The Longevity Of Packaged Parmesan Cheese: How Long Does It Last?

Parmesan cheese is a hard cheese that originated in Italy. It has a relatively long shelf life, especially when stored properly. When unopened and stored in the refrigerator, parmesan cheese can last up to nine months beyond the expiration date. Once opened, its shelf life reduces to a few weeks to several months, depending on how well it is sealed and stored. Grated or shredded parmesan may have a shorter shelf life than blocks of parmesan. To extend the shelf life of opened parmesan cheese, it should be stored in an airtight container or resealable bag in the refrigerator, at temperatures below 40°F (4°C).

Unopened packaged parmesan can last for several months beyond its expiration date

Parmesan cheese has a long shelf life, especially when stored properly. Unopened packaged Parmesan can last for several months beyond its expiration date. This is because Parmesan is a hard, dry cheese with very low water content, which means it will not spoil as quickly as softer cheeses.

The longevity of unopened packaged Parmesan is further extended when it is stored in the refrigerator under the right conditions. The ideal temperature for storing Parmesan cheese is below 40°F (4°C). It should be well-sealed to prevent it from drying out or absorbing odours from the refrigerator.

It is important to note that once the package of Parmesan is opened, its shelf life decreases. Grated or shredded Parmesan, in particular, may have a shorter shelf life compared to a block or wheel of Parmesan. To extend the shelf life of opened Parmesan, it should be stored in an airtight container or resealable bag in the refrigerator.

While unopened packaged Parmesan can last for several months beyond its expiration date, it is always important to check for any signs of spoilage, such as mould growth, off odours, or changes in texture. If there are any noticeable changes, it is advisable to inspect the cheese closely and determine if it is still suitable for consumption.

Opened parmesan can last 4-8 weeks

Parmesan cheese is a hard cheese that generally has a long shelf life. Once opened, however, it will only last 4-8 weeks. This is dependent 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. The refrigerator temperature should be kept below 40°F (4°C).

Properly storing cheese helps it stay fresh for longer. The best way to store parmesan is in the refrigerator, preferably in the crisper drawer, and wrapped in parchment paper and aluminium foil. If it is a small piece of parmesan, it can be placed in a Ziploc bag, ensuring that excess air is removed before sealing.

It is important to note that hard cheeses like parmesan do not require strict refrigeration. However, refrigeration will slow the growth of bacteria and boost their shelf life. Additionally, while parmesan can be frozen, softer cheeses cannot as their texture will change significantly.

Before consuming parmesan cheese, it is important to check for any signs of spoilage, such as mould growth, off odours, or changes in texture. If there is mould on the surface, it is generally safe to cut off the affected portion and consume the rest of the cheese. However, if there are any noticeable changes in colour, texture, or smell, it is advisable to inspect the cheese closely and determine if it is still suitable for consumption.

Grated parmesan should be checked for a “best before” date

Grated parmesan should be checked for a "best before" date. This is because, once opened, grated parmesan has a shorter shelf life than a block or wheel of parmesan. While parmesan is a hard cheese and generally lasts longer than softer cheeses, it can still go bad.

The shelf life of grated parmesan depends on how well it is sealed and stored. To extend its life, keep it in an airtight container or resealable bag in the refrigerator. It is also important to note that grated parmesan should be stored in the refrigerator at temperatures below 40°F (4°C).

In addition to temperature control, proper sealing is essential to prevent grated parmesan from drying out or absorbing odours from the refrigerator. For this reason, consider using a vacuum-sealed bag or a container with a tight lid.

It is also important to regularly check grated parmesan for any signs of spoilage, such as mould growth, off odours, or changes in texture. If mould is noticed, it is generally safe to cut off the affected portion, and the rest of the cheese should still be usable. However, if there are any noticeable changes in colour, texture, or smell, it is advisable to inspect the cheese closely and determine if it is still suitable for consumption.

Hard cheeses don't require strict refrigeration

Hard cheeses, such as Parmesan, do not require strict refrigeration. In fact, refrigeration tends to halt the aging process of cheese. Parmesan is a hard, dry cheese with very low water content, which means it can last a long time without refrigeration. This is why you will often see hard cheeses sold at room temperature in specialty cheese shops.

The shelf life of hard cheeses can be extended even further through proper storage. For example, Parmesan can be stored in an airtight container or resealable bag in the refrigerator, lasting several weeks to months. If stored properly, unopened Parmesan can last for several months beyond its expiration date.

However, once the package is opened, the shelf life of hard cheeses becomes dependent on factors such as sealing and storage conditions. To maximise shelf life, it is recommended to store opened hard cheeses in an airtight container or vacuum-sealed bag in the refrigerator.

It is important to regularly check hard cheeses for any signs of spoilage, such as mould growth, off odours, or changes in texture. While it is generally safe to cut off mouldy portions from hard cheeses, it is always advisable to inspect the cheese closely and use your judgment to determine if it is still suitable for consumption.

Freezing parmesan is an option

Freezing Parmesan cheese is a great way to extend its shelf life. Parmesan is a hard cheese with a low moisture content, which means it can last for several months when stored properly. However, freezing is an effective way to prolong its freshness even further.

How to Freeze Parmesan Cheese

To freeze Parmesan cheese, it is important to wrap the cheese properly to prevent moisture buildup and condensation. First, wrap the cheese in parchment paper, cheesecloth, cheese paper, or wax paper. Then, place the wrapped cheese in an airtight container or a freezer bag. Ensure that the container or bag is sealed tightly to prevent air exposure.

Frozen Parmesan cheese can last for several months to over a year. Shredded Parmesan cheese can be stored in the freezer for three to six months, while a wedge of Parmesan can last for over a year. It is important to note that freezing may affect the texture and flavour of the cheese. Some people notice a change in texture, making it extra crumbly, while others notice a slight change in flavour. However, frozen Parmesan cheese is still safe to consume and can be used in various dishes.

Defrosting Frozen Parmesan Cheese

When you are ready to use the frozen Parmesan cheese, simply remove it from the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature for about 10 minutes. If you are using shredded Parmesan cheese, break up any clumps that may have formed during freezing by shaking the container or bag. Frozen Parmesan cheese can be used in cooked dishes or melted, as freezing affects its texture, making it less suitable for dishes where the cheese is meant to be showcased.

Storing Parmesan Cheese in the Fridge

If you do not wish to freeze your Parmesan cheese, it can be stored in the refrigerator for several weeks to months. An unopened package of Parmesan cheese can last for several months beyond its expiration date when stored properly. Once the package is opened, its shelf life depends on factors such as sealing and storage conditions. To extend the shelf life of opened Parmesan cheese, store it in an airtight container or resealable bag in the refrigerator. Ensure that the cheese is well-sealed to prevent it from drying out or absorbing odours from the refrigerator.

Frequently asked questions