Kamil Perry
Parmesan cheese is a hard cheese with a long shelf life, but it still requires proper storage to maintain its quality. The best way to store parmesan cheese is in an airtight container in the refrigerator, ensuring it is sealed tightly and not exposed to air. Parmesan should be stored separately from other foods, as it tends to absorb other smells in the refrigerator. While it can be stored at room temperature for short periods, refrigeration is recommended to preserve its aromatic characteristics and ensure optimal preservation. Vacuum-packed parmesan can be stored in the refrigerator for several months, while an unopened block can last for up to nine months. Freezing parmesan is also an option, although some flavour and texture may be lost.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Container Type | Glass or plastic containers, or in cling wrap |
| Container Condition | Airtight, sealed, and not exposed to air |
| Refrigerator Temperature | 4 to 8°C |
| Fridge Placement | Bottom shelf, away from other food |
| Period of Refrigeration | Several months to a year |
| Freezing | Possible, but may affect flavour and texture |
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What You'll Learn
Refrigeration
Firstly, it is important to distinguish between freshly cut or vacuum-packed Parmesan. Freshly cut Parmesan should be stored in an airtight container or wrapped in food-grade plastic film to prevent exposure to air and moisture. It should be kept in the refrigerator at a temperature between 4°C and 8°C. Vacuum-packed Parmesan can also be stored in the refrigerator within the same temperature range and will last for several months. It is important to check the “best before” date on the packaging for guidance.
The container used to store Parmesan cheese plays a crucial role in preserving its quality. Parmesan should be stored in a glass or plastic container, or wrapped in cling wrap or wax paper, and then in heavy-duty aluminium foil. It is recommended to keep Parmesan in a sealed container to prevent it from drying out too quickly and to maintain its freshness. However, some sources suggest leaving the container slightly open or using a breathable lid to prevent excessive condensation and humidity.
Additionally, it is advisable to store Parmesan cheese away from other foods in the refrigerator. This is because Parmesan, especially the fatty variety, tends to absorb other smells present in the fridge. Keeping it separated ensures that it retains its distinctive aromatic characteristics.
When it comes to the placement of Parmesan within the refrigerator, some sources suggest storing it on the bottom shelf or in the door shelf, where temperatures are typically cooler and more stable. This helps maintain a consistent temperature, which is crucial for preserving the cheese's quality.
In summary, refrigeration is the optimal method for storing Parmesan cheese. By using appropriate containers, maintaining the correct temperature range, and storing it away from other foods, Parmesan can retain its flavour, texture, and freshness for extended periods.
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Freezing
Parmesan cheese can be frozen, and freezing is an effective way of storing the cheese for long periods. Parmesan is a hard cheese with low moisture content, which means it will last longer than soft cheeses.
When freezing Parmesan, it is important to use an airtight container or a freezer bag. If you are freezing shredded Parmesan, you can use it straight from the freezer, but be sure to break up any clumps that have formed by shaking the container. Frozen shredded Parmesan can last for three to six months in the freezer.
A wedge of Parmesan cheese can also be frozen and will stay fresh for over a year. To defrost a wedge of Parmesan, leave it on the countertop at room temperature for about ten minutes before using it.
While freezing is an option, it is generally advised to avoid freezing Parmesan cheese. Instead, it is recommended to store the cheese in the refrigerator, at a temperature ranging from 4 to 8°C. Parmesan should be kept in an airtight container or wrapped in food-grade plastic film to prevent it from absorbing other smells from the refrigerator.
When stored in the refrigerator, an unopened block of Parmesan can last for seven to nine months, while an opened block will stay fresh for one to two months.
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Containers
Parmesan cheese should be stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator, where it will last longer than if kept at room temperature. The container should be as airtight as possible, and the cheese should be used as quickly as possible as it will get drier over time. It is best to store Parmesan in glass or plastic containers, or in cling wrap, and to keep it away from other food items in the fridge, as the cheese can absorb other smells.
