Frederic Melton
Parmesan cheese is a staple in many kitchens, beloved for its distinctive, nutty flavour. But how do you make the most of this magical ingredient and avoid waste? Freezing is a popular option, but does it work for grated parmesan? The good news is that freezing grated parmesan is absolutely possible and a great way to prolong its shelf life. This handy hack ensures you can always add that extra punch of flavour to your pasta, salad, or soup.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can grated parmesan cheese be frozen? | Yes |
| How to freeze | Place in an airtight container or freezer bag |
| How long does it stay fresh in the freezer? | Up to six months |
| How to use frozen grated parmesan cheese | Defrost before using |
| How to prevent moulding | Deprive the cheese of moisture, wrap in paper instead of a sealed plastic container |
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What You'll Learn
Freezing grated parmesan is a success
Freezing grated parmesan is a convenient way to store this cheese. Parmesan is often only used in small quantities to add a flavour boost to dishes, so having a supply in the freezer can be useful. It can be grated straight from the freezer and added to dishes, or defrosted first.
To freeze grated parmesan, it should be stored in an airtight container or freezer bag. This will ensure that no moisture can get in and that the cheese will not absorb any smells from the freezer. It is important to note that grated parmesan will clump together, so it is advisable to give it a shake before using to break up any clumps.
Freezing grated parmesan can extend its shelf life by several months. This is a great way to ensure that you always have parmesan on hand, without the risk of it spoiling. It will also save you time, as you won't need to grate it each time you want to use it.
Overall, freezing grated parmesan is a successful way to store this delicious cheese. It prolongs its shelf life, maintains its flavour, and is convenient for adding to dishes. So, if you have some leftover grated parmesan, don't hesitate to pop it in the freezer!
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Preventing mould
Parmesan cheese is a staple in many kitchens, known for its nutty and savory flavour. However, it can be susceptible to mould growth, which can not only ruin its taste but also pose health risks. Here are some tips to prevent mould when storing grated Parmesan cheese:
Use Airtight Containers
Store grated Parmesan cheese in airtight containers to prevent moisture and air exposure. This creates a barrier against mould spores and contamination. Cool temperatures make it harder for food to absorb moisture, so keeping the containers in the refrigerator is ideal. Aim for a temperature between 32°F and 40°F, or below 5°C, to inhibit mould growth and maintain the cheese's flavour and texture.
Absorb Moisture with Other Ingredients
Ingredients like cornstarch, flour, or arrowroot powder can be added to grated Parmesan cheese to absorb moisture. This prevents the cheese from absorbing moisture and reduces the likelihood of mould growth.
Minimise Exposure to Air
When using grated Parmesan cheese, only take out the amount you need and immediately store the remaining cheese in an airtight container. Prolonged exposure to air can increase the risk of mould growth.
Wrap the Cheese
Wrapping Parmesan cheese can help prevent moisture spoilage. You can use parchment paper, cheesecloth, cheese paper, or wax paper. This allows the cheese to breathe and prevents condensation.
Freeze the Cheese
If you're not planning to use grated Parmesan cheese within a few weeks, freezing it is an option. Place the cheese in an airtight container or freezer bag and store it in the freezer. The cheese will stay fresh and won't clump for up to six months. When ready to use, thaw the cheese in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.
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Storing parmesan in the fridge
Parmesan cheese is a hard cheese with a distinctive, slightly nutty flavour. It is made from cow's milk and is often used by chefs in pasta dishes, salads, and soups. Due to its unique flavour, recipes usually only require a small amount of parmesan. This means that you may need to store the remaining grated parmesan cheese for later use.
When storing parmesan cheese in the fridge, it is important to consider the moisture content of the cheese. Parmesan has a low moisture content, which is why it has a longer shelf life compared to softer cheeses. However, the fats in the cheese tend to cling to each other, causing grated parmesan to clump together and potentially affecting its flavour. To prevent this, it is recommended to use an airtight container to store the grated parmesan. This will reduce the likelihood of the cheese absorbing moisture and clumping together. Additionally, covering the cheese block in plastic wrap or aluminium foil will help prevent it from absorbing other smells in the refrigerator.
