Bushra Griffith
Parmesan cheese is a hard cheese with a lengthy aging process and a low moisture content, which means it has a long shelf life. When stored properly in the refrigerator, an unopened package of Parmesan can last several months beyond its expiration date, while an opened package will generally last 1-2 months. However, it's important to pay attention to signs of spoilage, such as mould growth, off odours, or changes in texture or colour. Proper storage methods include wrapping the cheese to prevent moisture and condensation and storing it in an airtight container or the refrigerator's crisper drawer.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Shelf life | Several weeks to months |
| Refrigeration | Yes |
| Refrigeration temperature | Below 40°F (4°C) |
| Sealing | Airtight |
| Packaging | Original packaging |
| Opened vs unopened | Unopened lasts longer |
| Grated/shredded | Shorter shelf life |
| Mould | Cut off mouldy bits |
| Spoilage | Change in colour, texture, smell |
| Freezing | Yes |
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Parmesan shelf life
Parmesan cheese is a hard cheese with a low moisture content, which means it has a relatively long shelf life. When stored in the refrigerator under the right conditions, Parmesan can last for several weeks to months.
If the Parmesan cheese is unopened and still in its original packaging, it can last for several months beyond the expiration date, as long as it has been stored properly. A whole, unopened block of Parmesan cheese can last seven to nine months in the refrigerator.
Once a package of Parmesan is opened, its shelf life depends on how well it is sealed and stored. If you've grated or shredded the Parmesan, it may have a shorter shelf life compared to a block or wheel of Parmesan. An opened package of Parmesan will last one to two months in the refrigerator. A container of grated Parmesan cheese will last about one week in the refrigerator.
To extend the shelf life of opened Parmesan, keep it in an airtight container or resealable bag in the refrigerator. Store Parmesan cheese in the refrigerator at temperatures below 40°F (4°C). Ensure the cheese is well-sealed to prevent it from drying out or absorbing odours from the refrigerator.
There are some signs to look out for to determine if Parmesan cheese has gone bad. Spoiled Parmesan will change colour from light to dark. It develops a harder texture and may have green mould on the surface. If you take a sniff, you’re likely to notice a mouldy or sour smell. If you see mould on the surface of hard cheeses like Parmesan, it's generally safe to cut off the affected portion, and the rest of the cheese should still be usable.
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Proper storage
Parmesan cheese is a hard cheese with a very low water content. This means that it has a long shelf life, especially if stored properly.
When storing Parmesan cheese, it is best to keep it in the refrigerator, preferably in the crisper drawer, at temperatures below 40°F (4°C). This will slow the rate at which bacteria grows, prolonging the shelf life of the cheese. If you do not have a crisper drawer, you can store the cheese in an airtight container or resealable bag in the refrigerator.
If you have bought a block of Parmesan cheese, you can wrap it in plastic wrap, aluminium foil, or wax paper before placing it in the refrigerator. This will help to prevent the cheese from drying out or absorbing odours from the refrigerator. You can also freeze blocks of Parmesan cheese, which will stay fresh in the freezer for over a year.
For grated Parmesan cheese, it is best to store it in a vacuum-sealed bag or a container with a tight lid in the refrigerator. You can also freeze grated Parmesan cheese, which will last for three to six months.
It is important to note that Parmesan cheese should not be left at room temperature for more than two hours. Additionally, you should never touch Parmesan cheese with your fingers, as the acid from your fingers can cause moulding.
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Signs of spoilage
Parmesan cheese is a hard cheese with a low moisture content, which means it has a relatively long shelf life. However, it can still spoil, and there are several signs to look out for that indicate that your Parmesan has gone bad.
Firstly, note any changes in colour. Parmesan cheese will change colour from light to dark when it spoils, and it may also develop some green spots or a white mould that resembles the mould on brie. If you notice any of these colour changes, it's a sign that your Parmesan has spoiled.
