Frederic Melton
Parmesan cheese is a beloved dairy product that is often used to enhance the flavor of many dishes. Given its hard texture and low moisture content, Parmesan has a longer shelf life compared to softer cheeses. But what happens when this cheese gets warm? Does it need to be refrigerated to maintain its quality and freshness? The answer is yes, Parmesan cheese should be refrigerated even after getting warm. While its low moisture content slows spoilage, proper storage is crucial to prolong its shelf life and preserve its quality.
Should Parmesan Cheese Be Refrigerated After Getting Warm?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Refrigeration | Parmesan cheese should be refrigerated to prolong its shelf life. |
| Refrigeration Temperature | Parmesan should be stored in the refrigerator at temperatures below 40°F (4°C). |
| Refrigerator Placement | Parmesan should not be stored in the cheese drawer, as it is usually located close to the refrigeration vents, which dry the cheese out. Instead, it should be stored in the crisper drawer. |
| Refrigeration Duration | Parmesan cheese can be kept at room temperature for up to one hour, according to Kraft. However, most cheeses should only be left at room temperature for two hours. |
| Packaging | Parmesan cheese should be well-sealed to prevent it from drying out or absorbing odours from the refrigerator. |
| Freezing | Parmesan cheese can be frozen in an airtight container or freezer bag to extend its shelf life. |
| Shelf Life | A whole, unopened block of Parmesan can last seven to nine months in the refrigerator. An opened block will last one to two months. Grated Parmesan has a shelf life of about one week in the refrigerator. |
| Mould | If mould is noticed on Parmesan cheese, it is generally safe to cut off the affected portion and use the rest. |
| Flavour | For the best flavour, Parmesan cheese should be allowed to come to room temperature before consumption. |
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What You'll Learn
Parmesan cheese should be refrigerated at a temperature below 40°F
Parmesan cheese is a hard cheese with a long shelf life, especially when stored correctly. To maintain its quality and freshness, it is essential to refrigerate Parmesan cheese at the right temperature.
The optimal temperature for storing Parmesan cheese is below 40°F (4°C). Refrigeration helps prolong the shelf life of Parmesan cheese, preventing spoilage and preserving its flavour and texture. At temperatures above 40°F, Parmesan cheese is more susceptible to bacterial growth and quality deterioration.
When storing Parmesan cheese in the refrigerator, ensure that it is well-sealed. Proper sealing prevents the cheese from drying out and protects it from absorbing odours from other foods in the refrigerator. It is recommended to wrap a wedge of Parmesan cheese in parchment paper, cheesecloth, cheese paper, or wax paper. Alternatively, you can cover the cheese block in plastic wrap or aluminium foil. For grated Parmesan cheese, it is best to use an airtight container or resealable bag to maintain freshness and prevent clumping.
The crisper drawer in the refrigerator is the ideal location for storing Parmesan cheese. This drawer is usually located away from the refrigeration vents, preventing the cheese from drying out. By following these storage guidelines, a whole, unopened block of Parmesan cheese can last up to nine months in the refrigerator, while an opened block can stay fresh for one to two months. Grated Parmesan cheese has a shorter shelf life, lasting about one week when refrigerated.
In summary, to maintain the freshness and quality of Parmesan cheese, it is crucial to refrigerate it at a temperature below 40°F. Proper sealing and storage in the crisper drawer will help extend the shelf life and preserve the flavour and texture of this delicious cheese.
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The shelf life of Parmesan cheese
Parmesan cheese has a relatively long shelf life, but this depends on how it is stored and whether it is freshly grated, pre-grated, or in a whole block.
If stored properly, Parmesan can last for several weeks to months in the refrigerator. Unopened and in its original packaging, Parmesan can last for several months beyond its expiration date. Once opened, its shelf life depends on how well it is sealed and stored. To extend the shelf life of opened Parmesan, it should be stored in an airtight container or resealable bag in the refrigerator. Parmesan should be kept at temperatures between 34°F and 40°F (1°C to 4°C). It should be well-sealed to prevent it from drying out or absorbing odours from the refrigerator.
Freshly grated Parmesan has a shorter shelf life than whole Parmesan due to its greater surface area, which is exposed to potential contaminants and air, accelerating spoilage. Freshly grated Parmesan can last in the refrigerator for about 5 to 7 days. To extend its freshness, it should be stored in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag to minimise exposure to air and moisture. It should be kept in the coldest part of the refrigerator, usually at the back, away from the door. A clean utensil should be used each time to avoid introducing bacteria.
There are several signs to look out for to spot when Parmesan cheese has gone bad. These include mould, a sour or unpleasant smell, a slimy or harder texture than usual, and an off taste. While hard cheeses like Parmesan can have surface mould trimmed off, widespread mould suggests it should be discarded.
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How to wrap Parmesan cheese before refrigeration
Parmesan cheese should be refrigerated to keep it fresh and preserve its quality. It is best to store it in the refrigerator at a temperature of around 35°F/4°C. If you're refrigerating Parmesan cheese, it's better to store it in the crisper drawer, as the cheese drawer is usually located close to the refrigeration vents, which can dry out the cheese.
