Kamil Perry
Parmesan cheese is a popular ingredient in many dishes, from pasta to salads. While freshly grated Parmesan is a tasty topping, the often discarded rind is a flavourful ingredient in its own right. Parmesan rinds, the hardened outer edges of the cheese wheel, can be challenging to slice or grate due to their tough texture. However, they are packed with concentrated umami flavour and can enhance soups, stews, sauces, and broths. Instead of tossing them, home cooks can save Parmesan rinds in an airtight container or freezer bag for future use, adding a salty, nutty punch to their creations. So, the next time you're tempted to throw away that unassuming beige nub, remember its hidden potential and consider storing it for your next culinary adventure.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Use | Parmesan rinds can be used in soups, stews, sauces, pasta, risotto, broth, infused olive oil, and gravy. |
| Flavor | Parmesan rinds add a salty, nutty, umami flavor to dishes. |
| Storage | Parmesan rinds can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for a few months or in the freezer for up to 18 months. |
| Availability | Parmesan rinds can be purchased at a deli or cheese counter, or saved from a block of Parmesan cheese. |
| Edibility | While technically edible, the tough texture of Parmesan rinds makes them difficult to slice or grate. They are typically used for flavor and then discarded. |
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What You'll Learn
- Parmesan rinds add flavour to soups, stews, sauces and pasta dishes
- They can be stored in a freezer bag for up to 18 months
- Parmesan rinds are the hardened outer edges of the wheel
- They are edible but have a tough texture, so are difficult to slice or grate
- You can buy them from a deli or cheese counter
Parmesan rinds add flavour to soups, stews, sauces and pasta dishes
Parmesan rinds are the hardened outer edges of the cheese wheel. While they have a tough texture, they are packed with flavour and are a great addition to dishes that cook slowly and have some excess liquid for the rinds to steep in.
Parmesan rinds can be added to soups, stews, sauces, and pasta dishes to give them an extra kick of salty, cheesy flavour. They can be thrown into broths and stocks for a subtle burst of rich cheesiness. For example, you can add them to chicken noodle soup, bolognese, risotto, or pasta sauce. They can also be used to make infused olive oil or an Italian dish called polpette di crosta di Parmigiano ("Parmesan crust meatballs").
To use Parmesan rinds in cooking, it is recommended to simmer them for at least 30 minutes and up to several hours to unleash as much flavour as possible. The rinds should be stirred occasionally to ensure that the flavour is evenly incorporated throughout the dish and to prevent sticking. Once the dish is done cooking, the rind can be fished out, as the real point of adding it is for its flavour.
If you don't have any leftover rinds on hand, you can often find them for sale at the deli or cheese counter of your local grocery store or cheese shop. Alternatively, you can save your own rinds by storing them in an airtight container or bag in the fridge or freezer. They will last for a few months in the fridge and up to 18 months in the freezer.
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They can be stored in a freezer bag for up to 18 months
Parmesan cheese is a hard, aged cheese with a low moisture content and high salt content, which gives it a long shelf life. The quality and flavour of parmesan cheese are best when it's fresh, but storing it correctly will help to prolong its life.
If you want to store grated parmesan cheese for up to 18 months, you'll need to freeze it. Firstly, you should wrap the cheese. This is because moisture will cause spoilage, so the cheese needs to breathe to prevent condensation. You can wrap a wedge of parmesan cheese in parchment paper, cheesecloth, cheese paper, or wax paper. Then, place the wrapped cheese in an airtight container or freezer bag. You can also buy special freezer bags with a zip-top or zipper-lock that will help to remove as much air as possible, further prolonging the shelf life.
Shredded or grated parmesan cheese can last for three to six months in the freezer, while an unopened block of parmesan cheese will stay in the freezer for over a year, and up to 18 months.
It's important to note that grated parmesan cheese has a shorter shelf life than blocks of cheese due to its increased surface area exposure. An unopened container of grated parmesan can last for about two to four months, while an opened container may last for several weeks if well-sealed and refrigerated.
So, if you want to store your grated parmesan cheese for up to 18 months, freezing it in an airtight container or freezer bag is the best option.
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Parmesan rinds are the hardened outer edges of the wheel
Parmesan rinds are the hardened outer edges of a wheel of Parmesan cheese. While they may appear unappetising, they are packed with flavour and can be used to enhance a variety of dishes. The rinds are created as a natural part of the cheese-making process, as the outer edge of the cheese dries out and hardens over time. This toughened texture makes the rinds difficult to slice or grate, but they can be added whole to dishes that cook slowly and have some excess liquid, such as soups, stews, sauces, and broths.
