese starts to go bad, the colour will change to a darker shade, becoming more orange or yellow. This is a sign that the cheese is deteriorating and should not be consumed.
Texture
Parmesan cheese is known for its dry texture. If you notice that your shredded parmesan feels spongy or wet to the touch, it's a clear indication that it has gone bad. This texture change is due to the growth of bacteria, which can be harmful if consumed.
Smell
The smell of parmesan cheese can be quite distinctive, and some may even find it unpleasant or sour. However, if the cheese starts to give off an especially strong or "funny" odour, it's likely a sign that it has spoiled. Trust your instincts if the smell seems off.
Mould
The most obvious sign of spoilage in any cheese is the presence of mould. If you notice any patches of blue or green mould on your shredded parmesan, it's crucial to discard the entire package. Unlike larger blocks of cheese, where you can cut off the mouldy portion, shredded parmesan provides more surface area for mould spores to spread, even if they are not visible to the naked eye. Therefore, it's essential to prioritise your health and safety by disposing of the entire package.
Storage and Expiry
It's worth noting that the shelf life of shredded parmesan cheese can be extended by proper storage practices. Always store shredded parmesan in an airtight container in the refrigerator to prevent exposure to moisture and heat. Additionally, check the expiry date on the package, as consuming the cheese past this date increases the risk of spoilage and foodborne illness.
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How to prevent open shredded parmesan cheese from going bad
To prevent open shredded parmesan cheese from going bad, it is important to follow some simple but effective storage practices.
Firstly, refrigeration is key. Parmesan cheese should always be stored in the fridge, preferably in the cheese drawer, to maintain its quality and flavour, and to reduce the risk of mould and bacterial growth.
Secondly, it is important to use an airtight container or the original packaging, ensuring it is tightly sealed. This prevents exposure to moisture and other contaminants, which can hasten spoilage. It is also recommended to use clean utensils when scooping the cheese to prevent microbial contamination.
Thirdly, freezing shredded parmesan is a great way to extend its shelf life. To freeze, place the cheese in covered airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Frozen parmesan may lose some of its texture and flavour, so it is best suited for cooked dishes such as sauces, soups, and casseroles.
Finally, it is important to regularly inspect the cheese for any signs of spoilage. Parmesan cheese that has gone bad will have a noticeable change in smell, texture, and colour. It may develop an off odour, flavour, or appearance, and the presence of blue or green mould indicates that the cheese should be discarded.
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Frequently asked questions
Refrigerated, open shredded parmesan cheese will last for about a week.
It is recommended that open shredded parmesan cheese is stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If it hasn't been refrigerated, it will last for about a day.
Fresh parmesan is very pale, almost white or a very light yellow. Once the cheese starts to deteriorate, it will become darker and more orange-coloured. The smell of parmesan is quite distinctive, and some find it unpleasant, as though it has already gone off. Fresh grated parmesan is dry and flows freely, but when it starts to clump together without any signs of moisture, it's a sign of spoilage.
