Provel Cheese: How Long Does It Stay Fresh?

Provolone cheese is a semi-hard Italian cheese with a mildly nutty and tangy flavor. It is a versatile ingredient that can be used in grilled sandwiches, pasta dishes, and pizzas. While it has a fairly good shelf life, the length of time that provolone cheese will stay fresh depends on multiple factors, including the form of the cheese, whether it has been opened, and the storage conditions.

Provel cheese storage methods

Provel cheese is a type of Provolone cheese, which is a semi-hard cow's milk cheese originating in Italy. It has a slightly tangy and nutty flavor with hints of fruit or nuts. Provolone cheese is commercially available in tightly sealed plastic wrappings.

Refrigeration

Provel cheese should be stored in the refrigerator at all times to maintain its freshness and quality. The optimum temperature for storing cheese is between 36 and 38 degrees Fahrenheit (3-4 degrees Celsius). It is recommended to place the cheese on the top shelves of the refrigerator to prevent strong odors from other foods like meat from affecting its delicate flavor.

When storing Provel cheese in the refrigerator, keep it in its original packaging or a tightly closed container. Wrap the cheese well with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, ensuring that you squeeze out any air to prevent moisture and maintain safe storage.

An unopened package of Provel cheese can last for about two months in the refrigerator, while an opened package will only stay fresh for about three weeks.

Freezing

Freezing is an effective method for long-term storage of Provel cheese. Cut the cheese into smaller portions and wrap them tightly in plastic freezer wrap or aluminum foil. Place the wrapped cheese in a heavy-duty freezer bag and ensure that you remove as much air as possible before sealing. Label the bag with the date and quantity for your reference.

Frozen Provel cheese can maintain its freshness and best quality for about six to eight months. It is important to note that the cheese may become crumbly and lose some of its flavor after being frozen. Therefore, it is recommended to use the cheese in cooked dishes, such as sauces, soups, or casseroles.

Room Temperature Storage

If you plan to use Provel cheese within two hours, you can store it at room temperature. However, this method is not recommended on sunny days or in high-temperature environments as it can lead to early spoilage and the growth of molds.

Additionally, it is important to note that Provel cheese should not be left out at room temperature for more than two hours, as bacteria will grow rapidly above 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4 degrees Celsius). If left out for an extended period, the cheese may still be safe to consume as long as it is not covered in mold, but it should be stored in a separate, fresh container or wrap.

How long Provel cheese lasts in the fridge

Provel cheese is a type of Provolone cheese, which is a semi-hard Italian cheese with a mild and nutty flavor. It is important to store Provel cheese properly to ensure that it lasts as long as possible in the fridge.

Firstly, Provel cheese should be stored in a refrigerator at a temperature of 36-38°F (2-3°C). It is best stored on the top shelves of the fridge, so it doesn't come into contact with other strongly-odored foods such as meat. It should be kept in an airtight container, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, with any air squeezed out. It can also be wrapped in foil or wax paper and then placed in a sealed plastic bag.

Provel cheese will last for 2-3 weeks in the refrigerator once the package has been opened. An unopened package of Provel cheese will last for about 2 months in the fridge.

To extend the shelf life of Provel cheese, it can be stored in the freezer. When frozen, it will maintain its best quality for around 6-8 months, although it can be consumed safely beyond this time frame. Frozen Provel cheese should be thawed in the refrigerator and will keep for an additional 3-4 days once defrosted.

How to identify spoilt Provel cheese

Provel cheese is a type of Provolone cheese, which is one of the oldest cheeses in Italy, dating back to the 13th century. It has a mild and nutty flavor and is often used in pizzas, pasta, and sauces.

Colour

A change in colour is a common indicator of spoilage. If the colour of your Provel cheese has darkened or developed any off-colour spots, it is likely that the cheese has gone bad.

Texture

Provel cheese has a semi-solid, buttery texture that is soft and smooth with some elasticity. If you notice your cheese becoming slimy or developing a hard texture, it is an indication that it has spoiled.

Smell

Trust your nose! A strong, pungent odour or a sour smell is a sure sign that your Provel cheese has gone bad. Fresh Provel cheese should have a mild and nutty fragrance.

Taste

If you have tasted the cheese and it has a sour or unpleasant flavour, it has definitely gone bad. Fresh Provel cheese has a slightly tangy and nutty taste with hints of fruit or nuts.

Mould

The growth of mould and bacteria is an obvious sign of spoilage. Provel cheese that has been left unrefrigerated for too long can develop mould. However, note that not all moulds are harmful. Some types of mould, like Penicillium roqueforti and Penicillium camemberti, are commonly used in the cheese-making process and are safe to consume.

Expiry Date

Always check the expiry date on the package. Even if the cheese looks and smells fine, consuming it after the expiry date can lead to various health problems.

It is important to store your Provel cheese properly to ensure it lasts as long as possible. Keep it tightly wrapped in plastic or aluminium foil and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Freezing Provel cheese

Provel cheese can be frozen, but it is likely to become crumbly and less flavoursome. It is best to cut the cheese into smaller portions before freezing, and to wrap it tightly in heavy-duty aluminium foil, plastic freezer wrap, or a heavy-duty freezer bag. It is also important to ensure that the cheese is placed in the freezer before the number of days shown for refrigerator storage has elapsed.

Provel cheese will maintain its best quality for around six to eight months when frozen, but it can be consumed beyond this period. To defrost the cheese, it is best to thaw it in the refrigerator or under cold running water, and it can be defrosted in the microwave if it is to be used immediately. Once defrosted, the cheese should be used within three to four days.

Best uses for Provel cheese

Provel cheese is a processed cheese made from a blend of cheddar, Swiss, and provolone, along with preservatives, flavourings, and liquid smoke. It is a staple in St. Louis cuisine and is rarely used or sold outside of the city. It is known for its low melting point, gooey texture, and buttery flavour. Here are some of the best uses for Provel cheese:

St. Louis-Style Pizza

The most popular use of Provel cheese is as the traditional topping for St. Louis-style pizza. Its low melting point and gooey texture make it ideal for pizza, creating a luscious, salty-velvety coating across the top. Provel cheese was purportedly invented specifically for use on St. Louis-style pizza in the 1940s, and it has since become synonymous with this style of pizza.

Pasta Sauces and Cheese Soup

Provel cheese is also commonly used in pasta sauces and cheese soup. Its creamy, buttery flavour and gooey texture can enhance the taste and consistency of these dishes.

Salads

Provel cheese can be crumbled or shredded and added to salads. Its salty, tangy flavour can add a unique twist to a variety of salad combinations.

Sandwiches and Burgers

Provel cheese is a popular topping for sandwiches, such as the Gerber sandwich. It can also be added to burgers, melting beautifully and providing a rich, buttery flavour.

Other Dishes

Provel cheese is versatile and can be used in a variety of other dishes. It can be used in place of cheese curds in poutine, stuffed into avocado wraps, added to paninis and garlic bread, or even used in macaroni and cheese. Its creamy, buttery flavour and gooey texture make it a versatile ingredient that can elevate many dishes.

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