To wrap Parmesan cheese before refrigeration, you can follow these steps:
- Cover the cheese block: Use plastic wrap or aluminium foil to cover the cheese block. This will prevent the cheese from drying out and protect it from absorbing other smells in the refrigerator.
- Place it in a ziplock bag: Loosely place the wrapped cheese inside a ziplock bag. The bag creates a microenvironment that further helps maintain humidity and prevents the cheese from drying out.
- Store it in the crisper drawer: Place the ziplock bag with the wrapped cheese in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator. This drawer is usually located at the bottom of your fridge and provides a more humid environment, which is beneficial for cheese storage.
- Maintain the temperature: Ensure that your refrigerator is set to the recommended temperature for cheese storage, around 35°F/4°C. This will help keep the cheese fresh and extend its shelf life.
- Unwrap and "face" the cheese periodically: Every few days, unwrap the cheese and use the back of a knife to gently scrape the cut surface. This process, known as "facing," helps extend the life of the cheese by reducing the risk of mould and maintaining its freshness.
By following these steps, you can effectively wrap and store Parmesan cheese in the refrigerator, ensuring that it remains fresh and flavourful for a longer period.
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Parmesan cheese and mould
Parmesan cheese is a hard, salty cheese with a lower moisture content than other types of cheese. This means that microorganisms and mould are less active on Parmesan than on softer cheeses. However, mould can still grow on Parmesan cheese, especially if it is stored incorrectly.
Mould grows roots, like a houseplant, and the fuzzy stuff you see growing on the exterior might have little tendrils that go deep into the cheese. The general rule is that if you can see mould on your cheese, it's best to throw it away. However, some people suggest that if you see mould on a hard cheese like Parmesan, you can cut off the mouldy part and eat the rest. This is because the mould is less likely to have penetrated deep into the cheese. If you choose to do this, it is important to cut off a generous amount of cheese around the mould to ensure that all the roots are removed. You can then rinse the cheese with warm salty water to wash off any remaining mould spores and dry it before wrapping it and storing it in the freezer.
It is important to note that mould can be dangerous, and consuming mouldy food can be harmful to your health. Some types of mould produce toxic compounds that can make you very ill. Therefore, it is always safest to throw away mouldy cheese, especially if you are unsure about the type of mould or if the cheese is soft.
To prevent mould from growing on your Parmesan cheese, it is important to store it correctly. Parmesan cheese should be stored in the refrigerator at a temperature of around 40 degrees Fahrenheit. It is best to keep Parmesan in a crisper drawer, rather than the cheese drawer, as the cheese drawer is often located close to the refrigeration vents, which can dry out the cheese. You can keep Parmesan at room temperature for up to one hour before eating, which can improve the flavour and texture. However, it should not be left out for longer than this, as this can increase the risk of mould growth.
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The best way to store Parmesan cheese
Parmesan cheese is a hard cheese with a relatively long shelf life, especially when stored correctly. The best way to store Parmesan cheese is to wrap it first and then place it in the refrigerator. Wrapping the cheese helps to prevent moisture, which can cause spoilage. You can wrap a wedge of Parmesan cheese in parchment paper, cheesecloth, cheese paper, or wax paper. It is also possible to cover the cheese block in plastic wrap or aluminium foil to prevent it from drying out and absorbing odours from the refrigerator. However, it is not recommended to store Parmesan in the cheese drawer, as this is usually located close to the refrigeration vents, which can dry the cheese out. Instead, it is better to store wrapped Parmesan in the crisper drawer.
Once the cheese is wrapped, it should be placed in the refrigerator. Parmesan cheese should be stored in the refrigerator at temperatures below 40°F (4°C). An unopened block of Parmesan cheese can be stored in the refrigerator for seven to nine months. An opened block of Parmesan cheese will last in the fridge for up to two months. To extend the shelf life of opened Parmesan, it should be stored in an airtight container or resealable bag in the refrigerator.
Grated Parmesan cheese should also be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Kraft advises storing grated Parmesan in the refrigerator at a normal temperature of 40°F and keeping it at room temperature for no more than one hour. This is because grated Parmesan has a shorter shelf life than a block of Parmesan due to its higher surface area.
It is also possible to freeze Parmesan cheese to prolong its shelf life even further. Freezing Parmesan cheese can be done in an airtight container or freezer bag.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, parmesan cheese should be refrigerated to prolong its shelf life. An unopened block of parmesan can be stored in a refrigerator for seven to nine months, while an opened block can be stored for one to two months.
To store parmesan cheese in the refrigerator, wrap the cheese in plastic wrap or aluminium foil to prevent it from drying out and absorbing odours. Place the wrapped cheese in a crisper drawer.
Grated parmesan cheese should be left at room temperature for no more than one hour. It should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will last for about one week.
If you notice mould on the surface of parmesan cheese, it is generally safe to cut off the affected portion and use the rest of the cheese. However, if there are noticeable changes in colour, texture, or smell, it is advisable to inspect the cheese closely and determine if it is still suitable for consumption.
Yes, for the best parmesan-eating experience, it is recommended to let the cheese come to room temperature first to bring back the flavours.
