Kamil Perry
Parmesan cheese is a hard cheese with a long shelf life if stored properly. It is typically aged for 6 months to 2 years and has a minimum aging process of 2 years, sometimes more than 4. Parmesan can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer to prolong its shelf life. To store it, wrap the cheese tightly in wax paper, then in heavy-duty aluminum foil, being careful not to poke the foil. It is best to keep it away from other foods to prevent it from absorbing their odours. A whole, unopened block of Parmesan cheese can last 7 to 9 months in the refrigerator, while an opened block will last 1 to 2 months.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Storage Temperature | 39 to 46 degrees F (4 to 8 degrees C) |
| Storage Location | Bottom of the refrigerator, away from other foods |
| Container Type | Airtight container, glass or plastic |
| Wrapping | Wax paper, cheesecloth, parchment paper, aluminium foil, food-grade plastic film, plastic wrap, wax cloth wrap |
| Grated Parmesan | Stored in an airtight container |
| Freezing | Can be frozen, but may lose flavour and texture |
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What You'll Learn
- Wrapping: use wax paper, cheesecloth, parchment paper, or aluminium foil
- Containers: store in an airtight container, or a glass or plastic container
- Temperature: store in the refrigerator, or freeze it
- Location: keep it away from other foods to prevent it from absorbing odours
- Timing: a whole block can last seven to nine months, while grated parmesan will last about a week
Wrapping: use wax paper, cheesecloth, parchment paper, or aluminium foil
Wrapping Parmesan cheese is an important step in preserving its freshness. The cheese needs to breathe to prevent condensation, so it is recommended to use wax paper, cheesecloth, parchment paper, or aluminium foil for wrapping.
Wax paper is a preferred option for wrapping Parmesan cheese. It helps preserve the cheese's humidity and prevents it from drying out. You can wrap the cheese tightly in wax paper, ensuring no air pockets are left inside. This creates a barrier that slows moisture transfer and keeps the cheese fresh.
Cheesecloth is another suitable material for wrapping Parmesan cheese. It is a breathable fabric specifically designed for cheese storage. It allows the cheese to breathe while providing some protection from external contaminants. When using cheesecloth, ensure that it is clean and dry before wrapping your Parmesan cheese.
Parchment paper can also be used in a pinch. While it is coated in food-grade silicone rather than wax, it still provides a barrier against moisture. Wrap the Parmesan cheese tightly in parchment paper, making sure there are no gaps that could allow air or moisture to penetrate.
Aluminium foil is a recommended secondary wrapping for Parmesan cheese. After wrapping the cheese tightly in wax paper, you can add a layer of heavy-duty aluminium foil. This provides an additional barrier against moisture and helps keep the cheese fresh for longer.
Proper wrapping techniques are essential to maintaining the quality of Parmesan cheese. By using the appropriate materials and ensuring tight seals, you can prolong the shelf life of this delicious cheese and enjoy its rich flavour and texture for a more extended period.
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Containers: store in an airtight container, or a glass or plastic container
Parmesan cheese is a hard cheese with a lengthy aging process of a minimum of two years and occasionally more than four. Its quality and flavour are best when fresh, but it can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer to prolong its shelf life.
When it comes to containers, it is recommended to store Parmesan in an airtight container, or a glass or plastic container. This helps to regulate humidity, prevent drying out, and protect the cheese from other food odours. It is best to avoid plastic wrap or bags, as these can trap moisture and create an environment for mould to grow.
Some sources suggest wrapping the cheese in wax paper, cheesecloth, or parchment paper before placing it in the container. This adds an extra layer of protection and helps to preserve the cheese's humidity. It is also recommended to keep the container in the refrigerator, ideally on the bottom shelf or in the deli compartment, to maintain a consistent temperature and further protect the cheese from odours.
It is worth noting that while airtight containers are ideal for short-term storage, some suggest that for long-term storage, it is better to use a container that allows for some airflow, as condensation can build up in airtight containers over time, leading to spoilage.
Additionally, while it is generally recommended to store Parmesan in the refrigerator, some sources suggest that for very long-term storage, cheese waxing is an option. This involves painting the cheese with melted wax, which can then be stored at room temperature without the need for refrigeration.
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Temperature: store in the refrigerator, or freeze it
Parmesan cheese is best stored in the refrigerator, ideally at a temperature between 4 to 8°C. It should be wrapped tightly to prevent the cheese from drying out and to avoid exposure to air, which can cause spoilage. Some sources recommend wrapping Parmesan in wax paper, then in heavy-duty aluminium foil, while others suggest using cheese paper, parchment paper, or wax cloth wrap. It can also be stored in an airtight container, although some sources advise against this as condensation can cause mould.
If you are unable to consume your Parmesan before it goes bad, you can freeze it. However, freezing will affect the texture and flavour of the cheese. Frozen Parmesan is best used for baking or melting, or in hot dishes like pasta. It is recommended to only freeze Parmesan if it has been previously ground.
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Location: keep it away from other foods to prevent it from absorbing odours
Parmesan cheese is a hard cheese with a lengthy aging process that gives it a distinctive flavour. It is made from skimmed, unpasteurized cow's milk, and its quality and flavour are best when fresh. However, proper storage can prolong its shelf life.
When storing Parmesan cheese, it is essential to keep it away from other foods to prevent it from absorbing their odours. The fatty nature of the cheese makes it prone to absorbing smells from its surroundings. To avoid this, store your Parmesan cheese separately from other items in your refrigerator. The ideal storage temperature is between 39 to 46 degrees Fahrenheit (4 to 8 degrees Celsius).
One recommended storage location is the bottom shelf of your refrigerator, as suggested by Marcella Hazan, author of "Essentials of Italian Cooking." She advises wrapping the cheese tightly in wax paper and then in heavy-duty aluminium foil. This helps preserve the cheese's humidity and prevents it from drying out or absorbing unwanted flavours.
Another option is to store Parmesan cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will protect it from absorbing odours from other foods. You can also wrap the cheese in a clean, damp kitchen towel or cloth, which allows the cheese to breathe while keeping it fresh. Just be sure to change the towel each time you use the cheese to maintain optimal hygiene.
Additionally, you can explore cheese waxing as a long-term storage method. This involves melting wax specifically made for cheese and painting it onto the surface. With this method, the cheese can be stored at room temperature without the need for refrigeration.
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Timing: a whole block can last seven to nine months, while grated parmesan will last about a week
Parmesan cheese is a hard cheese with a long shelf life. Its low moisture content means it will last longer than soft cheese. An unopened block of Parmesan cheese can be stored in the refrigerator and will last seven to nine months. An opened block of Parmesan cheese will last one to two months. It is best to store Parmesan cheese in an airtight container. This will prevent the cheese from drying out and will maintain its humidity.
The cheese can also be wrapped in wax paper, cheesecloth, or parchment paper. Wrapping the cheese tightly will preserve its freshness. Some people recommend wrapping the cheese in aluminium foil, or even smearing it with butter, to prevent drying. It is important to note that moisture will cause spoilage, so the cheese must be wrapped in a way that allows it to breathe and prevents condensation.
Grated Parmesan cheese will last about one week in the refrigerator. It is recommended to store grated Parmesan in an airtight container. It is also possible to freeze grated Parmesan, although some people say this affects the texture and flavour.
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Frequently asked questions
The best way to store Parmesan cheese spread is to keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It is important to note that moisture will cause spoilage, so the cheese spread needs to breathe to prevent condensation.
Parmesan cheese spread will last about one week in the refrigerator.
Yes, you can freeze Parmesan cheese spread. However, it may dry out a bit and is best used in hot dishes like pasta.
