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

Parmesan cheese is a hard, nutty-flavoured cheese made from skimmed, unpasteurized cow's milk. It is a popular addition to pasta sauces, casseroles and soups. But how long does it last? When stored in the refrigerator under the right conditions, an unopened package of Parmesan can last for several months beyond its expiration date. Once opened, its shelf life depends on how well it is sealed and stored. For instance, a block of opened Parmesan cheese will last in the fridge for up to two months, while grated Parmesan will last about a week.

How to store parmesan cheese in a refrigerator

Parmesan cheese is a hard cheese with a long shelf life if stored properly. It is made from skimmed, unpasteurized cow's milk and has a lengthy aging process of a minimum of two years and occasionally more than four.

Wrap the Parmesan Cheese

Moisture causes 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. If you have grated Parmesan, store it in an airtight container.

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. An opened block of Parmesan cheese will last in the fridge for up to two months, while an unopened block can keep for up to nine months.

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 for over a year. You can use shredded frozen cheese straight from the freezer—just shake it to break up any clumping. For a wedge of frozen Parmesan, let it thaw on the countertop for about ten minutes before using.

Signs of Spoilage

When Parmesan cheese turns yellow or mouldy, it has spoiled. Cut away at least one inch around and below the mouldy area and re-cover the cheese in fresh wrap. If mould appears in shredded or crumbled Parmesan cheese, discard the entire package.

How long does an opened chunk of parmesan cheese last?

Parmesan cheese is a hard cheese with a lengthy aging process and low moisture content, which means it has a long shelf life. An opened chunk of Parmesan cheese will last in the fridge for up to two months if stored correctly. To maximise the shelf life of an opened chunk of Parmesan cheese, it should be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminium foil. For even better results, first wrap the cheese in wax, parchment paper, or cheesecloth/cheese paper, and then cover with plastic wrap before refrigerating.

The key to preserving Parmesan cheese is to ensure that moisture does not cause spoilage. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the cheese can breathe to prevent condensation. If the cheese is not stored correctly, it will dry out or mould will develop.

It is also possible to freeze Parmesan cheese in an airtight container or freezer bag. A wedge of Parmesan cheese will stay in the freezer for over a year, while grated Parmesan cheese can last for three to six months.

How to store parmesan cheese in a freezer

When stored properly, Parmesan cheese can last for quite a long time, and freezing is an effective method to prolong its lifespan. Here's a guide on how to store Parmesan cheese in a freezer to maintain its quality and flavor:

Step 1: Prepare the Cheese

Start with a fresh block of Parmesan cheese. If you have just opened a new package, cut the cheese into smaller portions suitable for single use or for a week's consumption. This way, you can take out a portion as needed and avoid frequent freezing and thawing of the entire block. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap, making sure there is no exposure to air, as air can cause freezer burn and affect the texture and taste of the cheese.

Step 2: Place in an Airtight Container

Place the wrapped portions of Parmesan cheese in an airtight container or a freezer bag. Airtight packaging adds an extra layer of protection from air and moisture, which can affect the quality of the cheese during freezing. If using a freezer bag, squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing it.

Step 3: Label and Date

Label the container or freezer bag with the date of freezing and the content. This will help you keep track of how long the cheese has been frozen and ensure that you use it within its recommended frozen storage time. Parmesan cheese can be frozen for up to 6 months and still maintain its quality.

Step 4: Store in the Freezer

Place the packaged Parmesan cheese in the freezer. Try to place it in a consistent freezing environment, away from the freezer door, to avoid temperature fluctuations each time the door is opened. The deeper and more stable part of the freezer is usually towards the back.

Step 5: Thawing and Using Frozen Parmesan Cheese

When you're ready to use the frozen Parmesan cheese, take out the desired portion and thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Do not refreeze the cheese after it has been thawed. You can also grate or shred the frozen cheese directly without thawing, and sprinkle it onto your dishes. The grated cheese will thaw quickly and blend into your recipes.

Remember, freezing Parmesan cheese may alter its texture slightly, but it will still be safe to consume and perfectly suitable for cooking, baking, or sprinkling on top of your favorite dishes.

How to identify if parmesan cheese has gone bad

Parmesan cheese is a hard cheese with a long shelf life. Its low moisture content means it will last longer than soft cheese. However, it can still go bad, and there are several ways to identify if this has happened.

Firstly, check the texture of the cheese. Parmesan cheese that is going bad will often develop a very hard texture. If the cheese is crumbly, this may be a sign that it has been frozen and then defrosted, rather than a sign that it has gone bad.

Secondly, check the colour of the cheese. Parmesan cheese that is going bad will usually darken in colour. If the cheese has turned yellow, this is a sign that it has spoiled.

Thirdly, check the smell of the cheese. Parmesan cheese that is going bad will often develop a strong smell.

Finally, check the cheese for mould. Mould may appear on Parmesan cheese that has gone bad. If the Parmesan cheese is shredded, sliced, or crumbled, the entire package should be discarded if mould is spotted. If the cheese is in a block, the mouldy part can be cut away, as long as you cut at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) around and below the mouldy area.

How to store cut parmesan cheese

Parmesan cheese is a hard cheese with a long shelf life. Its low water content means it can be stored for long periods, especially if it is vacuum-packed. If stored properly, an unopened block of Parmesan cheese can last seven to nine months in the refrigerator, and an opened block will last one to two months.

To store cut Parmesan cheese, it is important to prevent moisture from causing spoilage. You can do this by wrapping the cheese in parchment paper, cheesecloth, cheese paper, or wax paper. Then, cover the wrapped cheese in plastic wrap or aluminium foil to prevent it from absorbing smells from the refrigerator. Place the cheese in a crisper drawer. Stored in this way, cut Parmesan cheese will last up to two months in the refrigerator.

You can also store cut Parmesan cheese in an airtight container or a glass or plastic food container. If you choose to use a container, ensure that it is not sealed with film, as this can compromise the original humidity level of the cheese.

Another option is to wrap the cheese in a slightly damp cotton cloth before storing it in the refrigerator. This will help to maintain the cheese's optimal humidity level.

If you notice mould forming on the surface of the cheese, you can remove it with the tip of a knife.

Frequently asked questions