If you are storing a whole block of Parmesan cheese, it can be kept in the refrigerator for seven to nine months if it is unopened, or one to two months if the package has been opened. It is also possible to store Parmesan cheese in the freezer, where it will last for over a year. When freezing, it is important to use an airtight container or freezer bag.
Some sources suggest that wrapping the cheese in wax paper and then in aluminium foil is a good way to store it in the refrigerator. Others recommend wrapping it in a clean, damp kitchen towel, then in foil, and changing the towel each time the cheese is used. This allows the cheese to breathe and prevents cross-contamination.
It is important to note that Parmesan cheese should not be left exposed to the elements and should not be wet, as this can lead to spoilage.
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Vacuum-packing
Vacuum packing is a popular method for storing Parmesan cheese. It involves removing air and sealing the cheese in an airtight environment, which helps to extend the shelf life of the cheese while preserving its original flavour and texture. This method is particularly useful for hard cheeses like Parmesan, which have a low moisture content and can, therefore, be stored for extended periods without spoilage.
When vacuum packing Parmesan cheese, it is important to ensure that the packaging is puncture-resistant and has good barrier properties. This will ensure that the cheese stays intact and is not exposed to air, which can lead to spoilage. The right packaging material will also depend on the type of cheese being stored. For example, soft cheeses require a more delicate touch and may need a breathable vacuum bag to allow for the exchange of air and gases necessary for proper ageing.
Vacuum-packed Parmesan cheese should be stored in the refrigerator at a temperature ranging from 4 to 8°C. It can be kept for several months if properly sealed and stored. However, it is important to periodically check the conditions of the cheese to ensure that it has not spoiled.
Vacuum sealing has become a popular method for storing and ageing cheese due to its effectiveness in preserving cheese's best qualities. It helps to lock in the matured characteristics of the cheese without further ageing, maintaining its dense texture and rich flavour. Additionally, vacuum sealing can also be used in conjunction with other methods such as waxing, especially for cheeses that mature in less than three months.
Overall, vacuum packing is an effective and modern way to store Parmesan cheese, helping to extend its shelf life and preserve its flavour and texture. By following the proper techniques and storage conditions, consumers can enjoy their Parmesan cheese for longer periods without compromising on quality.
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Removing mould
Parmesan cheese is a hard cheese, which means that mould will most likely not penetrate its surface. Therefore, if you spot any mould on your parmesan cheese, you can simply cut off the mouldy part and use the rest. However, it is important to note that microorganisms thrive in wet environments, so if your parmesan cheese is moist, it is better to discard the entire product.
To prevent mould from growing on your parmesan cheese, it is recommended to store it in the refrigerator at a temperature ranging from 4 to 8°C. Parmesan cheese should be kept away from other food items, as the fatty part of the cheese can absorb other smells from the refrigerator. You can wrap the cheese in food-grade plastic film or store it in a glass or plastic container.
If you want to store your parmesan cheese for an extended period, you can freeze it. Shredded parmesan cheese can be frozen in an airtight container or a freezer bag and will last for three to six months. A wedge of parmesan cheese will stay in the freezer for over a year. Frozen shredded parmesan can be used directly from the freezer, while a frozen wedge should be thawed at room temperature for about ten minutes before use.
It is important to note that mouldy cheese, like any other mouldy food, should generally be discarded. While cutting off the mouldy part is a common practice, it is not always safe, and consuming mouldy cheese can potentially be harmful. Therefore, it is advisable to exercise caution and consider the level of mould growth and the type of cheese before deciding to cut off the mouldy part or discard the entire product.
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Frequently asked questions
The best way to store Parmesan cheese is to wrap it in parchment paper, cheesecloth, cheese paper, or wax paper. Then, place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. Make sure that the cheese is far from other food items in the refrigerator, as Parmesan cheese tends to absorb other smells.
Yes, you can store Parmesan cheese in the freezer. It is best to store it in an airtight container or freezer bag. Shredded Parmesan cheese can last for three to six months, while a wedge of Parmesan cheese will stay in the freezer for over a year.
A block of opened Parmesan cheese will last in the fridge for up to two months. A whole, unopened block of Parmesan cheese can keep for nine months.
