Ways To Extend Parmesan Cheese Lifespan

Parmesan cheese is a hard cheese with a nutty flavour, made from cow's milk. It is a popular ingredient in pasta, salads, and soups. To keep parmesan cheese fresh for longer, it is best to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, at a temperature below 5°C (40°F). It is also recommended to wrap the cheese in wax paper or aluminium foil to preserve its humidity and prevent it from drying out or absorbing other odours. While parmesan cheese can be frozen, this may affect its texture and flavour.

Use wax paper or parchment paper

Parchment paper is a lighter paper coated on one side with silicone, often used in baking. It is a good, and much cheaper, substitute for cheese paper.

Wrapping Parmesan in wax or parchment paper will help to preserve the cheese's humidity and prevent it from drying out. It is important to note that the cheese should be wrapped tightly after every use.

One source suggests that wax paper is preferable to parchment paper, as the latter is coated in food-grade silicone, not wax. However, another source states that the Italian consortium that makes Parmigiano-Reggiano recommends wrapping the cheese in plastic, which some cheese experts disagree with.

If you are using parchment paper, it is important to change the paper every now and then to avoid mould growing on the cheese. If mould does grow, simply remove the mouldy spot and you'll be fine.

Avoid plastic wrap

Parmesan cheese is a hard cheese with a rich, round flavour that can be stored for long periods of time. However, to keep it longer, it is best to avoid plastic wrap.

Plastic wrap can cause the cheese to sweat, creating an environment that promotes mould growth. Instead, it is recommended to use wax paper, which preserves the cheese's humidity and prevents it from drying out. Parchment paper can also be used in a pinch, although it is not ideal as it is coated in food-grade silicone and not wax.

Another option is to use cheese paper, a special type of thick paper coated on one side with a combination of wax and polyethylene. This paper resists sweating and condensation and allows the cheese to continue maturing. It is then folded around the cheese and sealed. If cheese paper is not available, aluminium foil can be used instead of plastic wrap.

Additionally, it is important to store Parmesan cheese properly. It should be kept in the refrigerator, at a temperature between 39 to 46 degrees F (4 to 8 degrees C). It is best to store it in the bottom of the refrigerator, away from other foods, to prevent it from absorbing their odours.

Store in the fridge

When storing Parmesan in the fridge, it's important to keep it away from other foods, as the fatty part of the cheese can absorb other smells. The ideal storage temperature is between 39 to 46 degrees Fahrenheit (4 to 8 degrees Celsius).

Wrapping the cheese is key to keeping it fresh. The Italian consortium that makes Parmigiano-Reggiano recommends wrapping it in plastic, but some experts say this makes the cheese 'sweat' too much. Instead, wrap the cheese in wax paper, which will preserve its humidity and prevent it from drying out. Then, cover it completely in a sheet of heavy-duty aluminium foil. This will protect the cheese while allowing it to 'breathe'. Make sure every nook and cranny is sealed with foil, and wrap the cheese tightly after each use.

If you're storing freshly grated Parmesan, place it in an airtight container in the fridge, and keep it below 5°C (40°F). It will stay fresh for about two weeks, but you can also freeze it for up to six months.

Freeze if necessary

If you have bought a large quantity of Parmesan cheese, you may want to freeze some of it to make it last longer. Freezing is a good option if you are not able to finish the cheese within a few weeks. However, it is important to note that freezing will alter the texture of the cheese, so it is best to use frozen Parmesan for baking or melting. The taste will remain the same.

Before freezing, cut the Parmesan into small pieces. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place the wrapped pieces in a plastic bag and seal it shut. Label the bag with the date, and store it in the freezer. When you need to use the cheese, simply take out the required amount and defrost it. Defrosting usually takes a few hours.

If you are freezing pre-grated Parmesan, make sure to add a little cornstarch, flour, or arrowroot powder to the cheese before freezing. This will help to absorb any moisture and prevent the cheese from clumping together.

Portion before storing

Portioning your Parmesan before storing it is a great way to ensure it stays fresh for longer. It's important to only slice as much cheese as you intend to use each time, as slicing increases the surface area of the cheese, exposing it to possible contamination, oxidation, and dehydration, and thus shortening its shelf life.

If you have a large amount of Parmesan, cut it into smaller chunks and share some with friends or family. That way, you can ensure you have a fresh supply of cheese that will last you a good few weeks.

When storing your portioned cheese, it's best to use wax paper, parchment paper, or cheese paper to wrap it. These papers help preserve the cheese's humidity and prevent it from drying out. Avoid using plastic wrap, as this can cause the cheese to 'sweat' and create an environment conducive to mould growth. If you don't have access to wax, parchment, or cheese paper, you can use aluminium foil to wrap your cheese before placing it in an airtight container.

Always store your portioned Parmesan in the refrigerator, preferably in the deli compartment or one of the bins usually reserved for vegetables, as these areas have more humidity, which benefits the cheese. The ideal storage temperature is between 39 to 46 degrees Fahrenheit (4 to 8 degrees Celsius).

By portioning and storing your Parmesan cheese properly, you can maximise its shelf life and enjoy its delicious flavour for longer.

Frequently asked questions