Andy Montoya
Parmesan rinds are the hardened outer edges of a wheel of Parmesan cheese. They are formed naturally during the cheesemaking process as the exterior of the cheese dries out and hardens. While they are technically edible, their tough texture makes them difficult to slice or grate. However, they are packed with rich, umami flavour and can be added to dishes like soups, stocks, sauces, and risottos to enhance their taste.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Edibility | Parmesan rinds are edible |
| Texture | Hard, tough, dried out |
| Composition | Hardened cheese, no wax or other sealants |
| Flavor | Rich, nutty, salty, earthy, sweet |
| Use | Added to dishes like soups, sauces, risottos, beans, stocks |
| Storage | Stored in the freezer in a zip-top bag for up to 6 months to a year |
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What You'll Learn
Parmesan rinds are edible
Parmesan rinds can be identified by the stamped-on lettering on the real deal Parmigiano-Reggiano. They do not contain any wax or other sealants, which means that they are perfectly fine to eat. However, their toughened texture makes them difficult to slice or grate, so cooking them is recommended to unlock their flavour.
To use Parmesan rinds in cooking, throw a chunk of rind into a pot of broth, soup, or stock and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes or up to several hours. The longer it cooks, the more flavour it will impart. The rind will become malleable in the heat but won't disintegrate, so be sure to remove it from the pot before serving. You can also cut the softened rind into smaller pieces and stir them back into the dish to enjoy as tiny Parmesan dumplings.
You can store Parmesan rinds in a zip-top bag in the freezer for up to 6 months to a year. They will stay good practically indefinitely and can be a great way to add flavour to your dishes without having to buy more cheese. Some grocery stores and cheese shops even sell Parmesan rinds, so you can buy them pre-saved if you don't have any leftover rinds at home.
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They can be added to soups, sauces, and risottos
Parmesan rinds are packed with rich, umami flavour and can be used to enrich soups, sauces, and risottos. They are formed naturally during the cheese-making process and are simply dried cheese that hardens on the exterior of the wheel as it ages.
The rind is a protective layer that develops on the outside of the cheese wheel as it ages. While it is technically edible, it can become too hard and tough to chew. However, it is a great way to add flavour to dishes without overpowering them. When cooking with Parmesan rinds, it is best to let them simmer for at least 30 minutes to a few hours to unlock their full flavour.
When adding Parmesan rinds to soups, simply drop one or two rinds into a pot of simmering soup and let the gentle heat do the rest. You can also add them to broths and stocks for a subtle burst of cheesiness. Parmesan rinds are also a great addition to sauces, especially those that cook low and slow, such as Bolognese or marinara.
For risotto, add the Parmesan rinds after the dish is halfway done cooking and let it simmer as you stir and add more broth. This will give your risotto a richer, cheesier flavour. Remember to remove the rinds before serving, as they are meant to add flavour to the dish rather than being eaten whole.
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They can be stored in the freezer
Parmesan cheese is a hard, low-moisture cheese with a relatively long shelf life. The original Parmigiano Reggiano was formulated in the Middle Ages with longevity in mind so that the cheese could be preserved for extended periods. Even now, a sealed block of Parmesan can last for about nine months. Once opened, it needs to be protected from changes in humidity and temperature by keeping it refrigerated.
The quality and flavour of Parmesan cheese are best when it's fresh. However, you can store it in the refrigerator or freezer to prolong its shelf life. To store Parmesan cheese in the freezer, wrap the cheese in parchment paper, cheesecloth/cheese paper, or wax paper. Then, place it in an airtight container or freezer bag. You can also vacuum seal the cheese to help retain its flavour. A wedge of Parmesan cheese will stay in the freezer for over a year, and shredded Parmesan cheese can last for three to six months.
You can also store leftover Parmesan rinds in the freezer. The rind is often thrown away, but it can be used to add flavour to dishes. You can throw the rind into broths and stocks to add a burst of rich cheesiness. It will soften and release flavour, and then you can discard it before serving. Parmesan rinds can be stored in the freezer for up to six months.
While freezing can prolong the shelf life of Parmesan cheese, it can also affect the texture, making it crumbly and dry. Therefore, it is not recommended to freeze Parmesan if you plan on eating it raw. Instead, it is better suited for cooking and melting into dishes where the texture is less crucial.
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They are formed naturally during the cheesemaking process
Parmesan rinds are formed naturally during the cheesemaking process. They are the hardened outer edges of the wheel, which, in the case of real Parmigiano-Reggiano, can be identified by the stamped-on lettering. The rind of Parmesan cheese is a natural part of the cheese-making process. It doesn't contain any wax or other sealants. It's just the edge of the cheese that dries out and hardens over time as it ages in temperature- and humidity-controlled rooms.
The rind is a protective layer that develops on the outside of the cheese wheel as it ages. While it is edible, it can become too hard and tough to chew. However, Parmigiano-Reggiano rinds are packed full of flavour and can be used to enrich sauces, soups, stews, broths, and more.
You can keep a stash of Parmesan rinds in a ziplock bag in your freezer for up to a year. They will last for a few months in a zipper-lock bag in the fridge, but they can also be stored in the freezer, where they will last practically indefinitely.
To use, simply drop a Parmesan rind or two into a pot of simmering soup, bolognese, tomato sauce, risotto, or beans. You can also make Parmesan broth, a satisfying vegetarian alternative to use in place of chicken or vegetable broth in recipes.
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They can be purchased from some retailers
Parmesan cheese rinds are packed full of flavour and can be used to enrich sauces, soups, stews, and more. While some people save the rinds from their own parmesan cheese blocks, others opt to buy them from retailers.
Some retailers, such as Whole Foods, sell parmesan rinds individually, usually cut from the big parm wheels they use for adding to soups. You may also be able to purchase parmesan rinds from your local grocery store or cheesemonger, although availability may vary. If you're lucky enough to have any small Italian markets or delis nearby, they might also be worth checking out.
Online retailers, such as Amazon, also offer parmesan rinds for purchase. These are often sold in packs of multiple rinds and may be eligible for free shipping if you spend over a certain amount.
When purchasing parmesan rinds, keep in mind that they are meant to be added to dishes for flavour and should be removed before serving. While they are edible, they can become too hard and tough to chew due to the aging process that forms the protective layer of the rind.
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Frequently asked questions
Parmesan cheese rind is the hardened outer edge of the wheel. It is formed naturally during the cheesemaking process as the exterior slowly dries out and hardens over time.
Parmesan cheese rind, in the case of real Parmigiano-Reggiano, can be identified by the stamped-on lettering on the rind.
Yes, Parmesan cheese rinds are edible. However, they can become too hard and tough to chew.
Parmesan cheese rinds are packed with flavour and can be used to enrich sauces, soups, stews, broths, beans, grains, and more.
Parmesan cheese rinds can be stored in a zip-top bag in the freezer for up to 6 months to a year.
