Kamil Perry
Parmesan cheese is a hard Italian cheese made from cow's milk. It is a popular addition to pasta dishes, soups, and salads, as it enhances the flavor. Due to its low moisture content, Parmesan cheese has a long shelf life. However, if you're looking to extend its shelf life even further, freezing is an option. Freezing Parmesan cheese can keep it fresh for up to six months, preserving its flavor and texture. In this article, we will explore the dos and don'ts of freezing Parmesan cheese to ensure optimal taste and quality.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Shelf life in the freezer | 6 months to over a year |
| Shelf life in the refrigerator | 1 week to 9 months |
| Packaging | Airtight container, wrapped in paper or food-grade plastic film |
| Defrosting | Leave on the countertop for 10 minutes at room temperature |
| Clumping | Add cornstarch, flour, or arrowroot powder to absorb moisture |
| Freezing rinds | Can be frozen and added to soups and stews |
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What You'll Learn
Freezing shredded parmesan cheese
Parmesan cheese is a hard cheese with a slightly nutty flavour that enhances the taste of pasta dishes, salads, and soups. It is made from cow's milk and contains a variety of fats that tend to cling to each other, causing grated Parmesan cheese to clump together and spoil faster.
To prevent this, you can freeze shredded Parmesan cheese. First, tightly seal the original packaging and place it in the freezer. If freezing for longer than two months, place the package inside a heavy-duty freezer bag to prevent freezer burn. Properly stored, shredded Parmesan cheese will maintain its best quality for about eight months but will remain safe beyond that time. Frozen Parmesan cheese may lose some of its texture and flavour, so it is best suited for cooked dishes such as sauces, soups, and casseroles.
When ready to use, remove the cheese from the freezer and let it defrost for a few hours. Give it a shake to break up any clumping before using. You can also add a little cornstarch, flour, or arrowroot powder to your grated Parmesan cheese to absorb moisture and prevent clumping.
It is important to note that shredded Parmesan cheese should be consumed or frozen within five to seven days of opening the package to ensure freshness and prevent bacteria growth.
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How long frozen parmesan lasts
Parmesan cheese is a hard cheese with a long shelf life, especially if stored properly.
If you're freezing shredded Parmesan cheese, it can last for three to six months. A wedge of Parmesan cheese will stay in the freezer for over a year. You can use shredded frozen cheese straight from the freezer—just give it a shake to break up any clumps before use. To use a wedge of frozen Parmesan, leave it on the counter for about ten minutes to defrost.
If you're storing Parmesan in the fridge, an unopened block of Parmesan cheese can last seven to nine months. Once opened, a block of Parmesan will last one to two months in the refrigerator. If you've grated the cheese, it will only last about one week in the fridge. To extend the shelf life of grated Parmesan, store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
You can also add a little cornstarch, flour, or arrowroot powder to your grated Parmesan to absorb moisture and prevent clumping. This method will allow the cheese to stay fresh for about two weeks in the fridge.
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Preventing clumping
Parmesan cheese contains a variety of fats that tend to cling to each other, causing grated parmesan to clump together. This can ruin the flavour and make it difficult to separate and use. To prevent clumping, it is critical to deprive grated parmesan of moisture.
One method to prevent clumping is to add a small amount of cornstarch, flour, or arrowroot powder to your grated parmesan. These ingredients absorb moisture, preventing the cheese from doing so and clumping together.
Another method to prevent clumping is to flash freeze your parmesan. To do this, spread your grated parmesan on a baking tray and place it in the freezer for 20 to 30 minutes until frozen solid. Then, transfer the parmesan to a heavy-duty freezer bag. By freezing the parmesan in a thin layer first, you prevent it from clumping into one large lump.
Additionally, when storing your parmesan, it is important to use airtight containers or freezer bags. This will not only prevent your parmesan from absorbing moisture and clumping together but will also protect it from odours and protect other food from the odour of cheese.
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Freezing parmesan rinds
Parmesan cheese is a hard cheese made from cow's milk with a slightly nutty flavour. It is a popular addition to pasta dishes, salads, and soups. Parmesan cheese has a long shelf life, and freezing it can further extend its durability.
To freeze parmesan rinds, place them in an airtight container and store them in the freezer. The cheese will stay fresh and can be used to enhance the taste of your meals whenever needed. When you're ready to use the frozen parmesan rinds, simply take them out of the freezer and let them defrost for a few hours before use.
Additionally, you can create a delicious parmesan broth by simmering the parmesan rinds with vegetables and herbs. This broth can be frozen and later added to soups, sauces, and pasta dishes, infusing them with a unique flavour. The process of making parmesan broth involves frying onions, celery, carrots, and garlic in a stockpot, then adding the parmesan rinds, water, and other desired ingredients. After simmering for a couple of hours, the broth is strained and can be served immediately or stored in the freezer for later use.
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How to defrost frozen parmesan
When it comes to defrosting frozen Parmesan cheese, there are a few recommended methods to ensure the cheese retains its flavour and texture. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to properly defrost frozen Parmesan:
Firstly, remove the Parmesan cheese from its freezer packaging. Then, decide on the quantity of cheese you wish to defrost. If you have frozen your Parmesan in smaller portions or blocks, this step will be easier. For larger quantities, you may need to cut the cheese into smaller pieces before beginning the defrosting process. Wrap the desired amount of frozen Parmesan in wax paper, parchment paper, or aluminium foil. This will help the cheese to retain its moisture and protect it from bacteria.
There are two main methods for defrosting Parmesan cheese: gradually at room temperature or more quickly in warm water. For the gradual method, place the wrapped cheese in a bowl and leave it at room temperature. This process can take several hours, depending on the amount of cheese, but it ensures the cheese thaws evenly and slowly, preserving its texture. The cheese is ready when it has returned to its original soft and crumbly state and can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days.
For a quicker method, you can use warm water. Take a bowl and fill it with warm (not hot) water. Place the wrapped cheese in a sealed plastic bag, ensuring it is tightly closed, and submerge it in the warm water bath. Change the water periodically to maintain a relatively warm temperature. This method is faster than leaving it at room temperature, but it requires more attention to ensure the water stays warm and the bag is fully submerged.
Once the cheese has defrosted, it is important to use it promptly, as the freezing and defrosting process will have affected its shelf life. Grate or shred the cheese as desired and sprinkle it on your favourite dishes. It is best not to refreeze Parmesan cheese, as this will further impact its texture and flavour.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can freeze Parmesan cheese.
Parmesan cheese can be stored in the freezer for over a year.
Parmesan cheese should be stored in an airtight container in the freezer.
Frozen Parmesan cheese can be defrosted by placing it on a countertop for ten minutes at room temperature.
Yes, you can freeze grated Parmesan cheese. It will stay fresh and won't clump for up to six months.
