Parmesan Cheese: How Long Does It Last In The Fridge?

Parmesan cheese is a hard cheese with a long shelf life, especially when stored correctly. When unopened, it can last for several months in the fridge, and when opened, it can last for up to two months. To maximise its shelf life, it's important to wrap the cheese tightly to prevent moisture from causing spoilage. This can be done by using parchment paper, cheesecloth, or wax paper, followed by plastic wrap or aluminium foil.

How to wrap Parmesan cheese for the fridge

To wrap Parmesan cheese for the fridge, you'll need to take a few simple steps to ensure it stays fresh and flavourful. Parmesan is a hard cheese with a long shelf life, but it still requires proper storage to maintain its quality. Here's how to wrap and store it:

Step 1: Choose the Right Wrapping Material

Select a wrapping material that allows the cheese to breathe and prevents condensation. The best options are parchment paper, cheesecloth, cheese paper, or wax paper. Avoid using plastic wrap directly on the cheese, as it can trap moisture and promote mould growth.

Step 2: Wrap the Cheese Tightly

Take your chosen wrapping material and wrap the Parmesan cheese wedge tightly. Ensure there are no exposed areas of cheese. This layer of wrapping helps protect the cheese from moisture and prevents air from reaching the surface, slowing down spoilage.

Step 3: Place in an Airtight Container

After wrapping the cheese, place it in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. This additional layer of protection further safeguards the cheese from air and moisture. It also helps prevent the cheese from drying out and protects it from absorbing other odours in the fridge.

Step 4: Refrigerate Promptly

Once the cheese is wrapped and stored in its container, place it in the refrigerator as soon as possible. The ideal storage location is the crisper drawer or a cool section of the fridge, such as the cheese drawer or the back of the fridge. Keep the temperature consistent, ideally between 35°F and 40°F.

Step 5: Handle with Care

When handling the cheese, use a clean knife or utensil to prevent introducing bacteria. Wash your hands and ensure any utensils and storage containers are clean and dry before use.

By following these steps, you can effectively wrap and store Parmesan cheese in the fridge, maximising its shelf life and enjoying it at its freshest and most flavourful.

How long does unopened Parmesan cheese last in the fridge?

Parmesan cheese is a hard cheese with a relatively long shelf life, especially when stored properly. An unopened block of Parmesan cheese can last for several months beyond its expiration date when stored correctly.

To ensure maximum shelf life, it is important to wrap the cheese to prevent moisture from causing spoilage. You can wrap a block of Parmesan 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 drying out or absorbing fridge odours. Place it in the refrigerator, ideally in a crisper drawer, and ensure it is well-sealed.

Stored this way, an unopened block of Parmesan cheese can last for seven to nine months in the refrigerator. It can even be stored at room temperature for short periods without suffering any damage, but refrigeration is recommended to maintain its aromatic characteristics and ensure optimal preservation.

Once the Parmesan cheese is opened, its shelf life decreases, and it will generally last for one to two months in the refrigerator. If you notice mould on the surface, it is typically safe to cut off the affected portion and continue using the rest of the cheese.

How long does opened Parmesan cheese last in the fridge?

Parmesan cheese is a hard cheese with a long shelf life. Its shelf life depends on factors such as how well it is sealed, stored, and the maturation of the cheese.

To maximise the shelf life of a chunk of Parmesan cheese after opening, wrap the original packaging tightly in plastic wrap or aluminium foil. For even better results, wrap the cheese first in wax or parchment paper and then cover with plastic wrap before refrigerating.

A block of opened Parmesan cheese will last in the fridge for up to two months. However, it is recommended to consume it within four to six weeks. If you've grated or shredded the Parmesan, it may have a shorter shelf life of about one week.

To further extend the shelf life, keep the opened Parmesan in an airtight container or resealable bag in the refrigerator. Ensure the cheese is well-sealed to prevent it from drying out or absorbing odours from the refrigerator.

Parmigiano Reggiano with a maturation of 12-18 months and a higher moisture content can be kept for about 15 days. Parmigiano Reggiano with a maturation of 24 months or more can be kept for about a month.

Always check for signs of spoilage, such as mould growth, off odours, or changes in texture. If you notice mould on the surface of hard cheeses like Parmesan, cut off the affected portion, and the rest of the cheese should still be usable.

How to store Parmesan cheese in the freezer

Parmesan cheese is a hard cheese with a long shelf life, especially when stored properly. To store Parmesan cheese in the freezer, follow these steps:

Wrap the Parmesan Cheese

Firstly, moisture will cause spoilage, so Parmesan cheese needs to breathe to prevent condensation. You can wrap a wedge of Parmesan cheese in parchment paper, cheesecloth, cheese paper, or wax paper. If you are storing grated Parmesan, place it in an airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag.

Place in the Freezer

You can then place the wrapped cheese in an airtight container or freezer bag in your freezer. It is important to note that shredded Parmesan cheese can last for three to six months in the freezer, while a wedge of Parmesan cheese will stay fresh for over a year.

Defrosting

When you are ready to use the frozen Parmesan cheese, remove it from the freezer and place it on a countertop for about ten minutes to defrost. You can use shredded frozen cheese straight from the freezer—just give it a shake to break up any clumping before use.

Additional Tips

• Parmesan cheese should be stored in the refrigerator at temperatures below 40°F (4°C).
• Ensure the cheese is well-sealed to prevent it from drying out or absorbing odours from the refrigerator.
• If you notice mould on the surface of hard cheeses like Parmesan, it is generally safe to cut off the affected portion, and the rest of the cheese should still be usable.

How to identify spoiled Parmesan cheese

Parmesan cheese is a hard, aged cheese with a long shelf life. Its aging process results in a very low moisture content, which is crucial for its longevity. The salt content in Parmesan also acts as a preservative, inhibiting the growth of spoilage-causing microorganisms. However, even Parmesan can spoil, so it's important to know how to identify when it has gone bad.

Firstly, check for any visible mould growth on the cheese. If there is mould, it is generally safe to cut off the affected portion, plus at least 1 inch around and below the mouldy area, and the rest of the cheese should be usable. However, if there is mould in a package of shredded, sliced, or crumbled Parmesan, the entire package should be discarded.

Secondly, pay attention to any off-putting odours. Spoiled Parmesan may develop a sour or rancid smell. If the cheese has developed an unpleasant smell, it is best to discard it.

Thirdly, look out for changes in texture. Spoiled Parmesan may become excessively dry or develop an oily film. It may also become very hard. These changes in texture indicate that the cheese has gone bad and should not be consumed.

Finally, if the cheese has turned yellow or started to darken in colour, it may be spoiled.

To prevent spoilage, it is important to store Parmesan cheese properly. Keep it wrapped in parchment paper, cheesecloth, cheese paper, or wax paper, and then cover it with plastic wrap or aluminium foil to prevent it from drying out or absorbing odours from the refrigerator. Place it in the refrigerator, preferably in a crisper drawer, and ensure it is well-sealed. A block of unopened Parmesan cheese can last up to nine months in the refrigerator, while an opened block can last up to two months. Grated Parmesan has a shorter shelf life and will last about one week in the refrigerator.

Frequently asked questions