The rinds add a subtle burst of rich, salty, umami flavour to dishes. They are particularly well-suited to Italian dishes, such as pasta sauces, risottos, and polpette di crosta di Parmigiano ("Parmesan crust meatballs"). Rinds can also be used to infuse olive oil, which can then be used as a finishing oil for salads or pasta.
Rather than discarding Parmesan rinds, they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer for future use. Freezing the rinds in a sealable bag with the air squeezed out will allow them to be kept indefinitely. This makes it easy to build up a stockpile of rinds to enhance the flavour of future meals.
While grated Parmesan cheese in a bag may not be a direct substitute for Parmesan rinds, it can still be used to add flavour to dishes. However, the rinds have a more concentrated flavour and are better suited to certain types of dishes, particularly those that require a longer cooking time for the flavours to infuse.
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They are edible but have a tough texture, so are difficult to slice or grate
While grated parmesan cheese in a bag can be used in a variety of dishes, it is not an ideal substitute for parmesan rinds. This is because parmesan rinds, which are the hardened outer edges of the cheese wheel, have a tough texture that is difficult to slice or grate. However, this tough texture makes them perfect for adding to dishes that cook slowly and have some excess liquid, allowing the rind to steep and impart its flavour.
The parmesan rind is a natural part of the cheese-making process and does not contain any artificial sealants or wax. While it may seem tempting to discard it due to its tough texture, doing so would mean missing out on a flavourful addition to your meals. Instead of throwing it away, you can store the rind in an airtight container or bag in the refrigerator or freezer for future use.
When cooking with parmesan rinds, they are typically added to dishes that require simmering or slow cooking. This includes soups, stews, pasta sauces, broths, and stocks. The rind adds a subtle burst of rich, salty, and cheesy flavour to these dishes. It is recommended to cook the rind for at least 30 minutes, or even up to several hours, to fully unleash its flavour.
While the rind is edible, the primary reason for adding it to dishes is for the flavour it contributes. Its tough texture makes it less appealing to eat directly, but it is safe for consumption. The parmesan rind is a versatile ingredient that can enhance the taste of various dishes without overwhelming them. So, while grated parmesan cheese in a bag may be convenient and useful in its own right, it does not offer the same unique flavour profile and textural characteristics as the parmesan rind.
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You can buy them from a deli or cheese counter
If you're looking to purchase Parmesan rinds, a specialty food store or a well-stocked deli or cheese counter should be your first port of call. These establishments often carry a diverse range of cheeses and cheese-related products, making them an ideal place to start your search.
When visiting a deli or cheese counter, you'll typically find a knowledgeable staff who are passionate about cheese and can offer guidance and suggestions tailored to your needs. They may provide insights into the specific characteristics and uses of Parmesan rinds, ensuring that you make a well-informed purchase.
At a deli or cheese counter, you'll generally encounter higher-quality cheese products compared to what you'd typically find in the aisles of a grocery store. This is because these counters often source their cheeses from artisanal producers or specialty suppliers, ensuring a more authentic and flavorful product.
The staff can also advise you on the optimal quantity to purchase, taking into consideration your intended use and desired flavor intensity. They may even offer suggestions for complementary ingredients or dishes that can elevate your culinary experience with Parmesan rinds.
By opting to purchase Parmesan rinds from a deli or cheese counter, you have the opportunity to inspect the product firsthand. You can assess the quality, freshness, and appearance of the rinds, ensuring they meet your expectations and intended culinary applications.
In summary, when seeking Parmesan rinds as a culinary ingredient, a deli or cheese counter is an excellent option. The knowledgeable staff, diverse product selection, and opportunity for direct inspection make it a prime destination for acquiring this versatile and flavorful ingredient.
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Frequently asked questions
No, grated parmesan cheese in a bag cannot be used as a substitute for rinds. Parmesan rinds are packed with flavour and can be used to infuse soups, stews, sauces, and broths. They can also be blended into dishes like polpette di crosta di Parmigiano (Parmesan crust meatballs).
Grated parmesan cheese is the result of grating the block of parmesan, which includes the rind. The rind is the hardened outer edge of the wheel of parmesan, which dries out and hardens over time. While the rind is technically edible, its tough texture makes it difficult to slice or grate.
Parmesan rinds are a great way to add flavour to dishes without overpowering them. They are also a more sustainable option, reducing waste by utilising parts of the cheese that would otherwise be discarded.
Parmesan rinds can be stored in an airtight container or zipper-lock bag in the fridge for a few months. For longer storage, they can be frozen in a sealable bag with the air squeezed out, where they will last for up to 18 months.
You can purchase parmesan rinds at your local deli or cheese counter in grocery stores or cheese shops. Alternatively, you can save your own rinds from blocks of parmesan cheese or ask your local cheesemonger, who may sell you a rind if you don't have a whole wedge.
