Randy Chandler
Parmesan cheese is a dry, hard cheese with a long shelf life, especially when stored properly. When refrigerated and unopened, Parmesan can last for several months beyond its expiration date. Once opened, Parmesan is typically safe to use for about six weeks, even if the sell-by or best-by date has passed. However, some sources suggest that Parmesan can be safely consumed up to three months past the package date. Proper storage is crucial, as Parmesan is susceptible to drying out or absorbing refrigerator odours. Grated Parmesan may have a shorter shelf life than blocks or wheels, but it can still be safe to consume beyond its expiration date, especially if stored in an airtight container. While Parmesan can be safe to consume past its expiration date, mouldy cheese should be avoided, and caution should be exercised if the cheese has developed an off-flavour or unpleasant odour.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Shelf life of unopened Parmesan | Several months beyond the expiration date if stored properly |
| Shelf life of opened Parmesan | 4-8 weeks |
| Shelf life of grated Parmesan | Shorter than a block or wheel of Parmesan |
| Storage temperature | Below 40°F (4°C) |
| Storage container | Airtight container or resealable bag |
| Signs of spoilage | Mould growth, off odours, changes in texture, colour, or taste |
| Effect of mould | Generally safe to cut off the affected portion |
| Freezing | Can be frozen without risk of freezer burn |
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What You'll Learn
Parmesan cheese can be frozen
Parmesan cheese is a hard cheese with a long shelf life. It can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer to prolong its shelf life. When storing Parmesan cheese in the refrigerator, it is important to seal it properly to prevent it from drying out or absorbing odours. Grated or shredded Parmesan should be stored in an airtight container or vacuum-sealed bag to extend its shelf life.
Parmesan cheese can also be frozen to prolong its shelf life even further. To freeze Parmesan cheese, wrap the cheese wedge in parchment paper, cheesecloth, cheese paper, or wax paper. Then, place the wrapped cheese in an airtight container or freezer bag and store it in the freezer. This will help prevent condensation and keep the cheese from drying out.
It is important to note that freezing Parmesan cheese may affect its texture and flavour. Some people choose to freeze Parmesan cheese to extend its shelf life, while others prefer to consume it fresh to enjoy its optimal quality and flavour.
When thawing frozen Parmesan cheese, it is important to do so gradually and safely. Place the frozen cheese in the refrigerator overnight to allow it to thaw slowly. Once thawed, it is best to consume the cheese within a few days to ensure optimal quality and flavour.
By properly storing Parmesan cheese in the freezer, individuals can extend the shelf life of this popular cheese and enjoy its flavourful addition to their favourite dishes for a longer period.
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How to store Parmesan cheese
Parmesan cheese is a hard cheese with a lengthy aging process of a minimum of two years and occasionally more than four. 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.
Firstly, it is important to note that Parmesan should be stored in the refrigerator at temperatures below 40°F (4°C). If you've purchased a vacuum-packed Parmigiano Reggiano, it can be stored in the refrigerator at a temperature ranging from 4 to 8°C. It is important to make sure that the package is sealed and tight, and not exposed to the air.
Secondly, Parmesan cheese needs to breathe to prevent condensation. You can wrap a wedge of Parmesan cheese in parchment paper, cheesecloth, cheese paper, wax paper, or wax cloth wrap. Cover the cheese block in plastic wrap or aluminium foil to prevent it from soaking up smells in the refrigerator.
Thirdly, for grated or shredded Parmesan, it is recommended to use a vacuum-sealed bag or an airtight container with a tight lid to extend its shelf life.
Finally, you can also freeze Parmesan cheese in an airtight container or freezer bag. A wedge of Parmesan cheese will stay in the freezer for over a year.
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Parmesan cheese's shelf life
Parmesan cheese can last for a long time, especially when stored properly. Unopened Parmesan in its original packaging can last for several months beyond the expiration date if stored at the right temperature. Opened Parmesan should be stored in an airtight container or resealable bag in the refrigerator, preferably in the crisper drawer, to extend its shelf life.
