Extending The Lifespan Of Your Block Of Reggiano Cheese

Parmigiano-Reggiano, the true parmesan cheese, is made only in certain parts of Italy. It is a hard cheese that generally lasts longer than softer cheeses. If you're wondering how long an unopened block of this cheese will last, the answer depends on storage conditions. If stored in the fridge, an unopened block will last up to 9 months, and once opened, it will last 4-8 weeks. However, if you want your block of Parmigiano-Reggiano to last even longer, you can freeze it, and it will maintain its best quality for about 10 to 12 months.

Refrigerate Reggiano cheese at all times to maximise shelf life

Parmigiano Reggiano cheese is a hard cheese that generally lasts longer than softer cheeses. To maximise its shelf life, it should be refrigerated at all times. When storing Reggiano cheese in the refrigerator, it is important to maintain a temperature of between 4 and 8°C. The cheese should be kept in an airtight container, such as a glass or plastic container, or wrapped in food-grade plastic film or aluminium foil. This will prevent the cheese from absorbing other smells from the refrigerator.

If the Reggiano cheese is still vacuum-packed, it can be stored in the refrigerator for several months. Once the pack is opened, or if you have bought a freshly cut piece of cheese, the duration of storage depends on the maturation of the cheese. Reggiano cheese with a maturation of 12-18 months and a higher moisture content can be kept for about 15 days. If the cheese has matured for 24 months or more, it can be kept for about a month.

If you have bought a chunk of Reggiano cheese, it is important to note that it should always be kept in the refrigerator. When stored properly, it will last for up to 9 months if unopened, and 4-8 weeks once opened. To maximise its shelf life, wrap the cheese tightly in plastic wrap or aluminium foil. For even better results, first wrap the cheese in wax or parchment paper, and then cover it with plastic wrap before refrigerating.

You can also freeze Reggiano cheese to further extend its shelf life. Cut the cheese into portions no larger than half a pound each, and wrap them tightly in heavy-duty aluminium foil or plastic freezer wrap, or place them inside a heavy-duty freezer bag. When stored properly, Reggiano cheese will maintain its best quality for about 10 to 12 months in the freezer, but it will remain safe beyond this time.

Wrap Reggiano cheese in wax paper, then plastic wrap, then foil

Wrapping Reggiano cheese in wax paper, then plastic wrap, and then foil is a great way to store this hard cheese and extend its shelf life.

Firstly, it's important to note that the shelf life of Reggiano cheese depends on its storage conditions. The cheese should be kept in the refrigerator at a temperature ranging from 4 to 8°C. It should be stored in an airtight container, like a plastic bag with the air squeezed out, or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminium foil.

When wrapping Reggiano cheese, it's best to start with wax paper or parchment paper. This allows the cheese to breathe and prevents additional moisture. Then, wrap the cheese loosely in plastic wrap or place it in a plastic bag. Finally, cover the cheese with aluminium foil to protect it from air exposure. This method will help to maintain the cheese's texture and flavour and prevent mould.

If you are storing freshly cut or unpackaged Reggiano cheese, it is recommended to keep it in a glass or plastic container. Additionally, you can place the wrapped cheese in a plastic box in the refrigerator to stabilise the temperature and further extend its shelf life.

By following these wrapping and storage methods, you can maximise the shelf life of Reggiano cheese and enjoy it for a longer period of time.

Store Reggiano cheese in glass or plastic containers

Parmigiano Reggiano cheese is best stored in glass or plastic containers in the refrigerator. This will help to maintain its organoleptic features, keeping it fresh. The refrigerator temperature should be maintained between 4 to 8°C.

When storing Reggiano cheese, it is important to keep it away from other foods. This is because the fatty part of the cheese can absorb other smells from the refrigerator. To prevent this, you can wrap the cheese in food-grade plastic film or place it in an airtight container.

If you are storing a small piece of Reggiano cheese, you can place it in a Ziploc bag, ensuring you remove excess air before sealing. This will help to extend its shelf life.

For optimal preservation, it is recommended to store Reggiano cheese in a glass or plastic container at the correct humidity level and away from other foods.

Additionally, if you are storing Reggiano cheese for a longer period, it is advisable to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminium foil before placing it in the refrigerator. This will ensure the cheese remains safe to consume for up to a year, even if the "sell-by" or "best by" date on the package expires.

Reggiano cheese can be frozen, but may become crumbly

Parmigiano Reggiano cheese can be frozen to extend its shelf life. However, it is not recommended, as freezing can negatively affect the texture and flavour of the cheese. Frozen Parmigiano Reggiano may become crumbly and dry, with a mealy texture, and it will lose some of its flavour.

To freeze Parmigiano Reggiano, cut the cheese into portions no larger than half a pound each. Wrap the portions tightly in heavy-duty aluminium foil or plastic freezer wrap, or place them inside a heavy-duty freezer bag. Ensure the cheese is well-protected from air exposure to prevent spoilage.

When properly stored, Parmigiano Reggiano will maintain its best quality for about 10 to 12 months in the freezer, but it will remain safe to consume beyond that time. Frozen Parmigiano Reggiano should be thawed in the refrigerator and can be kept for an additional 3 to 4 days before use. However, if the cheese is thawed in the microwave or cold water, it should be used immediately.

Due to the potential negative effects on texture and flavour, frozen Parmigiano Reggiano is best suited for cooked dishes, such as sauces, soups, and casseroles, where the cheese will be melted and blended with other ingredients. It is important to note that freezing is not a substitute for proper storage practices. To maintain the quality and characteristics of Parmigiano Reggiano, it is advisable to store the cheese in the refrigerator, ensuring optimal humidity levels and keeping it away from other foods to prevent the absorption of odours.

Signs of spoilage include a hard texture, dark colour, strong smell and mould

Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese that is going bad will exhibit several signs of spoilage. These signs include a change in texture, colour, smell and the presence of mould.

Firstly, a hard texture is an indication that your Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese has gone bad. This is in contrast to its usual texture, which, as a hard cheese, is firm yet yielding. If stored for too long, the cheese will become very hard, almost stone-like in texture.

Secondly, discolouration is another sign that your Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese has spoiled. Fresh Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese has a light, straw-like colour. Over time, the cheese will darken, becoming a deeper yellow or brown.

Thirdly, a strong smell is indicative of spoilage. When first opened, Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese has a nutty, savoury aroma. As the cheese ages, this smell will become more pronounced and sharp, eventually turning sour or mouldy-smelling.

Lastly, mould may appear on the surface of the cheese. Mould on Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese will often be green and can be cut or scraped away. However, if the mould has been left to grow, it is best to discard the entire block of cheese.

To prevent spoilage, it is important to properly store your Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. This involves keeping the cheese refrigerated at all times and ensuring it is sealed tightly, not exposed to air. Additionally, wrapping the cheese in wax or parchment paper before covering it with plastic wrap will help to extend its shelf life.

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