Secondly, pay attention to the texture. Spoiled Parmesan will develop a harder texture, and it may also feel spongy. If you notice any changes in texture, it's best to discard the cheese.
Thirdly, use your sense of smell. Spoiled Parmesan will often have a mouldy or sour smell. If it smells bad, it's probably gone off, and you should throw it away.
Finally, inspect the cheese closely for any signs of mould growth. While it is generally safe to cut off mouldy portions from hard cheeses, with grated or shredded Parmesan, the whole container is suspect once mould is spotted. If you see any mould at all, it's best to discard the cheese.
To summarise, the key signs of spoilage in Parmesan cheese are changes in colour, texture, and the presence of mould or an off odour. Always inspect the cheese closely and use your judgment to determine if it is still suitable for consumption. Proper storage, such as wrapping the cheese and storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, can help extend the shelf life of Parmesan cheese.
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Freezing Parmesan
Parmesan cheese is a dry, hard cheese with very low water content. Its low moisture content and high salt content make it durable and prevent mould from growing. This means that it lasts a long time in the fridge (several months in most cases) without freezing.
However, if you have a large amount of Parmesan cheese, or you often find mouldy or dry cheese in your fridge, freezing is an option. Parmesan cheese freezes well, with no discernible difference in taste or texture compared to fresh Parmesan. It can be frozen in blocks or shredded, although freezing in blocks is recommended for very long storage. Shredded cheese is more prone to clumping, but this can be avoided by flash-freezing on a baking tray before transferring to a freezer bag.
To freeze Parmesan cheese, it should be wrapped in paper or parchment paper, not plastic wrap or sealed plastic containers, to prevent a buildup of condensation. It can then be placed in a heavy-duty freezer bag, with as much air removed as possible. Frozen Parmesan cheese should be stored for no longer than 18 months to avoid a loss of taste.
Grated Parmesan cheese can also be frozen and will stay soft while frozen. It can be used directly from the freezer, with no need for thawing, and can be added to dishes such as pasta, soups, and stews.
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Grated Parmesan
Firstly, it is important to note that Parmesan cheese contains a variety of fats that tend to cling together, causing the cheese to clump and potentially ruining its flavour. To prevent this, it is recommended to use an airtight container to store grated Parmesan cheese. This storage method dramatically reduces the likelihood of the cheese clumping and the flavour changing. Depriving grated Parmesan of moisture is critical to successful storage and maintaining its quality. Cool temperatures also make it harder for the cheese to absorb moisture, so it is best to keep it in the refrigerator at temperatures below 5°C or 40°F.
If you have purchased grated Parmesan in a bag, it is more challenging to prevent clumping due to the packaging encouraging moisture. In this case, you can add a small amount of cornstarch, flour, or arrowroot powder to absorb the moisture and prevent the cheese from doing so.
While grated Parmesan can be stored for extended periods, it is recommended to use it within two weeks for the best flavour and texture. If you have more grated Parmesan than you can consume within this time frame, freezing is an excellent option. Simply place the airtight container in the freezer, where it can stay fresh and clump-free for up to six months. When needed, take it out of the freezer, and it will be ready to use after a few hours of defrosting.
Lastly, always pay attention to any signs of spoilage, such as mould growth, unpleasant odours, or changes in texture. If you notice mould on the surface, cut off the affected portion, and the rest of the cheese should still be usable. Trust your senses; if it looks fine and smells fine, it is probably safe to consume.
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Frequently asked questions
Unopened Parmesan cheese can last for several months beyond its expiration date, as long as it has been stored properly. It can last up to nine months in the refrigerator.
Once opened, Parmesan cheese lasts for about one to two months. If you've grated or shredded the Parmesan, it may have a shorter shelf life of about one week.
Parmesan cheese that has gone bad will show certain signs of spoilage, such as changes in colour, texture, and smell. It may turn yellow or develop a harder texture and a mouldy or sour smell.
Yes, you can freeze Parmesan cheese in an airtight container or freezer bag. 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.
