Frederic Melton
Parmesan cheese is a hard, aged cheese with a long shelf life due to its low moisture content and salt acting as a preservative. When stored properly in the refrigerator, it can last for several weeks to months. However, it's important to be vigilant for signs of spoilage, such as visible mold growth, off-putting odors, and changes in texture. If mold is present, it is generally safe to cut off the affected portion and consume the remaining cheese. This article will explore the factors that affect the shelf life of Parmesan cheese and provide guidelines for proper storage to ensure its longevity.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Shelf life | An unopened wedge of parmesan cheese usually lasts between 7 to 9 months, sometimes longer. |
| Opened parmesan | Will last for about 4 to 6 weeks in the refrigerator. |
| Opened grated parmesan | Should be used within 4 to 5 days or frozen. |
| Spoilage signs | Mold, funny smell, colour change (from white/beige to yellow/darker beige), texture change (spongy or wet to the touch). |
| Prevention | Freeze the cheese, store in the refrigerator, or place in the vegetable crisper. |
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What You'll Learn
How long does an opened chunk of parmesan cheese last in the refrigerator?
Parmesan cheese is a hard cheese with a low moisture level, which means it keeps for much longer than soft cheeses. An unopened chunk of Parmesan cheese usually lasts between 7 to 9 months, and even longer in some cases. However, once opened, the cheese will gradually start to deteriorate, and it's recommended to consume it within 1 to 2 months for the best quality, although it can last even longer. If you don't think you'll finish your Parmesan within this time, you can grate or shred the cheese and freeze it.
It's important to note that Parmesan cheese will eventually go bad, even if stored in the refrigerator. The cheese will either dry out significantly, reducing its quality, or start to grow mould. This can take a few months after opening, but it will happen. To delay this, it's important to store your Parmesan properly. Place it in the refrigerator as soon as possible, and wrap it tightly to maintain quality. You can also store it in the vegetable crisper, which tends to be fairly humid.
How long your Parmesan lasts also depends on the form it comes in. Grated Parmesan, for example, dries out much faster and should be consumed within 4 to 5 days or frozen. If you're using pre-grated Parmesan, check the colour and smell to make sure it's still good to eat. If the colour has changed from white to beige to a yellow or darker beige, it's gone bad. If it smells odd or sour, it's also best to discard it.
If your Parmesan cheese has developed mould, you can cut away at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) around and below the mouldy area and consume the rest. Make sure not to touch the mould with your knife. However, if the mould has appeared in a package of shredded, sliced, or crumbled Parmesan cheese, the entire package should be thrown out.
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How to identify if parmesan cheese has gone bad?
Parmesan cheese is a hard cheese with a low moisture level, which means it has a longer shelf life than soft cheeses. An unopened wedge of parmesan cheese can last between 7 to 9 months, and even longer in some cases. Once opened, parmesan can last for about 4 to 6 weeks in the refrigerator, if stored properly.
There are several ways to identify if parmesan cheese has gone bad:
- Mold: If there is mold on a chunk of parmesan cheese, cut away at least 1 inch around and below the moldy area and re-cover the cheese in fresh wrap. However, if there is mold in a package of shredded, sliced, or crumbled parmesan cheese, the entire package should be discarded.
- Smell: If the cheese smells moldy, sour, or "funny", it has likely gone bad.
- Color: Parmesan cheese that has gone bad will change color, usually turning more yellow or a darker beige.
- Texture: If shredded parmesan feels spongy or wet to the touch, it has likely gone bad.
It is important to note that the presence of mold on hard cheeses like parmesan does not always mean the entire cheese has gone bad. The moldy parts can be cut off, and the rest of the cheese can still be consumed.
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Can I eat parmesan cheese after its best by date?
Parmesan cheese is a dry, hard cheese with a very low water content. This means that it can be enjoyed well past its best-before date, especially when stored properly. When stored in the refrigerator, an opened chunk of Parmesan cheese can remain safe to consume for about 4 to 6 weeks, even after the "sell-by" or "best-before" date on the package.
Best-before dates are primarily about food quality rather than safety. They indicate the duration within which the product will be at its peak flavour and texture. Therefore, consuming Parmesan cheese after its best-before date is generally safe, although the cheese might be drier or less flavourful than when fresh.
However, it is important to inspect the cheese for any signs of spoilage. Parmesan cheese is generally safe to consume even if it has a small amount of mould, as long as the mouldy parts are cut away and discarded. Nevertheless, if mould appears in shredded, sliced, or crumbled Parmesan cheese, the entire package should be discarded. Additionally, if the cheese has an off-flavour, it is best to avoid consuming it.
Furthermore, proper storage is crucial to prolonging the shelf life of Parmesan cheese. It should be kept in the refrigerator, properly wrapped, to maintain its quality. Freezing is also an option to extend the cheese's lifespan, and it is recommended to grate the cheese before freezing and store it in an airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag.
