Andy Montoya
Parmesan cheese is a hard cheese made from cow's milk with a distinctive, slightly nutty flavour. It is used in pasta dishes, salads, and even soups. When it comes to storing Parmesan cheese, the best way to maintain its freshness and quality is to wrap it in a breathable material and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This prevents moisture accumulation and condensation, which can cause spoilage and mould. For longer-term storage, Parmesan cheese can be frozen in an airtight container or freezer bag, extending its shelf life significantly.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wrapping | Parchment paper, cheesecloth/cheese paper, wax paper, plastic wrap, aluminum foil, or greaseproof paper surrounded by one or two layers of foil |
| Container | Airtight container or freezer bag |
| Temperature | 4 to 8°C |
| Duration | 3 to 6 months for shredded Parmesan cheese, over a year for a wedge of Parmesan cheese |
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What You'll Learn
Wrapping: use parchment, cheesecloth, wax paper, or greaseproof paper
When storing Parmesan cheese in the freezer, it is important to wrap it properly to prevent moisture from causing spoilage. Here are some wrapping options to consider:
Parchment Paper
Parchment paper is a suitable option for wrapping Parmesan cheese before placing it in the freezer. It allows the cheese to breathe and prevents condensation from building up, which could lead to mould growth. Ensure that the parchment paper is wrapped tightly around the cheese to minimise air exposure.
Cheesecloth
Cheesecloth is another recommended material for wrapping Parmesan cheese. Its breathable nature helps maintain the quality of the cheese by preventing moisture buildup. Wrap the cheese securely in cheesecloth before placing it in an airtight container or freezer bag for freezing.
Wax Paper
Wax paper can also be used to wrap Parmesan cheese for freezer storage. It strikes a balance between allowing the cheese to breathe and minimising air exposure. This helps maintain the quality and freshness of the cheese. As with other wrapping options, ensure the wax paper is securely wrapped around the cheese.
Greaseproof Paper
Greaseproof paper is an effective barrier against moisture. Wrapping Parmesan cheese in greaseproof paper helps prevent spoilage due to condensation. For added protection, you can surround the greaseproof paper with a layer or two of foil. Remember to change the wrapping periodically, such as every few weeks, to maintain optimal freshness.
When using any of these wrapping options, ensure that the Parmesan cheese is securely wrapped and placed in an airtight container or freezer bag before being stored in the freezer. Proper wrapping and storage will help maintain the quality and flavour of the cheese during freezing.
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Containers: use airtight containers to prevent clumping
Parmesan cheese contains a variety of fats that tend to cling to each other. This causes grated Parmesan cheese to clump together, potentially ruining its flavour and texture. To prevent this, it is critical to deprive the cheese of moisture.
The simplest way to do this is to use an airtight container. This ensures that moisture cannot reach the cheese, dramatically reducing the likelihood of clumping and flavour changes.
When storing Parmesan cheese in the freezer, always use an airtight container or freezer bag. This will not only prevent clumping but will also help to prolong the shelf life of the cheese.
To further prevent clumping, you can add a small amount of cornstarch, flour, or arrowroot powder to your grated Parmesan cheese before storing it in an airtight container in the freezer. These ingredients will absorb any excess moisture, helping to keep your cheese clump-free for longer.
By following these simple steps, you can effectively prevent clumping when storing Parmesan cheese in the freezer, ensuring that your cheese stays fresh and flavourful for longer.
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Temperature: store at 4-8°C
Parmesan cheese is best stored at a temperature of 4-8°C. This is the optimal temperature range for a refrigerator, and it will help to prolong the shelf life of the cheese. Parmesan can be kept in the fridge for up to two months if it has been previously opened, and for up to nine months if it is a whole, unopened block.
To store Parmesan in the fridge, it is important to first wrap the cheese. This is because moisture will cause spoilage, and Parmesan needs to breathe to prevent condensation. You can wrap a wedge of Parmesan in parchment paper, cheesecloth, wax paper, or a wax cloth wrap. You can also use food-grade plastic film or aluminium foil, but be aware that plastic wrap can trap moisture and create an environment for mould to grow. If you do use plastic or foil, it is a good idea to change the wrapping every few weeks.
