Maximizing Parmesan: How Long Does It Really Last?

Parmesan cheese is a hard cheese with a lengthy aging process and a relatively long shelf life. When stored in the refrigerator under the right conditions, parmesan can last for several weeks to months. An unopened package of parmesan can last for several months beyond its expiration date, while an opened package will typically last for about 4 to 6 weeks. Grated parmesan, if stored in an airtight container, can last for about a week in the refrigerator and up to 18 months in the freezer. To maximize the shelf life of parmesan cheese, it is important to store it properly, ensuring it is well-sealed and protected from moisture to prevent spoilage.

An unopened block of Parmesan can last seven to nine months in the fridge

Parmesan cheese has a long shelf life, especially when stored properly. An unopened block of Parmesan can last seven to nine months in the fridge. This is because Parmesan is a hard cheese with a low moisture content. The ageing process also plays a role in its longevity. Parmesan cheese is typically aged for a minimum of two years, and sometimes longer than four years.

To ensure the cheese stays fresh, it's important to wrap it properly. Moisture will cause spoilage, so Parmesan cheese needs to breathe to prevent condensation. You can wrap a block of Parmesan in parchment paper, cheesecloth, cheese paper, or wax paper. It's also important to cover the cheese block in plastic wrap or aluminium foil to prevent it from absorbing other odours in the refrigerator.

Once the Parmesan cheese is opened, its shelf life decreases. An opened block of Parmesan will last in the fridge for one to two months. Grated Parmesan has a shorter shelf life, lasting about a week in the refrigerator. To extend the shelf life of grated Parmesan, it can be stored in an airtight container or freezer bag and frozen. Frozen Parmesan cheese can last for three to six months, or even longer if constantly frozen at 0°F.

It's important to note that the shelf life of Parmesan cheese may vary depending on storage conditions and the specific type of Parmesan. Properly storing Parmesan cheese involves keeping it at a temperature of 4°C to 8°C, ensuring it is well-sealed, and checking for any signs of spoilage, such as mould growth, off odours, or changes in texture.

An opened block of Parmesan will last one to two months in the fridge

Parmesan cheese is a hard cheese with a long shelf life, especially when stored properly. An opened block of Parmesan will last one to two months in the fridge. To achieve this, the cheese must be stored correctly. It should be wrapped in parchment paper, cheesecloth, wax paper, or plastic wrap to prevent condensation, and then covered in aluminium foil or plastic wrap to prevent it from absorbing odours from the fridge. It should be stored in an airtight container or resealable bag, in the refrigerator, at a temperature of 4°C or below.

The shelf life of an opened block of Parmesan depends on how well it is sealed and stored. If the cheese has been grated or shredded, its shelf life may be shorter. To maximise shelf life, it is important to prevent the cheese from drying out and to keep it away from other foods to avoid it absorbing other odours.

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

While Parmesan has a long shelf life, it is important to use your judgement and consider the specific storage conditions. 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 will last about a week in the fridge

The shelf life of Parmesan cheese largely depends on how well it is sealed and stored. If you're using an airtight container, make sure it has a tight lid. If you're using a bag, try to get as much air out as possible before sealing it.

It's also important to keep the cheese at the right temperature. Parmesan cheese should be stored in the refrigerator at temperatures below 40°F (4°C). At this temperature, an unopened package of Parmesan can last for several months beyond its expiration date.

In addition to proper storage, it's crucial to pay attention to any signs of spoilage. This can include mould growth, off odours, or changes in texture. If you notice mould on the surface of hard cheeses like Parmesan, it's generally safe to cut off the affected portion, as long as the knife doesn't touch the mould. However, if there are any noticeable changes in colour, texture, or smell, it's best to inspect the cheese closely and use your judgment to determine if it's still suitable for consumption.

Parmesan can be frozen to extend its shelf life

Parmesan is a hard cheese with a lengthy aging process of a minimum of two years and often more than four. It has a relatively long shelf life, especially when stored properly. An unopened block of Parmesan can last seven to nine months in the refrigerator, and an opened block will last one to two months. A container of grated Parmesan will last about one week in the refrigerator.

However, you can extend its shelf life by freezing it. Parmesan can be frozen for up to 18 months, and it is one of the few cheeses that can cope with the freezing process. It has a low moisture content, which makes it ideal for freezing. It does not tend to clump together, and it is not very susceptible to freezer burn.

• Cut the cheese into portion-sized blocks.
• Decide whether to grate the Parmesan or freeze it as a block. If you grate it, use the finest grater you can find to help the cheese withstand the freezing process.
• Place the Parmesan into an airtight container. It doesn't matter whether you have chosen to grate the cheese or leave it as a block.
• Seal the container and add another freezer bag around it to protect the cheese from other odours and protect other food from the odour of the cheese.
• Label the freezer bag with the contents and date, then place it in the freezer.

When using frozen Parmesan, it is best to cook or melt the cheese, as it will have a different texture and will be more crumbly than fresh Parmesan. It can be used directly from the freezer, without the need to thaw ahead of time.

Signs of spoilage include mould, off odours, or changes in texture

Parmesan cheese is a hard cheese with a long shelf life, but it can still go bad. It is important to check for signs of spoilage before consuming it.

Off odours or a sour smell can indicate that the Parmesan cheese has gone bad. Spoiled cheese may have an unpleasant or rancid odour. If the cheese smells odd, it is best to discard it.

Changes in texture, such as excessive dryness or the development of an oily film, can also indicate that Parmesan cheese has gone bad. Hard cheeses like Parmesan can start to crack when they spoil due to changes in moisture content and bacterial growth.

It is important to note that grated Parmesan cheese has a shorter shelf life than a block of Parmesan due to increased surface area exposure. Proper storage, such as airtight containers and refrigeration, can help prolong the shelf life of Parmesan cheese.

Frequently asked questions