Andy Montoya
Parmigiano-Reggiano, or as it's commonly known, Parmesan, is a cow's milk cheese that's aged in large wheels for at least 12 months before being cut into wedges. Authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano is usually more expensive than Parmesan, and its strict ingredient and quality regulations make its taste, texture, and quality superior. However, it's not uncommon to find a wedge of Parmesan languishing in the back of the refrigerator, dried out and rock-hard. But don't despair! There's a simple trick to revive your dried-out Parmesan and make it softer: wrap it in a wet cheesecloth and let it sit overnight in the refrigerator. This will help the cheese absorb some water, bringing it back to life and saving you from wasting food and money.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Method | Wrap the cheese in a wet cheesecloth and leave it in the refrigerator overnight |
| Result | The cheese will absorb water and regain moisture |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Wrap the cheese in a wet cheesecloth
Wrapping Parmesan Reggiano cheese in a wet cheesecloth is a well-known trick to soften it and revive its dried-out state. This method can be used with authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano or any wedge of cheese labelled Parmesan. It is also likely to work with other hard, nutty cheeses such as Grana Padano or Pecorino Romano.
To begin the process, take a piece of cheesecloth large enough to wrap around the wedge of cheese. Wet the cheesecloth in water, wring it out, and wrap the damp cheesecloth tightly around the cheese. You can also add a layer of plastic wrap around the cheese for better results.
The next step is to place the wrapped cheese in a suitable container. You can use a zip-top freezer bag, wax paper, or parchment paper. Make sure to press out any excess air in the bag before sealing it shut.
Finally, store the wrapped cheese in the refrigerator. Place it in the crisper drawer or on the lowest tray, where the temperature is usually cooler. Leave the cheese wrapped for a few days, checking periodically to see if the cheese has absorbed enough moisture. Once softened, remove the cheesecloth and enjoy your revived Parmesan Reggiano!
Parmesan Cheese Measured in Imperial Units: Why?
You may want to see also
Leave it in the fridge overnight
Parmigiano Reggiano is a hard cheese with a low moisture content, which means it has a longer shelf life than softer cheeses. However, it can still dry out and harden further over time, especially when exposed to air or stored in the wrong conditions.
If your Parmigiano Reggiano has become too hard, one way to soften it is to wrap it and store it in the fridge overnight. Firstly, it is important to note that Parmigiano Reggiano should always be stored in the refrigerator, at a temperature between 4 and 8°C. When vacuum-packed, it can be stored in the fridge for several months. An unopened block of Parmigiano Reggiano can be stored in the refrigerator for seven to nine months, while an opened block will last for one to two months.
To soften hard Parmigiano Reggiano, you can wrap the cheese in parchment paper, cheesecloth, cheese paper, or wax paper. This allows the cheese to breathe and prevents condensation, which can cause spoilage. Then, cover the wrapped cheese in plastic wrap or aluminium foil to prevent it from absorbing other smells in the refrigerator. Place the wrapped cheese in a crisper drawer.
By leaving the wrapped cheese in the refrigerator overnight, you can help soften its texture. However, it is important to note that Parmigiano Reggiano is a hard cheese, and even with proper storage, it may still remain relatively firm. For this reason, it is often recommended to grate hard Parmigiano Reggiano, rather than trying to soften it for slicing or other purposes.
Parmesan Cheese Rind: Easy Peeling Techniques
You may want to see also
It will absorb water and soften
When it comes to softening Parmesan Reggiano cheese, one effective method is to expose it to a humid environment. Cheese is hygroscopic, which means it has the ability to absorb moisture from the air. By creating a humid environment for your Parmesan Reggiano cheese, you can increase its moisture content and achieve a softer texture.
To do this, you can place the cheese in a sealed container or bag with a small amount of water. The water will evaporate and create a humid atmosphere inside the container, which the cheese will absorb. For best results, use distilled or purified water to avoid any unwanted flavors or minerals affecting the cheese. Make sure the container is sealed tightly to maintain the humid environment.
Another way to introduce humidity is by using a damp towel or cloth. Wrap your Parmesan Reggiano cheese in a slightly damp, clean cloth and then place it in an airtight container. The damp cloth will create a localized humid environment, and the cheese will gradually absorb the moisture. Check the cloth regularly to ensure it remains damp, rewetting it as needed.
The key to success with this method is time and patience. It may take several hours or even a full day for the cheese to soften noticeably. The aging and hardness of the cheese will also impact the time required. Younger, less aged Parmesan Reggiano will soften more quickly than a very mature, hard block. Always use small amounts of water and adjust as needed to avoid over-saturating the cheese or creating an overly wet environment.
Remember, when softening Parmesan Reggiano cheese using this method, to maintain cleanliness and sanitation. Wash your hands before handling the cheese, and ensure all utensils, containers, and surfaces are clean. This will prevent the introduction of unwanted bacteria or mold that could spoil your cheese. By following these instructions, you can effectively soften Parmesan Reggiano cheese using the absorption of water through a humid environment.
Parmesan Cheese: Unlocking the Power of Nutrients
You may want to see also
Explore related products
This method works for other hard cheeses
To soften hard Parmesan Reggiano cheese, wrap a wet cheesecloth around the cheese and place it in the refrigerator. This method can be used to soften other hard cheeses like Grana Padano and Pecorino Romano. This technique is ideal for wedges of cheese that have dried out in the refrigerator. The cheese will absorb water from the cheesecloth, restoring its moisture.
The process is straightforward. First, cut a piece of cheesecloth large enough to wrap around the cheese wedge. Next, wet the cheesecloth and wring it out to remove any excess water. Then, carefully wrap the cheesecloth around the cheese, ensuring it is covered. Finally, place the wrapped cheese in the refrigerator, and leave it overnight.
This technique is a great way to revive hard cheeses and prevent waste. It is simple, inexpensive, and effective. By using a damp cheesecloth, the cheese slowly absorbs moisture, softening its texture. This method is far more effective than using a food processor or grater, which can be dangerous and ineffective on very hard cheeses.
The cheesecloth method is a brilliant hack for home cooks to save money and reduce food waste. It is a gentle process that allows the cheese to soften gradually, preserving its flavour and structure. This technique can be applied to a range of hard cheeses, making it a versatile and valuable skill for any cheese lover.
Crazy Bread: Parmesan Cheese or Not?
You may want to see also
Avoid wasting food and save money
Parmigiano-Reggiano is an expensive cheese, so it is understandable that you wouldn't want to waste it. Authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano is made in the provinces of Parma and Reggio Emilia in Italy and is aged in large wheels for at least 12 months before being cut into wedges. If you find your Parmigiano-Reggiano has dried out, there are ways to soften it and revive it.
One way to do this is to use a piece of cheesecloth big enough to wrap around the wedge of cheese. Wet the cheesecloth and wring it out, then wrap it around the cheese. When the wrapped wedge of Parmesan is left in the refrigerator overnight, it will have absorbed some water, replacing the moisture it lost. This way, you can avoid wasting food and save money.
You can also use the rind of the Parmigiano-Reggiano to add flavour to soups or stews, so it doesn't go to waste.
If you are looking to grate your Parmigiano-Reggiano, a microplane or a food processor can be used.
Baking Brussels Sprouts: Parmesan Perfection
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
You can revive dried-out Parmesan Reggiano by wrapping it in a wet cheesecloth and leaving it in the refrigerator overnight.
This method can be used with other wedges of hard, nutty cheeses such as Grana Padano and Pecorino Romano.
You can add leftover Parmesan Reggiano rind to soups or stews to add a nutty flavor.
