Patrick Oconnell
Parmesan cheese is a hard, dry cheese that can last for several months in the fridge. However, if it's been in there for too long, it can become rock-hard and difficult to grate. If you're struggling to grate your parmesan cheese due to it being too hard, there are several methods you can try to soften it, including wrapping it in a damp cheesecloth and then covering it in plastic wrap or using a Ziploc bag or foil.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Method | Wrap the parmesan in a damp cheesecloth, then cover it with plastic wrap or a Ziploc bag/sheet of foil, and refrigerate |
| Variation | Use wax paper instead of plastic wrap or foil |
| Variation | Soak the cheesecloth in vinegar, or enclose a vinegar-soaked sponge in the bag/foil |
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What You'll Learn
Wrap parmesan in a damp cloth
Wrapping parmesan in a damp cloth is an effective way to soften the cheese for grating. This method is endorsed by culinary icon Martha Stewart, who is known for her exacting standards when it comes to food preparation.
To follow this method, start by taking a piece of cheesecloth and dampening it with water. Cheesecloth is a thin, porous fabric that is ideal for this purpose as it can absorb moisture and allow air circulation. Wrap the parmesan cheese in the damp cheesecloth, ensuring complete coverage. Then, take some plastic wrap and cover the cheese, adding an extra layer of protection.
Some people also recommend adding an additional layer of wax paper around the cheesecloth before using the plastic wrap. This extra layer helps to ensure that the moisture is retained and evenly distributed.
After wrapping the cheese, place it in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours. This process gradually adds moisture back into the cheese, softening it and making it easier to grate.
By following this method, you can transform hard, dry parmesan into a usable and flavourful ingredient for your culinary creations.
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Cover in plastic wrap
To soften Parmesan cheese for grating, one approach is to wrap it in a damp cloth and let it sit at room temperature for a few hours to allow it to absorb moisture from the air. One such tip is celebrity chef Martha Stewart's trick, which involves wrapping the cheese in a wet piece of cheesecloth and then covering it in plastic wrap before refrigerating it for a few hours. The cheese should be somewhat moister than before, making it easier to grate.
You can also wrap the cheesecloth in wax paper before encasing it in plastic wrap or foil. Alternatively, you can use a Ziploc bag or a sheet of foil instead of plastic wrap. If you want to soften the cheese quickly, you can brush the cheese with milk and microwave it for a minute. However, be cautious not to overheat the cheese, as it may melt or become too soft.
Once the cheese has softened, it is important to store it properly to maintain its texture and flavour. Wrap the cheese tightly in plastic wrap or aluminium foil and keep it in the refrigerator at a consistent temperature below 4°C (40°F). You can also store it in a cheese cave or a cool, dark place with consistent temperature and humidity levels.
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Use a microplane or small grater
If you're looking to soften your Parmesan cheese for grating, one of the simplest methods is to use a microplane or small grater. Microplanes are a great option for grating hard cheeses like Parmesan, as they make the process quick and easy. They also allow you to grate only what you need, keeping the rest of your Parmesan wedge fresh for later use.
Microplanes are particularly useful when dealing with a very hard wedge of Parmesan. Their fine, sharp teeth can efficiently grate even the hardest of cheeses. While a food processor might struggle with hard cheese and could even be damaged in the process, a microplane is purpose-built for the task.
When using a microplane, hold it steady with one hand and use the other hand to run the Parmesan wedge over the grater. You'll be rewarded with fluffy, finely grated cheese that's perfect for topping pasta, salads, or any other dish that calls for grated Parmesan.
If you don't have a microplane, a small handheld cheese grater can also do the trick. Opt for a small ceramic plate and your favourite cheese grater to elevate your dining experience. Grating your Parmesan fresh at the table not only ensures softness but also adds a fun, interactive element to your meal.
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Moisten the cloth with vinegar
Parmesan cheese is a hard, dry cheese that can last for several months in the fridge. However, the longer it stays in the fridge, the harder and drier it becomes. If you're looking to soften hard parmesan cheese for grating, one method involves using vinegar.
First, get a piece of cheesecloth and moisten it with vinegar. You can use any type of vinegar you have available, such as white vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or balsamic vinegar. The vinegar will help to add moisture back into the cheese and start the softening process.
Wrap the vinegar-moistened cheesecloth around the block of parmesan cheese. Make sure the cheese is completely covered by the cloth. Then, take some plastic wrap and cover the cheese and cheesecloth. You can also use aluminium foil or a Ziploc bag for this step if you don't have plastic wrap available.
Place the wrapped cheese in the refrigerator. The vinegar-moistened cheesecloth will help to soften the cheese over time. Check on the cheese periodically to see if it has reached your desired softness. Depending on how hard the cheese was initially, this process can take a few hours or up to a day.
Once the cheese has softened, unwrap it and remove the cheesecloth. You can now grate the cheese using a microplane grater or the small side of a box grater. The softened cheese will be easier to grate and will produce a finer texture compared to hard, dry cheese.
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Refrigerate after wrapping
Parmesan cheese is a hard, dry cheese that can last for several months in the refrigerator. However, if stored for too long, it can become rock-hard and challenging to grate. If you find yourself with a block of desiccated Parmesan, there are a few tricks to revive it for grating.
One popular method is to wrap the cheese in a damp cheesecloth, then cover it with plastic wrap, foil, or wax paper before refrigerating it again. This helps to add moisture back into the cheese, softening it over time. Alternatively, you can use vinegar instead of water to dampen the cheesecloth or place a vinegar-soaked sponge in a resealable plastic bag with the cheese.
It is important to note that while these methods can help soften the cheese, they may not return it to its original texture. Additionally, always ensure your Parmesan is properly wrapped and sealed when storing it in the refrigerator to prevent it from drying out.
When dealing with hardened Parmesan, it is also essential to inspect the cheese for any signs of mould. Parmesan is a hard cheese and can be consumed even if mould is present. Simply cut off the mouldy parts and proceed with your desired softening method.
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Frequently asked questions
One method to soften parmesan cheese is to wrap it in a damp piece of cheesecloth, then cover it in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator.
Yes, you can wrap the cheesecloth in wax paper before encasing it in plastic wrap or using a Ziploc bag or sheet of foil instead.
Yes, you can use vinegar to moisten the cheesecloth or soak a sponge in vinegar, place it in a resealable bag with the cheese, and store it in the refrigerator.
You can cut off the mouldy parts of the cheese and still use the rest of it.
Softening parmesan cheese can make it easier to grate and also improve its melting properties when cooking.
