Patrick Oconnell
Packaged Parmesan cheese is a convenient way to store this popular Italian hard cheese. It has a long shelf life, but the question remains: is it bad for you? Proper storage is essential for keeping Parmesan cheese fresh, and while it is a dry, hard cheese with a low water content, it can still go bad. Pre-grated Parmesan cheese, for example, exposes more of the cheese to air, causing it to deteriorate faster. Additionally, commercially packaged pre-grated Parmesan cheese often contains stabilizers and other additives, differing significantly from real, aged Parmesan. Nevertheless, some people opt for store-bought pre-grated Parmesan for its convenience and flavour enhancement in various dishes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Storing packaged Parmesan cheese | The fridge is the best place to store packaged Parmesan cheese, particularly in the crisper drawer. |
| Freezing packaged Parmesan cheese | Parmesan cheese can be frozen in a freezer bag. |
| Spoilage | Spoiled Parmesan cheese will change colour from light to dark, develop a harder texture, and may have green mould on the surface. |
| Pre-grated Parmesan cheese | Pre-grated Parmesan cheese is convenient and can enhance the flavour of dishes. However, commercially packaged pre-grated Parmesan may contain stabilizers and other additives, differing from real, aged Parmesan cheese. |
| Mould | For hard cheeses, it is recommended to cut off mouldy parts and consume the remaining cheese. However, with ground cheese, the entire product is suspect once mould is spotted. |
| Expiry | Parmesan cheese can often be safely consumed beyond its expiry date, especially when stored properly. |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Parmesan cheese can be frozen
Parmesan cheese is a hard cheese with a long shelf life. Its low moisture content makes it less prone to "freezer burn", and it can be frozen to prolong its shelf life. However, freezing will result in some loss of flavour.
To freeze Parmesan cheese, wrap it in a paper towel to absorb any moisture, then wrap it in plastic wrap or aluminium foil. Place the wrapped cheese in an airtight container or freezer bag and store it in the freezer. This method will keep the cheese fresh for several months.
Alternatively, you can store Parmesan cheese in the refrigerator to prolong its shelf life. Wrap the cheese in parchment paper, cheesecloth, wax paper, or plastic wrap to prevent it from absorbing other smells in the refrigerator. Place the wrapped cheese in a crisper drawer or a glass or plastic container. A block of opened Parmesan cheese will last in the fridge for up to two months. A whole, unopened block of Parmesan cheese can keep for nine months.
It is important to note that proper storage is essential to prevent spoilage. Always check the best-before date on the package and look for signs of mould or other spoilage. If mould develops, it can be removed with a knife, but it is important to wash your hands and gloves before handling the cheese.
The Laughing Cow Cheese: Does it Ever Go Bad?
You may want to see also
Proper storage is essential
The best place to store Parmesan cheese is in the fridge, preferably in the crisper drawer. Keeping Parmesan in an airtight container in the fridge is ideal. This will help to regulate the moisture levels and prevent the cheese from drying out or becoming too moist, which can lead to mould.
If you have a large amount of Parmesan, you can also freeze it. Freezing cheese can affect its texture, but for a hard cheese like Parmesan, this is less of a concern. Grated Parmesan can be frozen, but it is recommended to use it within three months, as the cheese will continue to deteriorate over time.
It is also important to note that pre-grated Parmesan cheese may contain additives and stabilisers, so it is best to buy a block of Parmesan and grate it yourself as needed. This way, you can ensure the cheese is fresh and free of unwanted ingredients.
Finally, always check the best-before date on the cheese package and inspect the cheese for any signs of spoilage, such as changes in colour, texture, smell, or taste. If you notice any mould, cut off the affected parts and use the rest of the cheese as long as it is still within the best-before date.
Cheese Expiry: What Happens After Opening the Package?
You may want to see also
Parmesan cheese can be purchased pre-grated
Parmesan cheese is a hard, dry cheese with very low water content, which means it has a long shelf life. Proper storage is essential to keeping it fresh for longer. It can be frozen, and it is also safe to cut off any mould that has formed and eat the rest of the cheese.
