Bushra Griffith
Parmesan cheese is known for its long shelf life, which can be attributed to its low moisture content and high salt content, making it resistant to spoilage. When stored in a refrigerator under optimal conditions, an unopened block of Parmesan cheese can last for several months beyond its expiration date. However, once opened, the shelf life decreases, and proper storage becomes crucial to prevent spoilage. In this paragraph, we will explore the factors that affect the longevity of Parmesan cheese and provide guidelines for maximizing its shelf life.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Shelf life | Several weeks to months |
| Refrigeration | Store in the coldest part of the refrigerator, typically at the back, away from the door |
| Seal | Keep well-sealed to prevent it from drying out or absorbing odours |
| Temperature | Store at temperatures below 40°F (4°C) |
| Opened | An opened block can last for up to 4-6 weeks in the fridge |
| Unopened | An unopened block can last for up to 6-8 months or even longer when stored in optimal conditions |
| Grated | Freshly grated Parmesan can last in the refrigerator for about 5 to 7 days |
| Freezing | Can be frozen and will last for 2 to 4 months |
| Signs of spoilage | Mould, sour or unpleasant smell, harder texture, slimy texture, excessive dryness, development of an oily film |
| Vacuum-packed | Can last for decades in the fridge without going bad |
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What You'll Learn
How to store Parmesan cheese
Parmesan cheese is a hard cheese with a lengthy aging process and a low moisture content, which makes it less susceptible to spoilage than softer cheeses. If stored properly, Parmesan cheese has an impressively long shelf life.
When storing a whole block of Parmesan cheese, it is best to keep it in the refrigerator, in the coldest part, usually at the back, away from the door. This helps maintain a consistent temperature, which is crucial for preservation. Cover the cheese block in plastic wrap or aluminium foil to prevent it from soaking up smells from the refrigerator. An unopened block of Parmesan cheese can keep its quality for several months, and even years, if stored properly in the refrigerator.
Once the seal is broken, the shelf life of a Parmesan block does decrease, but it still remains durable. With proper storage, an opened block can last for up to 4 to 6 weeks in the fridge. If there is some mould on the cheese, it is possible to cut it off and continue to eat the cheese. However, if there is widespread mould, it is best to discard the cheese.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese has a shorter shelf life than whole Parmesan. This is due to a greater surface area being exposed to potential contaminants and air, which can accelerate spoilage. Typically, freshly grated Parmesan can last in the refrigerator for about 5 to 7 days. To extend the freshness of grated Parmesan, store it in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag to minimise exposure to air and moisture.
To further extend the shelf life of Parmesan cheese, it can be frozen. Grated Parmesan cheese can be frozen in an airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. A wedge of Parmesan cheese can be wrapped in wax paper, parchment paper, cheesecloth, or wax cloth wrap and then stored in the freezer. Frozen grated Parmesan can last for 2 to 4 months, while a wedge of Parmesan cheese will stay in the freezer for over a year.
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Vacuum-sealed Parmesan
Parmesan cheese is a hard, low-moisture cheese that is less susceptible to spoilage than softer cheeses. Its longevity in the fridge can be impressive. An unopened block of Parmesan cheese can maintain its quality for a long time when stored properly in the refrigerator. If the original packaging remains intact and undamaged, the cheese can last well beyond the printed date, often up to several months.
Once the seal is broken, the shelf life of a Parmesan block does decrease, but it still remains quite durable. With proper storage, an opened block can last for up to 4-6 weeks in the fridge. Vacuum-sealed Parmesan can be stored in the refrigerator at a temperature ranging from 4 to 8°C. It is important to ensure that the package is sealed tightly and not exposed to air.
However, it is important to regularly check vacuum-sealed Parmesan for any signs of spoilage, such as mold or an off smell. If mold is present, it can be cut off, and the cheese can still be eaten. If the mold is widespread, however, it is best to discard the cheese. Proper handling of Parmesan cheese is essential for maintaining its quality and extending its shelf life. Cleanliness is crucial, and hands should be washed thoroughly before and after touching the cheese to prevent the introduction of bacteria.
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Signs of spoilage
Parmesan cheese has a long shelf life, especially when stored properly. However, it's important to regularly check for signs of spoilage.
- Mold: While surface mould can be trimmed off hard cheeses like Parmesan, widespread mould is a sign that the cheese should be discarded.
- Odor: A sour or unpleasant smell, different from the cheese's natural aroma, can indicate spoilage.
- Texture: If the cheese feels slimy or significantly harder than usual, it may be spoiled.
- Taste: An off taste is a clear indication that the cheese should not be consumed.
- Darkened colour: Parmesan cheese that is going bad may darken in colour.
- Hard texture: Spoiled Parmesan cheese may develop a very hard texture.
- Strong smell: Parmesan cheese that is spoiling may develop a strong smell.
Proper handling of Parmesan cheese is essential for maintaining its quality and extending its shelf life. When handling Parmesan cheese, cleanliness is paramount. Always wash your hands thoroughly before and after touching the cheese to prevent the introduction of bacteria.
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Grated Parmesan
- Store the cheese in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag to minimise exposure to air and moisture.
- Keep the cheese in the coldest part of your refrigerator, usually at the back, away from the door.
- Use a clean utensil each time you take some cheese out of the container to avoid introducing bacteria.
- Consider freezing the cheese if you do not plan to use it within a week. Frozen grated Parmesan can last for 2 to 4 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator a day before you intend to use it.
When it comes to checking if your Parmesan has spoiled, look out for signs of mould or an off smell. If you see any mould, discard the cheese. If the cheese feels slimy or has a significantly harder texture than usual, it may be spoiled. An off taste is another indication that the cheese should not be consumed.
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Freezing Parmesan
Parmesan cheese is known for its longevity, even without freezing. Its low water and high salt content prevents mould from growing. However, freezing Parmesan cheese is an option if you want to extend its shelf life. Freezing is particularly useful for shredded Parmesan, which has a shorter shelf life in the fridge than a block of Parmesan.
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Wrapping Parmesan Cheese
Some sources suggest that plastic wrap can make Parmesan cheese sweat, so parchment paper is recommended. However, one source tested this theory and found that neither sample showed any significant sweating, and both tasted the same. Therefore, as long as the wrapping is airtight, it should not make a difference.
Frozen Parmesan cheese can last for 2 to 4 months, or even up to a year. It is important to note that there might be a slight loss of taste after an extended period of freezing.
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Frequently asked questions
An unopened chunk of Parmesan cheese will last for about 8 months in the refrigerator. It can last even longer if it is vacuum-sealed.
An opened chunk of Parmesan cheese will last for about 4 to 6 weeks in the refrigerator. If the cheese is grated, it will last for about 5 to 7 days.
Parmesan cheese that is going bad will develop a very hard texture, darken in colour, develop a strong smell, and mould may appear. If mould appears on a block of Parmesan, it can be cut off and the cheese can still be eaten. However, if mould appears in a package of pre-grated Parmesan cheese, the entire package should be discarded.
