Bushra Griffith
Parmesan cheese is a hard, aged cheese with a lengthy shelf life. Its unique characteristics and production process make it resistant to spoilage, but it is still perishable. Proper storage is essential to preserving its flavour and texture, and understanding the signs of spoilage is crucial to ensure safe consumption. This topic will explore the factors that influence the perishability of Parmesan cheese and provide insights into optimal storage practices to prolong its freshness and quality.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Shelf life | Parmesan cheese has a long shelf life due to its low moisture content and high salt content, which inhibits the growth of spoilage-causing microorganisms. An unopened block can last up to six to nine months, while an opened block can last one to two months. Grated Parmesan in an airtight container will last about a week. |
| Storage | Parmesan should be stored in the refrigerator at temperatures below 40°F (4°C). It can be wrapped in parchment paper, cheesecloth, or wax paper, and placed in an airtight container or resealable bag to extend its shelf life. Proper storage is essential to maintaining the flavor and texture of the cheese. |
| Spoilage | Signs of spoilage include mould growth, off-odors, discoloration, and changes in texture (such as excessive dryness or an oily film). If mould is present, it is generally safe to cut off the affected portion and consume the remaining cheese. |
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What You'll Learn
How to store Parmesan cheese
Parmesan cheese is a hard, aged cheese with a lengthy aging process of a minimum of one year and occasionally more than four. Its long shelf life is due to its low moisture content and high salt content, which make it resistant to spoilage.
When storing Parmesan cheese, it is important to prevent moisture accumulation, which can cause spoilage, and to keep the cheese well-sealed to prevent it from drying out or absorbing odours from the refrigerator.
- Wrap the cheese: Parmesan cheese should be wrapped in parchment paper, cheesecloth/cheese paper, wax paper, or a wax cloth wrap. These materials allow the cheese to breathe while also protecting it from excess moisture.
- Store in an airtight container: Place the wrapped cheese in an airtight container or resealable bag to protect it from moisture and odours.
- Refrigerate: Store the Parmesan cheese in the refrigerator at a temperature below 40°F (4°C). The cheese should be placed in the crisper drawer to ensure optimal temperature control.
- Freeze: If you want to extend the shelf life of Parmesan cheese even further, you can freeze it. Place the cheese in an airtight container or freezer bag and store it in the freezer. Shredded Parmesan cheese can last for three to six months in the freezer, while a wedge of Parmesan cheese will stay fresh for over a year.
By following these storage methods, you can prolong the shelf life of Parmesan cheese and enjoy its rich, nutty flavour for months.
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How long does Parmesan cheese last in the fridge?
Parmesan cheese is a hard, aged cheese with a long shelf life. The aging process results in a cheese with very low moisture content, which is crucial to its impressive shelf life. With less moisture available, bacteria and mould have fewer opportunities to thrive, and the cheese stays fresh for longer. The salt content in Parmesan also acts as a preservative, inhibiting the growth of spoilage-causing microorganisms.
An unopened block of Parmesan cheese can last for six to eight months or even longer when stored in optimal conditions, such as a cool, dry place, or the refrigerator. It is important to keep the cheese well-sealed to prevent it from drying out or absorbing odours from the refrigerator.
Once opened, a block of Parmesan cheese can last anywhere from two to four months or more, provided it is properly stored. Wrapping it tightly and storing it in an airtight container will help maintain its quality. Grated Parmesan cheese has a slightly shorter shelf life due to increased surface area exposure. An unopened container can last for about two to four months, while an opened one may last for several weeks if well-sealed and refrigerated.
It is important to be vigilant for signs of spoilage. If mould growth extends beyond surface cleaning, or if there are off-putting odours, excessive dryness, or the development of an oily film, it is time to discard the cheese.
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Signs of spoilage
Parmesan cheese is a hard, aged cheese with a lengthy aging process, typically aged for 12 months or more, and sometimes even up to 36 months. The aging process results in a cheese with very low moisture content, which is crucial to its long shelf life. The salt content in Parmesan also acts as a preservative, inhibiting the growth of spoilage-causing microorganisms.
However, Parmesan cheese can still spoil, and it's important to be vigilant for signs of spoilage. Here are some indicators that your Parmesan cheese may have gone bad:
- Mold growth: If you notice mold on the surface of hard cheeses like Parmesan, it is generally safe to cut off the affected portion. However, with pre-grated cheese, the whole container is suspect once mold is spotted.
- Off-putting odors: A sour or rancid smell can indicate that your Parmesan has spoiled.
- Changes in texture: Excessive dryness or the development of an oily film on your Parmesan cheese is a sign of spoilage.