In summary, it is generally safe to consume Parmesan cheese after its best-by date, as long as it is not mouldy, does not smell or taste bad, and has been stored properly. However, always exercise caution and discard the cheese if you have any doubts about its quality or safety.
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How to store parmesan cheese?
Parmesan cheese is a hard cheese made from skimmed, unpasteurized cow's milk, with a lengthy aging process of a minimum of two years and occasionally more than four. Parmesan cheese originated in Italy and is known as Parmigiano-Reggiano. The quality and flavour of Parmesan cheese are best when it's fresh, but you can store it in the refrigerator or freezer to prolong its shelf life.
How to Store Parmesan Cheese:
- Wrap the Parmesan cheese: Parmesan cheese needs to breathe to prevent condensation. Wrap a wedge of Parmesan cheese in parchment paper, cheesecloth, cheese paper, or wax paper. You can also use wax cloth wrap, which lets the cheese breathe more than plastic wrap. Store grated Parmesan in an airtight container.
- Place in the refrigerator: Cover the cheese block in plastic wrap or aluminium foil to prevent it from soaking up smells in the fridge. Place the wrapped cheese in a crisper drawer. An opened block of Parmesan cheese will last in the fridge for up to two months, while an unopened block can keep for nine months.
- Freeze the cheese: You can freeze Parmesan cheese in an airtight container or freezer bag. Grate the Parmesan before freezing for best results. Shredded Parmesan cheese can last for three to six months, while a wedge of Parmesan cheese will stay in the freezer for over a year. You can use shredded frozen cheese straight from the freezer, but be sure to break up any clumps before use. Allow a wedge of frozen Parmesan cheese to defrost at room temperature for about ten minutes before using it.
The shelf life of Parmesan cheese depends on its maturation. Parmigiano Reggiano with a maturation of 12-18 months and higher moisture content can be kept for about 15 days. Parmigiano Reggiano with a maturation of 24 months or more can be kept for about a month. An opened chunk of Parmesan cheese will typically remain safe to use for about four to six weeks, even if the "sell-by" or "best-by" date on the package expires.
Signs of Spoilage:
- Mold: If your Parmesan cheese has mold on it, cut away at least one inch around and below the moldy area. Be sure not to touch the mold with the knife. If mold appears in shredded, sliced, or crumbled Parmesan cheese, discard the entire package.
- Rancidity: Fat in the cheese can go rancid, causing the cheese to develop an off-flavour.
- Colour change: If the colour of the cheese changes, it may be a sign of spoilage.
- Smell: If the cheese smells bad, it is likely spoiled.
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What is the shelf life of parmesan cheese?
Parmesan cheese is a hard, aged cheese with a relatively long shelf life, especially when stored properly. An unopened package of Parmesan cheese can last several months beyond the expiration date, as long as it has been stored properly.
Once a package of Parmesan cheese is opened, its shelf life depends on factors such as how well it is sealed and stored. A block of Parmesan cheese will last for about 4 to 6 weeks in the refrigerator. If stored properly, an opened chunk of Parmesan cheese will remain safe to use for about 6 weeks, even if the "sell-by" or "best-by" date on the package expires.
If stored properly, shredded Parmesan cheese can last for three to six months in the freezer, while a wedge of Parmesan cheese will stay in the freezer for over a year. A container of grated Parmesan cheese will last about one week in the refrigerator.
It is important to note that Parmesan cheese should be stored in the refrigerator at temperatures below 40°F (4°C). Ensure the cheese is well-sealed to prevent it from drying out or absorbing odours from the refrigerator. If you notice mould on the surface of hard cheeses like Parmesan, it is generally safe to cut off the affected portion, and the rest of the cheese should still be usable.
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Frequently asked questions
Parmesan cheese has a long shelf life and can last for several weeks to months when stored in the refrigerator under the right conditions. If the cheese is unopened and in its original packaging, it can last for several months beyond the expiration date. Once opened, its shelf life depends on factors such as sealing and storage.
Store the cheese in a glass or plastic container, or in cling wrap. Always store it in the refrigerator, and keep it away from other food to prevent it from absorbing other smells.
Parmesan cheese is resistant to spoilage due to its low moisture content, which inhibits the growth of bacteria and mould. However, if you notice visible mould growth that cannot be cut off, off-putting odours, or changes in texture such as excessive dryness or an oily film, your Parmesan cheese has likely gone bad.
If you notice surface mould on hard cheeses like Parmesan, it is generally safe to cut off the affected portion and consume the rest of the cheese. However, always use your judgment and inspect the cheese closely for any noticeable changes in colour, texture, or smell to determine if it is still suitable for consumption.
