Randy Chandler
Parmesan cheese is a hard cheese made from cow's milk and is famous for its distinctive, slightly nutty flavour. It is used in pasta dishes, salads, casseroles, and soups. Since only a small amount of parmesan is needed in recipes, knowing how to store the remaining grated parmesan cheese is essential to prevent it from clumping and ruining its flavour. This article will provide tips on how to keep grated parmesan cheese fresh, maximising its shelf life and flavour.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Container Type | Airtight container |
| Container Material | Glass or plastic |
| Container Lid | Breathable lid |
| Container Placement | Refrigerator |
| Temperature | Below 5°C |
| Additives | Cornstarch, flour, or arrowroot powder |
| Storage Duration | 2 weeks |
| Freezing Option | Yes |
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What You'll Learn
Use an airtight container
Grated parmesan cheese has a tendency to clump together, which can ruin its flavour and make it difficult to separate. This clumping occurs due to the fats in the cheese clinging to each other, and is accelerated by the cheese absorbing moisture.
To prevent this, you should store your grated parmesan in an airtight container. This is the simplest and most effective way to ensure that moisture cannot reach the cheese. By dramatically reducing the likelihood of the cheese clumping, an airtight container will help to preserve the flavour of your parmesan.
However, some sources suggest that airtight containers can cause condensation to build up, creating a humid environment that can make your cheese go bad. To avoid this, place your airtight container in the refrigerator, keeping the temperature below 5°C. Cool temperatures make it harder for food to absorb moisture, so your parmesan will be less likely to clump together or grow bacteria.
If you are not planning to use your grated parmesan within two weeks, you can also freeze it in an airtight container. This will keep the cheese fresh and prevent clumping for up to six months.
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Store in the fridge
To keep grated parmesan cheese fresh, storing it in the fridge is essential. Leaving cheese at room temperature for too long can cause spoilage. The best way to store grated parmesan cheese in the refrigerator is to use an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. This will help to maintain its quality by shielding the cheese from moisture and odours.
When storing grated parmesan cheese in the fridge, ensure that it is kept in the coldest part of the refrigerator, usually at the back, away from the door. Keeping the cheese at a consistently cold temperature will ensure that it remains in its best condition for both taste and safety. The ideal temperature for storing parmesan cheese in the fridge is below 5°C or 40°F (4°C).
If you have a large quantity of grated parmesan cheese, it is advisable to divide it into smaller portions. This will limit its exposure to air each time you use it. Additionally, always use a clean utensil when taking out cheese from the container to avoid introducing bacteria.
While grated parmesan cheese stored in the fridge can last for several months, it is best used within two weeks of storage to prevent clumping and for optimal flavour.
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Prevent moisture
Grated Parmesan cheese is prone to clumping due to the fats in the cheese clinging to each other. This can ruin the flavour and texture of the cheese. To prevent this, it is critical to prevent moisture from reaching the cheese.
Firstly, storing grated Parmesan cheese in an airtight container is the simplest way to prevent moisture from reaching the cheese. This dramatically reduces the likelihood of the cheese clumping and the flavour changing. However, some sources suggest that airtight containers can cause condensation, which can make the cheese go bad. To avoid this, you can leave the lid of the container slightly open or use a box that lets air through.
Cool temperatures make it much harder for any food to absorb moisture, including grated Parmesan. Therefore, it is important to store your airtight container of grated Parmesan in the refrigerator, ideally below 5°C. Kraft recommends storing grated Parmesan in the refrigerator at 40°F.
You can also add ingredients to your grated Parmesan that will absorb moisture without affecting the flavour or quality of the cheese. Cornstarch, flour, or arrowroot powder can be added to prevent the cheese from absorbing moisture.
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Avoid clumping
Grated parmesan cheese contains a variety of fats that tend to cling to each other, causing the cheese to clump and potentially ruining its flavour. To avoid this, it is critical to deprive the cheese of moisture.
One way to do this is to use an airtight container. This prevents moisture from reaching the cheese and dramatically reduces the likelihood of clumping and flavour changes. Cool temperatures also make it harder for food to absorb moisture, so it is recommended to store your airtight container in the refrigerator, ideally at a temperature below 5°C.
Another way to prevent clumping is to add a small amount of cornstarch, flour, or arrowroot powder to your grated parmesan. These ingredients absorb moisture without affecting the flavour or quality of the cheese.
If you are not planning to use the grated parmesan within two weeks, you can also prevent clumping by freezing it in an airtight container. This will keep the cheese fresh and clump-free for up to six months.
Some people suggest leaving the container slightly open or using a box that allows air through to prevent condensed water from forming and drying out the cheese too quickly. Wrapping the cheese in paper towels or cheese paper before placing it in a box or unsealed bag can also help to prevent moisture buildup and mould issues.
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Freeze for later
If you're not sure you can use the grated parmesan within two weeks, freezing it is a great option. Freezing grated parmesan can keep it fresh and prevent clumping for up to six months.
To freeze grated parmesan, start by placing the cheese in an airtight container. This will ensure that moisture cannot get to the cheese, reducing the likelihood of clumping and flavour changes. Then, simply put the airtight container in the freezer.
It is worth noting that freezing grated parmesan may result in some loss of flavour and texture. Therefore, it is recommended to use thawed frozen parmesan for baking or melting rather than sprinkling it on dishes where its flavour and texture are more prominent.
Additionally, if you plan to freeze grated parmesan, consider adding a small amount of cornstarch, flour, or arrowroot powder to the cheese before freezing. These ingredients will absorb moisture, further preventing clumping without affecting the flavour or quality of the parmesan.
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Frequently asked questions
To store grated parmesan cheese, use a sealed airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. This will prevent the cheese from clumping and bacteria from growing.
Grated parmesan cheese is best used within two weeks of storing it. However, it can be frozen in an airtight container and will stay fresh for up to six months.
Grated parmesan cheese tends to clump due to the fats in the cheese clinging to each other. To prevent clumping, you can add a small amount of cornstarch, flour, or arrowroot powder to absorb moisture without affecting the flavour. Alternatively, you can wrap the cheese in a clean, damp kitchen towel, then in foil, and change the towel each time you use the cheese.
