Bushra Griffith
Parmesan cheese is a delicious addition to many dishes, but how do you store a whole wheel of it? Proper storage is key to preserving the cheese's aromatic characteristics and ensuring optimal conservation of the product. Firstly, it is important to note that Parmesan should never be frozen. When stored at room temperature, Parmesan can be displayed for short periods without damage. However, once purchased, it is best kept in a refrigerator at a temperature between 4°C and 8°C. Vacuum-packed Parmesan can be stored in the fridge for several months, but once opened, the cheese should be kept in a glass or plastic container or wrapped in food-grade plastic film to prevent it from absorbing other smells.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Storage Temperature | Room temperature for short periods of time, 4°C-8°C in the refrigerator |
| Packaging | Vacuum-sealed, food-grade plastic film, wax cloth wrap, glass or plastic containers |
| Duration of Storage | Several months if vacuum-sealed, 15 days for younger Parmigiano Reggiano, about a month for classic aged Parmigiano Reggiano |
| Other Considerations | Keep it away from other food to prevent absorption of smells, never freeze the cheese |
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What You'll Learn
Vacuum-packed parmesan can be stored in the fridge for several months
Parmesan cheese is a staple in many kitchens, and proper storage is key to maintaining its freshness and flavour. While it can be stored at room temperature for short periods, refrigeration is recommended to preserve its aromatic characteristics and ensure optimal conservation.
Vacuum-packed Parmesan cheese can be safely stored in the refrigerator for several months. The ideal temperature range for storing Parmesan in the fridge is between 4°C and 8°C (39.2°F and 46.4°F). It is crucial to ensure that the vacuum-sealed package remains intact, tightly sealed, and not exposed to air. An intact package is essential to prevent the cheese from drying out or developing mould.
When purchasing vacuum-packed Parmesan, it is common to find a "Best Before" date or a "Date of Minimum Durability" (DMD) on the packaging. This date indicates the optimal period for consuming the cheese for the best flavour and texture. However, even after this date, the cheese can still be safely consumed if properly stored.
To maximise the shelf life of vacuum-packed Parmesan, it is advisable to store it separately from other foods in the refrigerator. Parmesan has a fatty composition that can easily absorb other smells from the fridge. Using airtight containers made of glass or plastic can help maintain the quality of the cheese and prevent it from drying out.
While vacuum-packed Parmesan can be stored for several months, once the package is opened, the storage guidelines change. For younger Parmesan (aged between 12 to 15 months), the cheese can be stored in the refrigerator for about two weeks. For more aged Parmesan (24 months or older), it can last for approximately a month. It is important to periodically check for mould formation, as Parmesan is susceptible to mould growth, especially when exposed to air.
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Store parmesan in a glass or plastic container
Storing parmesan in a glass or plastic container is a good option, especially if the cheese is no longer vacuum-packed. Glass and plastic containers are effective at preventing parmesan from absorbing other odours from the refrigerator. This is important because parmesan tends to absorb other smells.
If using a plastic container, ensure it is a food-grade plastic container. You can also use plastic wrap, but be aware that plastic wrap can trap moisture, creating an environment for mould to grow. To avoid this, you can double wrap the cheese or use wax paper, which allows the cheese to breathe more than plastic wrap.
If using a glass container, you can also wrap the cheese in a slightly damp cotton cloth before placing it in the container. This helps to maintain the humidity level of the cheese.
Regardless of the type of container you use, always store parmesan in the refrigerator to preserve its aromatic characteristics and ensure optimal conservation of the product. The ideal temperature range is between 4°C and 8°C.
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Wrap parmesan in food-grade plastic film
Wrapping Parmesan in food-grade plastic film is a practical solution for storing a parmesan cheese wheel. This method helps keep the cheese fresh for a long time. It is important to ensure that the cheese is periodically checked to ensure its condition hasn't changed.
When using food-grade plastic film, it is crucial to use a type that is thick and sturdy. Restaurant-grade plastic wrap, also known as food service film, is commonly used in restaurants due to its durability and ease of use. It comes in large rolls that can be placed in a stable, heavy box, allowing for easy dispensing with both hands. The sharp metal teeth of the dispenser gracefully perforate the wrap, creating a neat and tight seal.