The shelf life of parmesan cheese in the refrigerator varies depending on its form. A whole, unopened block of parmesan cheese can last up to nine months in the fridge, while an opened block will typically stay fresh for one to two months. Grated parmesan cheese has a shorter shelf life and should be consumed within one to two weeks of opening. If you are unable to use the grated parmesan within this time frame, freezing is a viable option to extend its shelf life.
To store parmesan cheese in the refrigerator, follow these steps:
- Wrap the cheese: Parmesan cheese needs to breathe to prevent condensation. Wrap a wedge of parmesan in parchment paper, cheesecloth, cheese paper, or wax paper.
- Place in the refrigerator: Put the wrapped cheese in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator. Ensure it is away from other strong-smelling foods to prevent the cheese from absorbing unwanted odours.
- Monitor the shelf life: Check the cheese regularly to ensure it remains fresh and mould-free. A block of opened parmesan cheese will typically last up to two months in the fridge, while grated parmesan should be consumed within one to two weeks.
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Freezing shredded parmesan
Choose the Right Container
It is important to store shredded Parmesan in an airtight container to prevent moisture from getting in. You can use a freezer bag or an airtight container specifically designed for freezing. Make sure the container is clean and dry before adding the shredded cheese.
Prepare the Cheese
Before freezing, ensure the Parmesan is shredded into your desired size. You can shred the cheese yourself or purchase pre-shredded Parmesan. If you are shredding it yourself, it is recommended to wear food-safe gloves or use a fork to hold the cheese while grating, as direct contact with hands can introduce bacteria that promote mould growth.
Store in the Freezer
Once the shredded Parmesan is in the airtight container or freezer bag, seal it tightly and store it in the freezer. Label the container with the date and try to use the cheese within six months for the best quality. Frozen shredded Parmesan can be used straight from the freezer; simply shake the container to break up any clumps before using.
Defrosting
If you prefer to defrost the shredded Parmesan before using it, you can do so by transferring the desired portion to the refrigerator a few hours before you need it. Do not leave the cheese at room temperature for extended periods, as this can promote bacterial growth and affect its quality.
Other Tips
To further extend the shelf life of shredded Parmesan, you can wrap the container or bag in a paper towel to absorb any excess moisture. Regularly change the paper towel to prevent moisture buildup. Additionally, you can freeze Parmesan rinds separately to add an extra flavour boost to soups and stews.
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Freezing parmesan rinds
Parmesan rinds can be frozen and used later in soups, stews, and sauces to add an extra layer of flavour to your dishes. Freezing parmesan rinds is a great way to make the most of this ingredient and ensure it doesn't go to waste.
To freeze parmesan rinds, wrap them in wax paper, parchment paper, cheesecloth, or any suitable wrapping, and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. This will help prevent moisture from reaching the cheese, which can cause spoilage.
Frozen parmesan rinds can be added directly to your dishes while cooking. They will enhance the flavour of your soups, sauces, and pasta dishes. One popular way to use frozen parmesan rinds is to make a delicious and flavourful parmesan broth.
To make parmesan broth, heat oil in a large stockpot and fry onions, celery, carrots, and garlic. Then, add the parmesan rinds along with parsley, thyme, bay leaf, and peppercorns. Simmer this mixture for a couple of hours, stirring occasionally to prevent the rinds from sticking. Finally, strain the broth and serve it immediately, or store it in the freezer for later use.
By freezing parmesan rinds, you can extend their shelf life and always have a flavourful addition ready for your next meal.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can. Place it in an airtight container or freezer bag and it will stay fresh for up to six months.
Store grated parmesan in an airtight container. This dramatically reduces the likelihood of the cheese clumping and the flavour changing.
Grated parmesan cheese will last about one week in the refrigerator.
Yes, you can. Give it a shake to break up any clumping before use.
