Andy Montoya
Parmesan cheese is a hard cheese with a low water content, which means it can be stored for long periods. The temperature at which Parmesan should be stored depends on the type of Parmesan and the desired length of storage. Generally, Parmesan should be stored at cooler temperatures, with refrigeration being the best choice.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Storage Temperature | 4°C to 8°C |
| Packaging | Vacuum-packed, sealed, and intact |
| Storage Location | Refrigerator |
| Storage Duration | Several months |
| Storage Container | Airtight container, glass or plastic container |
| Wrapping | Parchment paper, cheesecloth/cheese paper, wax paper, plastic wrap, or aluminum foil |
| Storage Duration (Refrigerator) | 2 weeks to 1 month for cut Parmesan, up to 2 months for opened Parmesan, 9 months for unopened Parmesan |
| Storage Duration (Freezer) | 3 to 6 months for shredded Parmesan, over a year for a wedge of Parmesan |
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What You'll Learn
Parmesan cheese should be stored between 4°C and 8°C
Parmesan cheese is a hard cheese with a low water content, which means it can be stored for long periods. However, to ensure the cheese remains fresh and of optimal quality, it should be stored at the correct temperature.
The ideal temperature range for storing Parmesan cheese is between 4°C and 8°C. This temperature range ensures the cheese maintains its aromatic and organoleptic characteristics, such as colour, flavour, and texture. Storing Parmesan at this temperature also helps to extend its shelf life, preventing the growth of mould.
Parmesan cheese should be stored in the refrigerator, specifically in the cheese or vegetable drawer, to maintain the recommended temperature range. It is important to keep the cheese well-sealed and protected from exposure to air to prevent spoilage. Vacuum-packed Parmesan, for example, should be stored in an airtight container or well-sealed packaging in the refrigerator to maintain the ideal temperature and relative humidity.
Additionally, Parmesan cheese should be kept away from other foods with strong smells, as the fatty part of the cheese can absorb these odours. Wrapping the cheese in plastic wrap, aluminium foil, or placing it in an airtight container can help prevent the absorption of other food odours.
By storing Parmesan cheese between 4°C and 8°C, you can preserve its quality, flavour, and texture while extending its shelf life.
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Refrigerate to maintain freshness and quality
Parmesan cheese is a hard cheese with a long shelf life if stored properly. Refrigeration is essential to maintaining freshness and quality. The optimal temperature range for storing Parmesan cheese in the refrigerator is between 4°C and 8°C. This temperature range ensures the cheese retains its aromatic characteristics and stays fresh for a more extended period.
Parmesan cheese can be stored in the refrigerator in several ways to maintain its quality and freshness. Firstly, wrapping the cheese is crucial. Parchment paper, cheesecloth, cheese paper, or wax paper are suitable options for wrapping a wedge of Parmesan cheese. This layer prevents moisture buildup, which can cause spoilage, while still allowing the cheese to breathe. For grated Parmesan, an airtight container is ideal for maintaining freshness.
Once the cheese is wrapped, it should be placed in the refrigerator. Covering the cheese block in plastic wrap or aluminum foil adds an extra layer of protection from odour absorption. The cheese should then be placed in the crisper drawer or a glass or plastic container to maintain optimal temperatures and prevent odour absorption from other foods.
The duration for which Parmesan cheese can be stored in the refrigerator varies depending on the cheese's age. Younger Parmesan, aged between 12 and 15 months, can be kept in the refrigerator for about two weeks. In contrast, more aged Parmesan, 24 months or older, can last up to a month. An unopened, whole block of Parmesan cheese can be stored for up to nine months.
While refrigeration is the best option for maintaining freshness and quality, Parmesan cheese can be frozen as a last resort. Freezing Parmesan cheese can alter its colour, flavour, and texture. However, if properly stored in an airtight container or freezer bag, frozen Parmesan can still be consumed.
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Store in an airtight container or wrapped in paper
Parmesan cheese is a hard cheese with a long shelf life if stored properly. To store Parmesan cheese in an airtight container or wrapped in paper, it is important to control the temperature and humidity to maintain its quality and flavour.
Firstly, it is important to note that Parmesan cheese should be stored at cooler temperatures. While soft cheeses are best stored between 35-45°F (1.7-7.2°C), hard cheeses like Parmesan can be stored at slightly higher temperatures. However, storing cheese at 12°C (53.6°F) is not ideal and may impact its quality. Therefore, it is recommended to store Parmesan cheese at temperatures ranging from 4 to 8°C. At these temperatures, Parmesan cheese can be safely stored for several months, with an unopened block lasting up to nine months.