Once the cheese is wrapped, place it in the refrigerator. It is best to keep Parmesan in a crisper drawer, and away from other food. This is because the fatty part of the cheese can absorb other smells from the refrigerator. You can also store Parmesan in an airtight container in the fridge, particularly if it is grated, as this will help to prevent moisture from spoiling the cheese.
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Defrosting: leave on the counter for 10 minutes
Parmesan cheese is a hard cheese with a lengthy aging process. It is best when fresh, but it can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer to prolong its shelf life. When storing Parmesan cheese in the freezer, it is important to wrap it properly to prevent condensation and spoilage.
When it comes to defrosting, one recommended method is to leave the cheese on the counter for a brief period. Specifically, you can place a wedge of frozen Parmesan cheese on a countertop for about 10 minutes at room temperature to defrost before using. This method allows the cheese to gradually thaw and is a safer alternative to using a microwave, which can cause a loss of flavour and texture.
It is important to note that Parmesan cheese is sensitive to moisture, which can lead to spoilage. Therefore, when leaving the cheese to defrost on the counter, ensure it is in a cool place out of direct sunlight. Additionally, the cheese should be in an unopened package to prevent moisture from entering and affecting the cheese.
After the allotted time, you can use the Parmesan cheese in your desired recipe. However, it is important to note that defrosted Parmesan cheese may not have the same texture and consistency as fresh cheese.
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Alternatives: wax the cheese or use wax cloth wrap
Parmesan cheese can be stored in the freezer, but it can also be preserved using other methods that do not involve freezing. Two such alternatives are waxing the cheese or using wax cloth wraps.
Waxing the Cheese
If you want to wax your Parmesan cheese, you will need to buy wax specifically made for cheese or use food-grade wax. The cheese must be dried in a clean environment, covered with a sanitized dry cloth, before waxing. You can then melt the wax and dip the cheese in it, or use a brush to coat the cheese with the wax. Once the cheese is coated, let the wax harden. The wax temperature needs to be extremely hot, much hotter than boiling water, and it will stick to the cheese and retain heat, so caution is advised. Waxing cheese is a safer method of preservation than vacuum-sealing because the wax is never heated to a dangerous temperature. However, the wax may not be hot enough to kill mould spores, so it is important to work quickly and have a very clean cheese surface.
Wax Cloth Wraps
Wax cloth wraps are an organic, washable, reusable, and biodegradable alternative to plastic or paper for storing cheese. They are made from beeswax, cotton, jojoba oil, and tree resin. The wraps are breathable, and the antibacterial properties of beeswax help maintain freshness. They are perfect for hard cheeses like Parmesan and soft cheeses alike. To make your own wax cloth wrap, you will need a clean, absorbent, natural, soft cloth and wax. Melt the wax in a shallow pan on low heat, dip the cloth in the wax, and let it cool and dry. These wraps work best if stored in a cool, dry place.
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Frequently asked questions
Shredded Parmesan cheese can be stored in the freezer for three to six months, while a wedge of Parmesan cheese can be stored for over a year.
Wrap the Parmesan cheese in parchment paper, cheesecloth, cheese paper, wax paper, or wax cloth wrap. Store grated Parmesan in an airtight container or freezer bag.
Yes, Parmesan cheese can be stored in the refrigerator. A block of opened Parmesan cheese will last in the fridge for up to two months, while an unopened block can keep for seven to nine months.
To prevent clumping, you can add a small amount of cornstarch, flour, or arrowroot powder to your grated Parmesan before freezing. These ingredients absorb moisture, preventing the cheese from doing so.
Place the wedge of frozen Parmesan on a countertop for about ten minutes to defrost at room temperature. For shredded frozen cheese, simply shake it to break up any clumping before use.
