The Longevity Of Parmesan Reggiano Cheese Explained

Parmesan Reggiano is a hard cheese with a lengthy aging process of a minimum of two years and occasionally more than four. Its low water content means it can be stored for long periods, depending on the packaging and environment. So, how long does it last?

Vacuum-packed Parmesan can be stored in the fridge

Parmesan Reggiano is a hard cheese with a low water content, which means it can be stored for long periods. Vacuum-packed Parmesan Reggiano can be stored in the fridge, and will last for several months if the package is sealed and intact. The ideal temperature range for storing this cheese is between 4 and 8°C. It is important to ensure that the cheese is not exposed to air, as this can cause it to become mouldy.

When storing vacuum-packed Parmesan Reggiano, it is advisable to keep the cheese in the refrigerator to preserve its aromatic characteristics and ensure optimal preservation. The fatty part of the cheese can absorb other smells from the refrigerator, so it is recommended to store it in glass or plastic containers. Another option is to wrap the cheese in food-grade plastic film to protect it from outside odours and maintain the correct humidity level.

If you are storing freshly cut or unpackaged Parmesan Reggiano, it is important to keep it in a sealed container or wrapped in a slightly damp cotton cloth in the refrigerator. This will help to maintain the correct humidity level and prevent the cheese from absorbing other odours.

While it is possible to freeze Parmesan Reggiano, it is not recommended as it can alter the structure and organoleptic characteristics of the cheese, including colour, flavour, and texture.

Refrigerate at 4-8°C

Parmesan Reggiano is a cheese with a low water content, which means it can be stored for long periods, sometimes even years. However, this depends on the packaging and the environment.

If you are storing vacuum-packed Parmesan Reggiano, it should be kept in the refrigerator at a temperature between 4°C and 8°C. Make sure the package is intact and well-sealed to prevent mould from forming. Parmesan stored in this way can last for several months, or even years.

If your Parmesan is no longer vacuum-packed, it is recommended to store it in a glass or plastic container or wrap it in a slightly damp cotton cloth. Always store it in the refrigerator. This will prevent the cheese from drying out, absorbing odours, or becoming mouldy.

A block of opened Parmesan cheese will last in the fridge for up to two months. A whole, unopened block can be stored for seven to nine months. If you have grated or shredded your Parmesan, it may have a shorter shelf life and should be stored in an airtight container or resealable bag in the refrigerator.

To maximise the shelf life of your Parmesan Reggiano, always ensure it is well-sealed and stored in the correct environmental conditions.

Store in glass or plastic containers

Parmesan Reggiano is a hard cheese with a low water content, which means it can be stored for long periods. However, to ensure the cheese stays fresh, it's important to store it properly.

When storing Parmesan Reggiano, it's best to use glass or plastic containers. These containers will help to maintain the optimal humidity level of the cheese and prevent it from absorbing other odours from the refrigerator. Keeping the cheese in a container will also ensure that it doesn't dry out.

If you choose to use a plastic container, make sure it is food-grade plastic. You can also wrap the cheese in a slightly damp cotton cloth before placing it in the container. This will help to maintain the necessary humidity levels.

It's important to note that Parmesan Reggiano should be stored in the refrigerator, ideally at a temperature between 4 and 8°C. This will ensure that the cheese stays fresh and lasts for a long time.

When storing Parmesan Reggiano in glass or plastic containers, make sure the containers are clean and dry before placing the cheese inside. It's also important to regularly check the cheese for any signs of mould. If mould develops, it can be carefully removed with the tip of a knife, ensuring that the knife doesn't touch the mould itself.

By following these storage guidelines, you can keep your Parmesan Reggiano cheese fresh and delicious for an extended period.

Wrapping in food-grade plastic film

To maximise the shelf life of a chunk of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, it is recommended to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminium foil. For even better results, wrap the cheese first in wax or parchment paper and then cover it with plastic wrap before refrigerating.

When storing Parmigiano-Reggiano, it is important to keep it in a sealed container, as exposure to air can cause the cheese to dry out and mould to form. To prevent this, you can use glass or plastic containers, or wrap the cheese in food-grade plastic film. This will allow you to store the cheese for a limited period, while periodically checking its preservation conditions.

It is important to note that Parmigiano-Reggiano should never be frozen, as freezing can alter the structure of the cheese paste and cause it to lose its characteristic crumbliness. However, you can freeze grated Parmigiano-Reggiano.

By following these storage guidelines and using food-grade plastic film, you can ensure that your Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese stays fresh and flavourful for an extended period of time.

Freeze Parmesan for 10-12 months

Parmesan Reggiano is a specific type of parmesan cheese that can be frozen for up to 18 months. However, it is not recommended to freeze this type of cheese as it will lose its crumbliness and become difficult to grate. If you do choose to freeze Parmesan Reggiano, cut it into portion-sized blocks and grate it using the finest grater you can find. Place the grated cheese on a cookie sheet lined with aluminium foil, parchment paper, or a silicone mat, and put it in the freezer for a couple of hours until it freezes. Then, transfer the frozen cheese into an airtight container or freezer bag and store it in the freezer for up to 10-12 months.

When it comes to thawing frozen parmesan, it is important to do it slowly and carefully. Take the parmesan out of the freezer and place it in the fridge to defrost slowly for several hours or up to a day, depending on the size of the block. It is also recommended to plan ahead and remove the cheese from the freezer 24 hours before you need to use it. Additionally, frozen parmesan should not be used raw or as a salad topping, as the texture will be affected by the freezing process. Instead, use it in cooked dishes where the textural changes can be hidden, such as melted over a pasta bake.

Frequently asked questions