Kamil Perry
Parmesan cheese is a hard, dehydrated cheese with a long shelf life. An unopened block of parmesan can be stored for a long time in the fridge, and its longevity is further extended if it is vacuum-packed or frozen. However, it is important to know when parmesan cheese has gone bad to ensure food safety. Indicators that the cheese has spoiled include the appearance of mould, a sour or rancid smell, a change in texture (such as an overly hard or crumbly consistency), and a change in colour (darkening or a yellowish tint). If mould is spotted, it is recommended to cut away at least one inch around and below the mouldy area and ensure that the knife does not touch the mould.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Odor | A sour or unpleasant smell, different from the cheese's natural nutty aroma |
| Mold | Widespread mold suggests it's time to discard the cheese. |
| Texture | If the cheese feels slimy or has a significantly harder texture than usual, it may be spoiled. |
| Taste | An off taste is a clear indication that the cheese should not be consumed. |
| Color | The cheese may turn darker or exhibit a yellowish tint. |
| Type of Parmesan | The shelf life can vary between freshly grated, pre-grated, and whole block Parmesan cheese. |
| Storage | Parmesan can be stored in an air-removed plastic bag, wrapped in wax paper, or aluminum foil at the bottom of the fridge. |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Parmesan cheese blocks can be stored in the fridge for a long time
Parmesan cheese is a hard, dehydrated cheese with low moisture content, which means it has an impressive shelf life. Blocks of parmesan can be stored in the fridge for a long time, and there are several ways to ensure their longevity.
Firstly, it is important to note that an unopened block of parmesan cheese can be stored in the refrigerator indefinitely. The original packaging acts as a protective barrier, preserving the quality of the cheese for several months beyond the printed date. This is because parmesan has a hard texture and low moisture content, making it less prone to spoilage than softer cheeses.
For opened blocks of parmesan, proper storage is key to prolonging their freshness. One effective method is to wrap the cheese in wax paper, which helps maintain some humidity, and then enclose it in aluminium foil. This double wrapping provides an extra layer of protection before placing the cheese in the refrigerator. It is also recommended to store the wrapped cheese at the bottom of the fridge, as this is the coolest part, further prolonging its lifespan.
Another way to extend the shelf life of parmesan cheese is by freezing it. Freezing is particularly useful if you have a large block that you cannot consume within a short period. To freeze parmesan, wrap the cheese tightly in plastic wrap or aluminium foil and then place it in a freezer bag to prevent freezer burn. When you're ready to use the frozen cheese, thaw it slowly in the refrigerator to maintain its texture and flavour.
While parmesan cheese can be stored for an extended period, it's important to check for signs of spoilage. These include mould growth, a sour or rancid smell, a change in texture (such as excessive hardness or crumbly consistency), and discolouration. If you notice any of these signs, it's best to discard the cheese. However, if there is only a small amount of surface mould, you can cut off at least one inch around and below the affected area, being careful not to touch the mould with your knife, and the rest of the cheese should still be safe to consume.
Cheese Whiz: A Healthy or Harmful Snack?
You may want to see also
If mould appears, cut it off and keep eating
Parmesan cheese has a long shelf life, but it can go bad. If mould appears on your block of parmesan, it is important to know how to handle it safely. Firstly, do not touch the mould with your hands or a knife. Cut off at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) around the mouldy area to ensure you have removed all traces of mould. Dispose of the mouldy section carefully and separately from your other food waste, as mould spores can spread easily. Do not let the knife touch any other food or surfaces with the same cutting surface. Clean the knife thoroughly before and after cutting the cheese.
Once you have cut off the mouldy section, check the cheese for other signs of spoilage. If the cheese has a sour or rancid smell, distinct from the nutty aroma of fresh parmesan, it should be discarded. Similarly, if the cheese has changed texture and become overly hard or crumbly, or if its colour has darkened or turned yellowish, it is no longer safe to eat. If the cheese passes these checks, it should be safe to eat. Wrap the cheese in fresh wax paper and then aluminium foil, and store it in the bottom of the fridge to help it last longer.
Hard cheeses like parmesan have low moisture content, which makes them less susceptible to spoilage than softer cheeses. This means that even if mould appears, it is often safe to cut it off and keep eating. However, if mould is widespread throughout the cheese, it is best to discard it.
To prevent mould from forming, keep your parmesan in an airtight container or an air-removed plastic bag in the cheese drawer of your fridge. If you have a large quantity of parmesan, you can also freeze it to extend its shelf life. For best results, grate the parmesan before freezing and store it in an airtight container or freezer bag.
Cheese Curds: Healthy or Unhealthy?
You may want to see also
Don't eat mouldy Parmesan if it's turning blue
It is generally advised not to eat mouldy Parmesan cheese if it is turning blue. While it is true that microorganisms like mould are what make cheese, well, cheese, and that hard, salty cheeses like Parmesan will not be as affected by mould as softer cheeses, it is still best to exercise caution.