When storing Parmesan cheese in an airtight container or wrapped in paper, it is crucial to prevent moisture and condensation. Moisture will cause spoilage, so the cheese needs to breathe to prevent condensation. Parchment paper, cheesecloth, cheese paper, or wax paper can be used to wrap a wedge of Parmesan cheese. Grated Parmesan cheese should be stored in an airtight container to maintain freshness and quality.
Additionally, it is important to protect the cheese from absorbing other smells in the refrigerator. Parmesan cheese can be covered in plastic wrap or aluminium foil, and stored in a glass or plastic container. This will help maintain its aromatic characteristics and ensure optimal preservation.
For short periods, Parmesan cheese can be kept at room temperature without suffering any damage. However, it is not recommended to store Parmesan cheese at room temperature for extended periods, as higher temperatures can cause the cheese to ripen too quickly and impact its safety.
By following these temperature and storage guidelines, you can effectively store Parmesan cheese in an airtight container or wrapped in paper, preserving its quality and flavour for several months.
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Vacuum-packed parmesan can be stored for months
Parmesan cheese is a hard cheese with a low water content, which means it can be stored for long periods. Vacuum-packed Parmesan, in particular, can be stored for several months in the refrigerator, provided the package is intact, sealed, and not exposed to air. The ideal temperature range for storing Parmesan in the refrigerator is between 4°C and 8°C.
It is important to note that once the vacuum-packed Parmesan is opened, it should be stored in a glass or plastic container or wrapped in a slightly damp cotton cloth and kept in the refrigerator. This will prevent the cheese from absorbing other odours in the refrigerator and ensure optimal humidity levels. The younger Parmesan, from 12 to 15 months, can be kept in the refrigerator for about two weeks, while the more aged Parmesan (24 months or more) can last for about a month.
To extend the shelf life of Parmesan, it can be frozen in an airtight container or freezer bag. Shredded Parmesan cheese can be stored in the freezer for three to six months, while a wedge of Parmesan can last for over a year. However, freezing is not recommended as it can modify the structure of the Parmesan's organoleptic characteristics, such as colour, flavour, and texture.
Additionally, for short periods, Parmesan can be stored at room temperature without suffering any damage. However, the refrigerator is always the best choice for optimal preservation and to maintain the aromatic characteristics of the cheese.
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Room temperature is suitable for short periods
Parmesan cheese is a hard cheese with a long shelf life if stored properly. While refrigeration is recommended to prolong the shelf life of Parmesan cheese, it can be kept at room temperature for short periods without suffering any damage.
Room temperature storage is suitable for Parmesan cheese if it is only left out for a few hours. Kraft, for example, advises storing its grated Parmesan cheese in the refrigerator but mentions that it can be kept at room temperature for up to one hour. This is because cheese is a dairy product, and milk is typically stored in the refrigerator.
Similarly, freshly cut or vacuum-packed Parmigiano Reggiano should be stored in the refrigerator at a temperature ranging from 4°C to 8°C. However, it can be kept at room temperature in stores for short periods without any adverse effects.
It is important to note that the quality and flavour of Parmesan cheese are best when it is fresh. Leaving the cheese at room temperature for extended periods may affect its organoleptic characteristics, such as colour, flavour, and texture. Therefore, room temperature storage is only recommended for short periods, and the cheese should be consumed within a few days if left out.
To maintain the optimal quality of Parmesan cheese during room temperature storage, proper wrapping is crucial. Parmesan cheese should be wrapped in parchment paper, cheesecloth, cheese paper, or wax paper to prevent moisture and condensation from causing spoilage. Additionally, covering the cheese block in plastic wrap or aluminium foil can help prevent it from absorbing other smells in the refrigerator, which is also applicable when storing the cheese at room temperature.
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Frequently asked questions
Parmesan cheese should be stored at a temperature ranging from 4 to 8°C.
Yes, grated Parmesan should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Blocks of Parmesan can be wrapped in parchment paper, cheesecloth/cheese paper, or wax paper and then placed in the refrigerator.
An unopened block of Parmesan cheese can be stored for up to nine months. Once opened, it will last in the fridge for up to two months.
Yes, Parmesan cheese can be stored in an airtight container or freezer bag in the freezer. However, freezing is not recommended as it can modify the structure and characteristics of the cheese.
Yes, the storage temperature depends on the age of the Parmesan cheese. Younger Parmesan (12 to 15 months) can be stored in the refrigerator for about two weeks, while aged Parmesan (24 months or more) can last for up to a month.
