Extending Parmesan Cheese Life: Tips And Tricks

Parmesan cheese is a hard Italian cheese with a granular texture and nutty flavour. It is a popular ingredient in soups, pasta, pizza toppings, and salads. But how long does a packet of parmesan cheese last?

Unopened packets last 7-9 months

Unopened packets of Parmesan cheese last for approximately 7 to 9 months. This is because Parmesan is a hard cheese with a low moisture content and hard texture, which allows it to be long-lasting.

To maximise the shelf life of unopened grated Parmesan cheese, it should be kept in a cool, dry area. It is recommended to store it in a sealed container or bag, in the refrigerator, to maximise its shelf life. This will slow down the growth of mould. It is also important to keep it away from moisture and condensation, as this can breed mould.

The precise answer to how long unopened Parmesan cheese lasts depends on storage conditions. If stored in a cool, dry area, it can last for 7 to 9 months. However, if it is sold unrefrigerated and stored at room temperature, it will generally stay at the best quality for about 12 to 18 months.

It is important to note that the "best before" date on the packet is not a safety date, but rather the manufacturer's estimate of how long the cheese will remain at peak quality. Consuming Parmesan cheese past this date is generally safe, as long as there are no signs of spoilage such as mould, a sour smell, or a dry and crumbly texture.

Opened packets last 1-2 months

Once opened, a packet of parmesan cheese will last 1-2 months. This is the time frame in which the cheese will retain its best quality. However, it's important to note that this duration may vary depending on the type of parmesan cheese and its storage conditions.

To ensure the cheese lasts as long as possible, it should be stored in the refrigerator. The cold temperature helps to slow down the growth of mould. When storing an opened packet, it is recommended to transfer the cheese to an airtight container or a sealed bag, ensuring that it is tightly wrapped. This will help to prolong its freshness and prevent spoilage.

It is also crucial to check for any signs of spoilage before consuming the cheese. Mould, a dry and crumbly texture, an ammonia smell, and off flavours such as rancid, bitter, or sour tastes are all indications that the cheese has gone bad and should be discarded.

Additionally, the shelf life of parmesan cheese can be extended by freezing it. To freeze parmesan cheese blocks, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminium foil before placing them in freezer bags or airtight containers. Grated parmesan can also be frozen but may clump slightly upon thawing.

Refrigerated, unopened, shredded/grated parmesan

Once the packet is opened, the lifespan of the cheese is much shorter. Refrigerated, opened, shredded/grated parmesan should be consumed within 3 to 5 days for the best quality, and up to 7 days otherwise. To maximise its shelf life, it should be stored in a sealed container or bag and kept away from moisture and condensation to prevent mold.

Signs that grated parmesan has gone bad include a grayish or yellow discoloration, a sour or rancid smell, and a spongy or wet texture. If any of these signs are present, the whole package should be discarded.

Refrigerated, opened, shredded/grated parmesan

To maximise its shelf life, it's important to use clean utensils when scooping the cheese to prevent any microbial contamination. Additionally, always check the colour and smell of the cheese before consuming it. Good parmesan should be white or light beige in colour and have a nutty, salty aroma. If the cheese has turned yellow or dark beige, or has developed a sour or rancid smell, it has gone bad and should be discarded.

To further extend the shelf life of shredded/grated parmesan, it can be frozen. Portion the cheese into airtight freezer bags or containers, removing as much air as possible. It can then be frozen for up to 6 months. When ready to use, simply thaw it in the refrigerator.

Unrefrigerated, unopened, grated parmesan

The "best before" date on the packet is not a safety date, but the manufacturer's estimate of how long the cheese will remain at peak quality. It is safe to consume the product after this date if it has been stored properly.

If you are unsure about the quality of your cheese, the best way to tell is to smell and look at it. If the cheese has developed an off odour, flavour, or appearance, it should be discarded. If there is any sign of mould, the whole packet should be thrown away.

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