If you do decide to risk it and eat the mouldy Parmesan, make sure to cut off a significant amount, ensuring that you are removing any affected parts of the cheese. It is important to use a clean knife or grater that has not touched any other food or surfaces to avoid cross-contamination.
To prevent mould from forming in the first place, it is recommended to store Parmesan cheese in an airtight container or an air-removed plastic bag in the fridge. Some people also suggest wrapping it in wax paper to maintain humidity, then in aluminium foil, and storing it at the bottom of the fridge. This will help to extend the shelf life of the cheese and keep it edible for longer.
It is worth noting that blocks of Parmesan cheese sold in the non-refrigerated section are dehydrated and have a longer shelf life. These blocks can be stored at room temperature for up to a year if unopened. However, once opened, it is recommended to store them in the fridge.
In conclusion, while it may be tempting to cut off the mouldy parts of Parmesan cheese and continue eating it, it is important to exercise caution, especially if the cheese is turning blue. It is always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to food safety.
Asiago Cheese: Why the Pungent Odor?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
A sour or rancid smell is a sign of spoilage
Parmesan cheese is known for its long shelf life, but it can still go bad. One of the tell-tale signs of spoilage is a sour or rancid smell. Parmesan has a distinct nutty aroma, and when it goes bad, it emits an unpleasant odour that is noticeably different from its natural scent. This is a clear indication that the cheese should not be consumed.
The distinct smell of rancid parmesan is due to the breakdown of fatty acids in the cheese. This process is called lipolysis, and it occurs when the cheese is exposed to oxygen, light, or bacteria. Lipolysis can be accelerated by improper storage conditions, such as high temperatures or exposure to moisture. Therefore, it is essential to store parmesan cheese properly to prevent spoilage.
To maintain the freshness of parmesan cheese and prolong its shelf life, it should be stored in an airtight container or wrapped tightly. Some people wrap the cheese in wax paper to maintain humidity, then cover it in aluminium foil before placing it in the fridge. This helps to regulate moisture and prevent the cheese from drying out or becoming exposed to excess moisture, which can promote bacterial growth and spoilage.
It is also important to use clean utensils when handling parmesan cheese. Knives or graters that have come into contact with other foods can transfer bacteria, accelerating spoilage. By following these storage guidelines, you can help prevent parmesan cheese from developing a sour or rancid smell and prolong its freshness.
If you notice any signs of spoilage, such as a rancid smell, it is best to discard the cheese. While surface mould can be trimmed off hard cheeses like parmesan, widespread mould or a strong unpleasant odour indicates that the cheese is no longer safe to consume. Proper storage and handling of parmesan cheese are crucial to maintaining its quality and extending its shelf life.
Cheese Longevity: Does Strong Cheese Spoil?
You may want to see also
Freezing Parmesan is only recommended if it's already been grated
Parmesan cheese has a long shelf life, especially when stored in the fridge. Blocks of parmesan cheese sold in the non-refrigerated section are dehydrated and can stay out unopened for about a year. When refrigerated, parmesan can last for at least a year, and probably much longer. One source suggests that vacuum-packed parmesan can last decades in the fridge without going bad.
However, freezing parmesan is only recommended if it's already been grated. Grated parmesan has a long shelf life in the fridge, but freezing can extend its shelf life even further. Parmesan has a low moisture content, which makes it ideal for freezing. It doesn't tend to clump together, and it's not very susceptible to freezer burn. Grated parmesan should stay soft even when frozen and can be used directly out of the freezer, with no need for thawing. It can be added directly to pasta, soups, stews, and more. To freeze grated parmesan, use an airtight container and consider placing the container inside a freezer bag to provide extra protection. Frozen grated parmesan should keep for up to a year in the freezer.
If you have a block of parmesan, it's best to store it in the fridge, wrapped in wax paper (to keep some humidity) and then in aluminium foil. You can also wrap it in paper to prevent a buildup of condensation, changing the paper occasionally to prevent moisture buildup.
When it comes to mould, some sources suggest that it's safe to cut off the mouldy parts of hard cheeses like parmesan and continue eating the rest. However, it's important to note that this may not apply to all types of mould, and it's best to exercise caution when consuming cheese that has developed mould.
Romano Cheese: How Long Does It Last?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
An unopened block of Parmesan cheese can last several months in the fridge. If the packaging has been opened, it will typically remain safe to use for about six weeks.
To store a block of Parmesan cheese, wrap it in wax paper to maintain humidity, then wrap it in aluminium foil. Finally, store it at the bottom of the fridge.
Yes, you can freeze a block of Parmesan cheese. For best results, wrap the cheese tightly in plastic wrap or aluminium foil, then place it in a freezer bag.
Signs of spoilage include mould growth, a sour or rancid smell, a change in texture (such as becoming overly hard or crumbly), and a change in colour (such as darker spots or a yellowish tint).
No, you can cut away at least one inch around and below the mouldy area and eat the rest of the cheese. However, if the mould is widespread, it is best to discard the cheese.