Hard cheeses like Parmesan have a longer shelf life than soft cheeses, and proper storage is crucial to maintaining their flavour and texture. Parmesan should be kept refrigerated at temperatures below 40°F (4°C). It can also be frozen, either as a block or grated and stored in an airtight container or freezer bag. Frozen Parmesan will maintain its best quality for about 12 to 18 months but will remain safe to eat indefinitely if kept at a constant 0°F.
Once defrosted, Parmesan can be kept in the refrigerator for an additional 3 to 4 days. However, frozen cheese may become crumbly and lose some of its flavour, making it better suited for cooked dishes like sauces, soups, and casseroles.
The shelf life of grated Parmesan is shorter than that of a block or wheel. Grated Parmesan should be checked for signs of spoilage, such as a spongy texture and an off-putting smell. If mould is present, it is best to discard the entire package unless it is a block of cheese, where the mouldy part can be cut off and the rest of the cheese can still be used.
Overall, Parmesan cheese has a relatively long shelf life, especially when stored properly, and can be frozen to extend its shelf life even further.
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Eating expired Parmesan cheese
Secondly, it's important to inspect the cheese for any signs of spoilage, such as mould growth, off odours, or changes in texture. If there is mould on the surface, it is generally safe to cut off the affected portion and consume the rest of the cheese. However, with pre-grated cheese, the entire container may be contaminated once mould is spotted.
Additionally, the expiration date of Parmesan cheese is often conservative, and the cheese can last much longer if stored properly. Hard cheeses like Parmesan have a very low water content, which prolongs their shelf life. However, it's important to use your judgment and consider the specific storage conditions and the appearance, smell, and taste of the cheese.
While consuming expired Parmesan cheese may not always lead to adverse effects, there is a risk of foodborne illness if the cheese is contaminated. Spoiled cheese may emit a toxic ammonia-like odour, taste unpleasant, or cause a tingling or burning sensation in the mouth. In rare cases, mould on cheese can lead to an allergic reaction, resulting in respiratory problems. Therefore, it is essential to exercise caution and discard the cheese if there are any concerns about its quality.
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Grated Parmesan cheese's shelf life
Parmesan cheese is a hard cheese with a low water content, which means that its shelf life is often longer than its expiry date. If stored properly, it can last for several months beyond the expiration date. Once opened, Parmesan should be stored in an airtight container or resealable bag in the refrigerator to extend its shelf life. It should be kept at a temperature below 5°C to prevent the cheese from clumping or bacteria from growing.
Grated Parmesan cheese has a shorter shelf life than a block or wheel of Parmesan. This is because the packaging encourages moisture, which increases the likelihood of clumping and bacteria growth. To prevent this, it is recommended to buy freshly grated Parmesan or grate it yourself as needed. When storing grated Parmesan, it is best to use an airtight container to ensure that moisture cannot get to the cheese.
To further extend the shelf life of grated Parmesan, cornstarch can be added to absorb any moisture. However, it is recommended to use grated Parmesan within two weeks of storing it, as it will taste best and be least likely to clump during this time.
Signs of spoilage in Parmesan cheese include mould growth, off odours, or changes in texture or colour. If mould is present, it is generally safe to cut off the affected portion and use the rest of the cheese.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Parmesan cheese can be consumed past its expiration date, especially if it has been stored properly. If unopened and in its original packaging, it can last for several months beyond the expiration date. Once opened, it can be safe to consume for about 6 weeks.
Parmesan cheese is a dry, hard cheese with very low water content. This means that it has a longer shelf life compared to other cheeses. However, old Parmesan may develop mould, lose flavour, or become drier. If mouldy, simply cut off the mouldy parts if it is in a block. If it is pre-grated, do not consume it as the entire product may be contaminated.
To extend the shelf life of Parmesan cheese, store it in an airtight container or resealable bag in the refrigerator at temperatures below 40°F (4°C). Ensure that the cheese is well-sealed to prevent it from drying out or absorbing odours from the refrigerator.
