Patrick Oconnell
Parmesan cheese is a hard cheese with a long shelf life if stored properly. It is made from skimmed, unpasteurized cow's milk and has a nutty flavour. To prevent mould, it is important to control the moisture content of the cheese. Parmesan should be wrapped in parchment paper, cheesecloth/cheese paper, or wax paper, and then covered in plastic wrap or aluminium foil to prevent it from drying out or absorbing other smells from the refrigerator. It should be stored in the refrigerator, ideally in the crisper drawer, and will last one to two months. To prolong the shelf life, Parmesan can be frozen in an airtight container or freezer bag.
How to stop Parmesan cheese from going mouldy
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wrapping | Use parchment paper, cheesecloth, cheese paper, wax paper, or wax cloth wrap. Avoid plastic wrap as it traps moisture and causes spoilage. |
| Container | Store grated Parmesan in an airtight container in the refrigerator. |
| Temperature | Keep the refrigerator temperature below 5°C. |
| Freezing | Freeze Parmesan in an airtight container or freezer bag. Shredded Parmesan can last 3-6 months, while a wedge can last over a year. |
| Moisture | Deprive grated Parmesan of moisture to prevent clumping and mould. Add cornstarch, flour, or arrowroot powder to absorb moisture. |
| Exposure to Air | Allow the cheese to breathe but avoid too much exposure to air. Avoid airtight containers for hard cheeses. |
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What You'll Learn
Wrap in wax paper, parchment paper, or cheesecloth
Parchment paper, wax paper, and cheesecloth are all suitable materials for wrapping Parmesan cheese. They allow the cheese to breathe, preventing the build-up of condensation and the growth of mould.
Wax paper is a preferred wrapping material for cheese because it strikes a balance between allowing the cheese to breathe and protecting it from unwanted air. It is also available from popular retailers, such as Target, for a reasonable price.
Cheesecloth is another suitable option for wrapping Parmesan cheese. It is a breathable material that allows the cheese to breathe while also wicking away excess moisture. This helps to prevent the growth of mould and maintain the quality of the cheese.
Wrapping Parmesan cheese in parchment paper is also an effective way to prevent mould. Parchment paper is a food-safe material that creates a barrier between the cheese and its surroundings, helping to regulate moisture levels and prevent spoilage.
When using these wrapping materials, it is important to note that they should be sealed with tape to ensure the cheese stays fresh. Additionally, it is recommended to place the wrapped cheese in a partially sealed plastic bag to maintain humidity and prevent the cheese from drying out.
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Store in an airtight container
Parmesan is a hard cheese with a lengthy aging process and a rich, nutty flavour. It is made from skimmed, unpasteurized cow's milk. Parmesan is a popular addition to pasta sauces, casseroles, and soups.
When storing Parmesan cheese, it is important to prevent the growth of mould. One effective way to do this is to store the cheese in an airtight container. This method is particularly suitable for grated Parmesan.
Firstly, it is important to note that Parmesan cheese needs to breathe to prevent condensation and the growth of mould. Therefore, when using an airtight container, it is recommended to choose a container with a filter in the lid that allows air in and out while trapping moisture. This way, you can maximise the shelf life of your Parmesan cheese while preventing mould growth.
For grated Parmesan, it is recommended to use an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. Cool temperatures below 5°C help prevent the cheese from absorbing moisture, inhibiting mould growth and clumping. Additionally, you can add a small amount of cornstarch, flour, or arrowroot powder to your grated Parmesan in the airtight container. These ingredients absorb moisture without affecting the flavour, further preventing mould growth.
If you are not planning to use the grated Parmesan within two weeks, you can also freeze it in an airtight container. This will keep the cheese fresh and mould-free for up to six months. When you're ready to use it, simply defrost the container in the refrigerator or at room temperature for a few hours.
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Place in the fridge
Parmesan cheese is a hard cheese with a lengthy ageing process, so if stored properly, it has a long shelf life. To stop your parmesan cheese from going mouldy, place it in the fridge.
Before placing your parmesan in the fridge, wrap it in parchment paper, cheesecloth/cheese paper, or wax paper. You can also use cheese wrapping paper and seal it with tape. Avoid using plastic wrap or aluminium foil, as these can cause your cheese to lose flavour and moisture. Plastic wrap can also trap moisture, creating an environment for mould to grow. If you do use plastic wrap, make sure to first wrap your cheese in wax or parchment paper, creating a barrier between the cheese and the plastic.
Once wrapped, place the cheese in the refrigerator. Put it in the crisper drawer to prevent the cheese from soaking up smells from the fridge. A block of opened parmesan cheese will last in the fridge for up to two months, while an unopened block can last seven to nine months.
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Freeze grated parmesan
Grated parmesan cheese will only last about a week in the refrigerator before it spoils and turns mouldy. Freezing grated parmesan is a great way to prolong its shelf life.
To freeze grated parmesan, first grate the parmesan. Then, place the grated parmesan into an airtight container. Finally, put the container into the freezer.
The cheese will stay fresh and won't clump for up to six months. When you want to use the parmesan, simply take it out of the freezer and defrost it. This should only take a few hours. You can also use the frozen grated parmesan straight from the freezer—just give it a shake to break up any clumping.
Some people prefer to grate the parmesan directly from the freezer, as it is easier to grate when frozen.
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Avoid plastic wrap
Parmesan cheese is a hard cheese with a lengthy aging process of a minimum of two years and occasionally more than four. It is made from skimmed, unpasteurized cow's milk. The quality and flavor of Parmesan cheese are best when it's fresh, but you can store it in the refrigerator or freezer to prolong its shelf life.
To avoid plastic wrap when storing Parmesan cheese, you can use cheese wrapping paper, parchment paper, or a cheese bag. These wraps ensure that the cheese can "breathe", but they prevent unwanted air from entering the cheese. Ken Monteleone, the owner of Fromagination Cheese Shop, recommends using cheese paper, a special two-ply paper that ensures the cheese can breathe and prevents unwanted air from entering. If cheese paper is unavailable, Monteleone suggests using wax or parchment paper, and then placing the wrapped cheese in a partially sealed plastic bag. The paper creates a barrier between the cheese and the plastic, while the plastic keeps the cheese from drying out.
Another alternative to plastic wrap is wax cloth wrap, which allows the cheese to breathe more than plastic wrap. You can purchase wax cloth wraps or make your own. Storing Parmesan in a Tupperware box in the refrigerator will also help it last longer than if it were stored in plastic wrap. For maximum airflow, you can leave the cheese uncovered, but this will cause it to dry out more quickly. You can also purchase a box specifically designed for storing cheese, which has a filter in the lid that allows air in and out while trapping moisture.
If you are storing grated Parmesan cheese, it is recommended to use an airtight container to prevent clumping and extend shelf life. Cool temperatures make it harder for grated Parmesan to absorb moisture, so it is best to keep it in the refrigerator. You can also add a small amount of cornstarch, flour, or arrowroot powder to your grated Parmesan to absorb moisture and further prevent clumping.
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