Bushra Griffith
Parmesan cheese is a hard cheese that can stay good for weeks if properly wrapped and chilled. The right wrapping technique can help maintain the optimal moisture balance, prevent the growth of mold, and protect the cheese from absorbing unwanted odors. To achieve this, you can use parchment paper or wax paper, which will allow the cheese to breathe and prevent additional moisture. You can also use cheese paper, a two-ply paper that allows the cheese to breathe while maintaining proper humidity. However, it is important to note that plastic wrap should be avoided as it can cause the cheese to suffocate, leading to wet, moldy, wasted cheese.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wrapping material | Cheese paper, parchment paper, wax paper, plastic wrap |
| Wrapping technique | Wrap loosely, use tight folds to create a snug wrap |
| Container | Partially sealed container, cheese drawer, plastic bag |
| Temperature | Store in the warmest part of the refrigerator |
| Humidity | 75%-95% humidity |
| Air circulation | Good air circulation |
| Storage duration | Properly wrapped Parmesan can stay good for weeks |
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What You'll Learn
Don't use plastic wrap
Plastic wrap is a common way to store cheese, but it's not the best way to keep your Parmesan fresh. Plastic wrap suffocates cheese, trapping in moisture and causing it to become wet, mouldy and wasted. Cheese is a living organism, composed of many microbes and active microorganisms. Wrapping it in plastic kills these good microorganisms and stops the cheese from breathing. This can also cause your cheese to taste stale and affect its texture, making it less enjoyable when you come to eat it.
While it might seem like the obvious choice, plastic wrap will only make your cheese go bad faster. It's mostly used for display purposes in shops so that customers can see what they are buying. If you want to keep your cheese tasting as good as the day you bought it, avoid plastic wrap.
Instead, opt for parchment paper or wax paper, which will allow your cheese to breathe and prevent additional moisture. Cheese paper is another option, although it is more expensive. You can also try a specially coated cheese storage bag, which will regulate airflow and humidity.
Overall, the ideal cheese storage method brings everything into balance: the cheese has airflow without dehydrating and stays humid without getting soggy.
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Use parchment or wax paper
Parchment paper and wax paper are excellent options for wrapping Parmesan cheese. They strike a balance between breathability and moisture retention, which is crucial for maintaining the quality, flavour, and freshness of the cheese.
When using parchment or wax paper, follow these steps:
Step 1: Prepare the Paper and Cheese
Place the parchment or wax paper flat on a clean surface. Take the Parmesan cheese out of its original packaging, especially if it was wrapped in plastic or cling film. Place the cheese on the paper, positioning it about two-thirds of the way up. It is recommended to place the cheese cut-side down, with the sharp, narrow end facing right and the thick, blunt end facing left.
Step 2: Wrap the Cheese
Bring the bottom right-hand corner of the paper up and over the cheese, pulling it tightly against the bottom and laying it flat across the top. Hold the paper firmly in place, and then pull the right-hand side of the paper across to the left, creating a crisp fold over the pointed end of the cheese. Use a small piece of tape to secure this first fold. Now, you should have a double layer of paper at the top of the cheese. Crease this sharply over the top of the cheese, running it flat and then folding it down to meet the counter.
Step 3: Secure the Wrap
Just like wrapping a gift, fold in two corners of the paper first and then the other two corners over them. Secure the wrap with another piece of tape. You can also use string or twine to secure the wrap if you prefer a more rustic look.
Step 4: Optional Plastic Wrap
If you are concerned about the cheese drying out or picking up fridge odours, you can add a loose layer of plastic wrap or place the wrapped cheese in a partially open plastic bag. This creates a microenvironment for the cheese, helping to maintain humidity while still allowing some airflow. However, remember that cheese should not be left in the same wrappings for extended periods, and it should always be able to breathe.
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Store in a designated cheese drawer
Parmesan is a hard cheese with a long shelf life. When unopened, it can be stored in the fridge for up to six months. Once opened, it will remain good for three to four weeks. If you can't finish your Parmesan before it expires, you can freeze it for up to six months.
To keep your Parmesan fresh for as long as possible, it's important to wrap it properly and store it in a designated cheese drawer. The ideal storage temperature for all types of cheese is between 34 and 38 degrees Fahrenheit. If your fridge has any drawer that allows you to set a custom temperature, that’s an ideal storage spot.
If your fridge has a designated cheese drawer, this is the best place to store your Parmesan. This drawer is typically smaller in width and height than other drawers. It is designed to keep items very cold without freezing, thereby prolonging the storage life of your cheese. When cheese, especially softer varieties, is exposed to the dehydrating airflow of the fridge, it can lose its ideal texture and flavour.
If you don't have a designated cheese drawer, you can use a vegetable crisper drawer to store your Parmesan. Vegetable crisper drawers tend to be more humid than the rest of the refrigerator, which is beneficial for Parmesan as hard to medium-soft cheeses do well in higher humidity. If you have a drawer that allows you to increase the humidity level, you can turn it up and store your Parmesan inside.
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Label with the use-by date
Properly wrapping Parmesan cheese is crucial for maintaining its quality, flavour, and freshness. Parmesan is a hard cheese, and when properly wrapped and chilled, it can stay good for weeks.
When wrapping Parmesan cheese, it is important to label it with the use-by date. This helps to keep track of how long you've had the cheese and ensures that you consume it within a safe timeframe. The use-by date is especially important for Parmesan cheese because, as a hard cheese, it can last for a relatively long time compared to softer cheeses.
To label the cheese with the use-by date, you can follow these steps:
- Start by writing the use-by date on a small piece of paper or cardstock.
- Wrap the cheese in parchment paper or wax paper, which will allow the cheese to breathe and prevent additional moisture.
- Place the label with the use-by date on top of the parchment or wax paper, ensuring it is still visible.
- Optionally, you can then wrap the cheese loosely in plastic wrap to provide an additional barrier and help maintain humidity.
- Store the wrapped and labelled cheese in a designated cheese drawer or container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
By labelling the Parmesan cheese with the use-by date, you can easily identify when it needs to be consumed or discarded, ensuring that you enjoy the cheese at its optimal freshness and quality.
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Freeze to prolong shelf life
Parmesan cheese is a hard cheese with a low moisture content, which means it can be stored for longer than soft cheeses. A whole, unopened block of Parmesan can be stored in the refrigerator for seven to nine months. Once opened, this time reduces to one to two months. Grated Parmesan, meanwhile, will only last about a week in the refrigerator.
Freezing Parmesan cheese is a great way to prolong its shelf life. Shredded Parmesan can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for three to six months. A wedge of Parmesan can be frozen for over a year. Frozen Parmesan can be used straight from the freezer—just give it a shake to break up any clumps. To defrost a wedge of Parmesan, leave it on the countertop for ten minutes at room temperature.
To prevent clumping and extend the shelf life of your Parmesan, you can add a little cornstarch, flour, or arrowroot powder to your grated Parmesan. These ingredients will absorb moisture without affecting the flavor or quality of the cheese.
When wrapping Parmesan, avoid using plastic wrap, as this can cause the cheese to go bad faster and may affect its flavor. Instead, opt for parchment paper or wax paper, which will allow the cheese to breathe and prevent additional moisture. You can also use cheese paper, although this tends to be more expensive.
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