- Discoloration: Parmesan cheese turning yellow or exhibiting any noticeable changes in colour may indicate spoilage.
To extend the shelf life of your Parmesan cheese, proper storage is essential. Store grated Parmesan in an airtight container in the refrigerator at temperatures below 40°F (4°C). For blocks of Parmesan, wrap the cheese in parchment paper, cheesecloth, cheese paper, or wax paper to prevent condensation and allow the cheese to breathe.
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Parmesan cheese shelf life in a pantry
Parmesan cheese is a hard, aged cheese with a low moisture content and high salt content, which gives it a longer shelf life compared to other softer cheeses. An unopened block of Parmesan cheese can be stored in a cool, dry pantry for up to six to eight months. However, once the cheese is exposed to air, its shelf life decreases. Therefore, it is recommended to store opened Parmesan cheese in an airtight container or resealable bag in the refrigerator, where it can last for several weeks to months.
The shelf life of Parmesan cheese in a pantry is significantly shorter than when it is stored in a refrigerator. Opened Parmesan cheese stored in a pantry is more susceptible to spoilage due to factors such as air exposure, temperature, and humidity. The cheese will begin to lose its moisture and develop an oily film, and it may also absorb odours from its surroundings. Therefore, it is generally recommended to store opened Parmesan cheese in the refrigerator to extend its shelf life.
When storing Parmesan cheese in a pantry, it is important to ensure that it is well-sealed and protected from moisture and odours. If the cheese is exposed to air, it will begin to dry out and its texture will change. Additionally, the high salt content of Parmesan cheese can attract moisture, leading to the development of mould. Therefore, it is advisable to store opened Parmesan cheese in an airtight container or resealable bag to minimise air exposure and prevent moisture absorption.
The shelf life of Parmesan cheese in a pantry also depends on the type of cheese. Grated or shredded Parmesan cheese has a higher surface area exposed to air, which increases the risk of spoilage. Therefore, grated or shredded Parmesan cheese should be consumed within a few weeks of opening, even when stored in a pantry. Additionally, the quality of the cheese may deteriorate faster in a pantry compared to refrigeration, resulting in a loss of flavour and texture.
Overall, while Parmesan cheese can be stored in a pantry, its shelf life is significantly shorter compared to refrigeration. To ensure the optimal quality and flavour of the cheese, it is recommended to store opened Parmesan cheese in a refrigerator, where it can last for several weeks to months. However, when stored in a cool, dry pantry, opened Parmesan cheese can still be enjoyed for a shorter period, depending on the level of exposure to air and the surrounding conditions.
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Parmesan cheese and bacteria
Parmesan cheese is a hard, aged cheese with a long shelf life. Its ageing process, which typically lasts for 12 months or more, results in a cheese with very low moisture content. This low moisture content is a crucial factor in its impressive shelf life, as there is less moisture available for bacteria and mould to thrive on. The salt content in Parmesan cheese also acts as a preservative, inhibiting the growth of spoilage-causing microorganisms.
However, it's important to note that Parmesan cheese is not entirely impervious to bacteria and spoilage. While harder cheeses can withstand bacteria longer than softer cheeses due to their drier texture, Parmesan cheese can still be susceptible to mould and bacterial growth if not stored properly. It is recommended to store Parmesan cheese in the refrigerator at temperatures below 40°F (4°C), well-sealed to prevent it from drying out or absorbing odours.
The microbial communities in Parmesan cheese have been the subject of various studies. Research has confirmed the presence of microorganisms derived from cattle gut, milk, and the nearby environment in the final Parmesan cheese product. These microorganisms can potentially colonize the human gut upon consumption of the cheese. The bacterial transmission occurs along the production chain of Parmesan cheese, from the bovine gut and milk to the final cheese product available to consumers.
The production of Parmesan cheese involves the use of thermophilic bacteria due to the high temperatures used during the process. The milk is cooked at high temperatures, and after the addition of culture, it is brought to the renneting temperature (30–35°C). Rennet, a natural enzyme derived from the cow stomach, is then added to coagulate the milk. Parmesan cheese is also characterised by a high level of lipolysis, which contributes to its distinct aroma and flavour.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Parmesan cheese is perishable and can go bad. However, due to its low moisture content, high salt content, and long aging process, it has a longer shelf life than other cheeses.
An unopened package of Parmesan cheese can last several months beyond the expiration date if stored properly. Once opened, a block of Parmesan will last one to two months, while grated Parmesan will last about a week.
Signs of spoilage in Parmesan cheese include mould growth, off-putting odours, discolouration, changes in texture (such as excessive dryness or the development of an oily film), and the presence of moisture. If any of these signs are present, it is best to discard the cheese.
