Randy Chandler
Parmesan cheese is a hard, dry cheese that can last for several months in the refrigerator. However, it can become even harder and drier over time, making it difficult to grate and use. While stale Parmesan can be used in soups, sauces, or casseroles, where its savoury notes meld with other ingredients, there are ways to restore its moisture and texture. This guide will explore various methods to revive seized Parmesan cheese and ensure its longevity.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese type | Parmesan |
| Cheese state | Seized, dried out, hard |
| Solution | Add moisture |
| Method 1 | Wrap in a damp paper towel, place in a resealable plastic bag, chill for a day |
| Method 2 | Wrap in a wet piece of cheesecloth, then cover in plastic wrap, chill for a few hours |
| Method 3 | Brush the cheese with milk and microwave for a minute |
| Storage | Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer |
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What You'll Learn
Wrapping in a damp paper towel
To recover seized Parmesan cheese by wrapping it in a damp paper towel, follow these steps:
Firstly, remove the original wrapper from the Parmesan cheese. Then, lightly dampen a paper towel. It is important to wring out the excess moisture. Wrap the damp paper towel around the entire piece of Parmesan cheese. You can then hold the paper towel in place by wrapping aluminium foil around it.
Place the wrapped cheese in the refrigerator for one to two days to restore moisture. This method will help restore the moisture in the cheese, making it softer and easier to grate.
Alternatively, you can place the wrapped cheese in a resealable plastic bag and chill it for a day. Then, remove the towel and store the cheese in the bag. This method will help maintain the moisture in the cheese and prevent it from drying out.
It is important to note that Parmesan cheese needs to breathe to prevent condensation and spoilage. Therefore, avoid wrapping the cheese too tightly, and ensure it is not sealed completely airtight. Additionally, change the paper towel regularly to prevent mould growth and maintain the cheese's freshness.
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Refrigerating in a resealable bag
To recover dried-out Parmesan cheese, Martha Stewart suggests wrapping a piece of cheesecloth around the cheese wedge, wetting it, and wringing it out before placing it in the refrigerator. This method can be replicated using a damp paper towel and a resealable plastic bag. Wrap the cheese in a damp paper towel, place it in a resealable plastic bag, and chill it for a day. Then, remove the paper towel and store the cheese in the bag. This method should restore the cheese's moisture and make it easier to grate.
To prevent Parmesan cheese from drying out in the first place, proper storage is essential. Parmesan cheese should be stored in the refrigerator, preferably at temperatures below 40°F (4°C). It should be well-sealed to prevent it from drying out or absorbing odours from the refrigerator. Opened Parmesan can be kept in an airtight container or resealable bag in the refrigerator. For grated or shredded Parmesan, consider using a vacuum-sealed bag or a container with a tight lid.
If stored properly, Parmesan cheese has a relatively long shelf life. An unopened package can last for several months beyond its expiration date. Once opened, Parmesan's shelf life depends on factors such as sealing and storage. A block of opened Parmesan cheese will last in the fridge for up to two months, while grated or shredded Parmesan may have a shorter shelf life.
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Using cheesecloth
Celebrity chef Martha Stewart has a go-to method for reviving dried-out Parmesan cheese. This method can be used with authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano or any wedge of cheese labelled Parmesan. It can also be used with other wedges of hard, nutty cheeses such as Grana Padano or Pecorino Romano.
First, take a piece of cheesecloth big enough to wrap around the wedge of cheese. Wet it and wring it out so that it is damp but not dripping. Wrap the cheesecloth tightly around the cheese, and then add a layer of plastic wrap around the whole thing. Refrigerate the wrapped cheese for a few hours or overnight. The cheese will absorb some water, replacing the moisture it lost, and should be somewhat moister than before.
This method is useful for reviving dried-out cheese, but proper storage of Parmesan cheese can help to avoid this issue. Parmesan cheese needs to breathe to prevent condensation, so it should be wrapped in parchment paper, cheesecloth/cheese paper, or wax paper. It should then be covered in plastic wrap or aluminium foil to prevent it from soaking up smells in the refrigerator. A block of opened Parmesan cheese will last in the fridge for up to two months.
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Freezing
When freezing Parmesan, it is important to protect it from moisture and freezer burn. Wrap the cheese tightly in plastic wrap or aluminium foil. You can also add a layer of parchment paper, cheesecloth, or wax paper underneath the plastic wrap to further protect the cheese. Then, place the wrapped cheese in an airtight container or freezer bag. If you are freezing grated or shredded Parmesan, you can skip the outer wrapping and simply store the cheese in an airtight container or freezer bag. Make sure to label the container or bag with the date and contents.
It is recommended to freeze Parmesan at around 0 degrees Fahrenheit. At this temperature, the cheese can last for up to a year or more if properly frozen. However, the texture and taste may change upon thawing, so consider how you plan to use the cheese once it is thawed.
To thaw frozen Parmesan, it is best to move it to the refrigerator to avoid prolonged exposure to room temperature. Shredded or grated Parmesan can be used directly from the freezer, but it is recommended to break up any clumps before use.
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Grating
If your Parmesan cheese is too hard to grate, there are a few tricks you can use to soften it up. One popular method is to wrap the cheese in a damp paper towel or cheesecloth, place it in a resealable plastic bag or wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill it for a few hours or overnight. This will help the cheese absorb some water and become softer, making it easier to grate.
Another trick is to brush the cheese with milk and microwave it for about a minute to quickly soften it. Alternatively, you can use a microplane or the small side of a box grater to grate even very hard cheese.
Remember to store your Parmesan cheese properly to prevent it from drying out too much or developing mould. It should be wrapped tightly and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. With proper storage, Parmesan cheese can last for several weeks or even months in the fridge.
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Frequently asked questions
Exposure to moisture can cause Parmesan cheese to spoil, so it should be stored in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. If you notice mold growth, an off-putting odor, or a change in texture, discard the cheese immediately.
Parmesan cheese should be stored in a refrigerator or freezer to prolong its shelf life. When storing in the refrigerator, cover the cheese block in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the crisper drawer. Parmesan cheese can also be frozen for up to six months without compromising its quality.
One trick to revive dried-out Parmesan cheese is to wrap it in a damp paper towel or cheesecloth, place it in a resealable plastic bag, and chill it for a day or two. This will help add moisture back into the cheese.