Food-grade plastic film is a cost-effective option, offering more square feet of plastic for a lower price compared to traditional plastic wrap. It is also available for purchase online and in stores. When using food-grade plastic film to store parmesan cheese, it is important to ensure that the cheese is properly sealed and not exposed to air.
While food-grade plastic film is an effective storage solution, it is worth noting that some people prefer using wax cloth wraps as they allow the cheese to breathe more than plastic wrap while still providing protection. Additionally, cheese waxing is another popular method for long-term cheese storage, where wax is melted and painted onto the cheese, eliminating the need for refrigeration.
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Parmesan can be stored at room temperature for short periods
Parmesan cheese is a hard, low-moisture cheese with a pH level of around 5.2-5.3, which makes it less susceptible to spoilage and harmful bacteria. This means that, unlike other dairy products, it can be kept at room temperature for short periods without suffering any damage. For example, it is common to see large wheels of Parmesan or large chunks of the cheese displayed at room temperature in grocery stores or specialty food shops.
However, once purchased, it is advisable to store Parmesan in the refrigerator to maintain its aromatic and organoleptic characteristics and ensure optimal preservation. The ideal temperature range for storing Parmesan in the refrigerator is between 4°C and 8°C (39.2°F and 46.4°F). It is important to ensure that the package is sealed tightly and not exposed to the air.
If you have bought a large chunk of Parmesan, you can also wrap it in food-grade plastic film or wax cloth wrap to prevent moisture buildup and the growth of mould before storing it in the refrigerator. Additionally, it is recommended to keep Parmesan in a glass or plastic container, separate from other foods, as the fatty part of the cheese can absorb other smells from the refrigerator.
While it is possible to store Parmesan at room temperature for short periods, it is still recommended to consume it within a certain timeframe for optimal freshness and quality. The specific duration may vary depending on the humidity and age of the cheese. For younger Parmigiano Reggiano (13-15 months), which is richer in humidity, it is recommended to consume it within 15 days of purchase. For classic aged Parmigiano Reggiano (24 months or more), storage can last for about a month.
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Avoid freezing parmesan
Parmesan cheese is a very durable product. Its low water and high salt content prevents mould from growing. This means that, when stored correctly, it can last for a long time without freezing.
Firstly, it is important to store Parmesan in a cool, dry place. A refrigerator is ideal, with a temperature of between 4° and 8°C. Parmesan can be kept in a refrigerator for several months, with one source stating that it can last for up to a year. If you are storing a full wheel, it is best to keep it vacuum-packed. If you have a smaller amount, it should be wrapped in paper or wax cloth, rather than plastic wrap, to prevent condensation and mould. Plastic wrap can make the cheese sweat, so parchment paper is a better option.
If you are storing a large amount of Parmesan, you can also consider waxing the cheese. You can buy wax specifically for coating cheeses, which will then allow you to store the cheese without refrigeration.
If you are storing Parmesan for a long time, it is best to vacuum pack it and store it in the freezer. However, freezing will affect the texture of the cheese, making it crumbly, and it will no longer be suitable for eating raw. Therefore, if you can avoid freezing Parmesan, that is the best approach.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to store a parmesan cheese wheel in the refrigerator at a temperature ranging from 4°C to 8°C. It should be stored in a sealed, airtight container or vacuum-sealed bag, and kept away from other food items to prevent it from absorbing smells.
A vacuum-packed parmesan cheese wheel can be stored in the refrigerator for several months. Once opened, a younger parmesan cheese wheel (13-15 months old) can be stored for up to 15 days, while a classic aged wheel (24 months or older) can be stored for about a month.
Yes, parmesan cheese can be stored at room temperature for short periods of time without damage. However, for long-term storage, it is recommended to keep it in the refrigerator to preserve its aromatic characteristics and ensure optimal preservation.
It is generally not advisable to freeze a parmesan cheese wheel as it may affect its texture and quality. Instead, store it in the refrigerator and consume it within the recommended time frame to ensure optimal freshness and flavour.