When buying pre-grated Parmesan, it is important to check the 'best before' date, and to store it correctly to maximise its shelf life. This means keeping it in a cool, dry place.
Some people may prefer to grate their own Parmesan, to ensure the cheese is as fresh as possible, and to avoid the possibility of the pre-grated cheese having been contaminated by mould.
Cheese and Huskies: A Healthy Mix?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Parmesan cheese has a long shelf life
Parmesan cheese is crafted through a meticulous aging process, typically aged for 12 months or more, and sometimes even up to 36 months. This lengthy aging process results in a hard cheese with a very low moisture content, which is a crucial factor in its long shelf life. The low moisture content means there is less moisture available for bacteria and mould to thrive on, allowing Parmesan cheese to resist spoilage for longer than other, softer cheeses.
The salt content in Parmesan cheese also plays a significant role in extending its shelf life. The salt acts as a preservative by inhibiting the growth of spoilage-causing microorganisms. The combination of low moisture and high salt content makes Parmesan cheese a formidable contender against rot, allowing it to stay fresh and flavourful for an extended period.
An unopened block of Parmesan cheese can remain good for up to six to eight months or even longer when stored in optimal conditions, such as a cool, dry place, or the refrigerator. Proper storage is essential to maximising the shelf life of Parmesan cheese. To prevent it from drying out or absorbing odours, Parmesan cheese should be stored in the refrigerator at temperatures below 40°F (4°C) and well-sealed.
Once a package of Parmesan cheese is opened, its shelf life depends on factors such as how well it is sealed and stored. Opened Parmesan cheese should be kept in an airtight container or resealable bag in the refrigerator to extend its shelf life. Grated Parmesan cheese, whether store-bought or grated at home, has a slightly shorter shelf life due to increased surface area exposure. An unopened container of grated Parmesan can last for about two to four months, while an opened one may last for several weeks if well-sealed and refrigerated.
Cheese and Mayo Sandwiches: How Long Do They Last?
You may want to see also
Parmesan cheese can be purchased in stores
Parmesan cheese is a hard, dry cheese with very low water content, which means it has a long shelf life. This also means that it is not prone to "freezer burn". Parmesan cheese can be purchased in stores, either as a block or pre-grated. If you are buying a block of Parmesan, it can be frozen and will last a long time in the freezer. If you notice any mould on a block of Parmesan, it is safe to cut off the mouldy parts and consume the rest of the cheese.
Pre-grated Parmesan cheese sold in stores is convenient and will usually carry a "Best By," "Best Before," or similar date. However, this is not a safety date but rather the manufacturer's estimate of peak quality. The shelf life of grated Parmesan is often far longer than the expiry date, and it can be safely consumed beyond that date, provided it is stored properly and shows no signs of spoilage.
When purchasing pre-grated Parmesan, it is recommended to buy from a store that sells a lot of grated cheese, as this increases the likelihood that the cheese was grated recently. It is also advisable to taste the cheese to ensure it aligns with your expectations of how Parmesan should taste.
Overall, when buying Parmesan cheese in stores, whether in block or grated form, proper storage is essential to maintaining its freshness and quality.
Cheese and French Bulldogs: What You Need to Know
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
It is generally safe to consume packaged Parmesan cheese past its expiration date, as long as it is stored properly. Parmesan is a dry, hard cheese with low moisture content, which means it has a longer shelf life than softer cheeses. However, it's important to inspect the cheese for any signs of spoilage, such as changes in colour, texture, smell, or taste.
Spoiled Parmesan cheese will typically change colour, becoming darker. It may also develop a harder texture and exhibit signs of mould, particularly if it has been exposed to moisture. If the cheese smells or tastes unpleasant, it should be discarded.
Buying block Parmesan cheese and grating it yourself ensures that you know exactly what you're consuming, as pre-grated cheese may contain additives or stabilizers. However, pre-grated Parmesan cheese from a reputable store can be a convenient option if you use a lot of grated Parmesan in your cooking.
To prolong the freshness of packaged Parmesan cheese, it is recommended to store it in an airtight container in the fridge, specifically in the crisper drawer. Parmesan cheese can also be frozen, which can be advantageous if you don't anticipate using it before the expiration date.
