How long does grated parmesan cheese last?

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Page last updated: 09/08/2023 | Next review date: 09/08/2025
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In this brief guide, we are going to answer the question “how long does grated parmesan cheese last” with an in-depth analysis of the shelf life of grated parmesan cheese in different mediums. Moreover, we are going to discuss tips to store grated parmesan cheese and parmesan cheese wedge properly.

So without much ado, let’s dive in and figure out more about it.

How long does grated parmesan cheese last?

When stored in the refrigerator, opened grated parmesan cheese can last for a few weeks after the mentioned expiry date. For best results, store the cheese in the refrigerator in a properly sealed bag or container.

Parmesan cheese has a longer shelf life owing to its really low moisture content. Grated parmesan cheeses have different shelf lives depending upon whether it was sold refrigerated or unrefrigerated and whether it is open or unopened.

Grated parmesan cheese

When it comes to unopened grated or shredded parmesan cheese that is sold unrefrigerated, it lasts for a month even past the use by or best before the date in a cool, dry and dark corner of the pantry away from direct sunlight and heat. If the unopened grated parmesan cheese that is sold unrefrigerated is kept in the fridge it can even last for about 10-12 months.

On the other hand, opened grated or shredded parmesan cheese that is sold unrefrigerated lasts for about 4-6 months when stored in an air-tight container or plastic zipper bag in the fridge at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

The unopened grated or shredded parmesan cheese that is sold refrigerated lasts for more than 7 days if stored in the fridge at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. While the opened grated or shredded parmesan cheese that is sold refrigerated lasts for about 3-7 days when stored in a  plastic zipper bag in the fridge at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

You can even store your grated parmesan cheese in the freezer in the plastic freezer bag where it can last for about 12 to 18 months easily.

It is worth mentioning that the shelf life of the grated parmesan cheese is shorter as compared to the whole parmesan cheese or parmesan cheese wedge owing to the small size and the larger surface area of the grated parmesan cheese. 

Parmesan cheese

When it comes to the unopened parmesan cheese it lasts for about 7-9 months or even more when kept in the fridge at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

On the other hand, open parmesan cheese retains its peak quality for about 1-2 months (can even last for 6 months if stored properly) when kept in the fridge at or below 140 degrees Fahrenheit, from the time it is opened. 

It is worth mentioning that these figures are just the estimated shelf life of the parmesan cheese and it is the time during which you can enjoy its peak quality. parmesan can even last for more than this, provided that they are stored properly.

Does grated parmesan cheese have to be refrigerated? 

No, grated Parmesan cheese does not need to be refrigerated. Parmesan is a type of hard cheese that has very low moisture content. Unlike soft cheeses, they don’t go bad quickly and do not require to be kept in the refrigerator.

Is grated parmesan cheese safe to use after the best-before date?

The “best by” or “best before” date that is written on the package of grated parmesan cheese refers to the quality rather than safety so parmesan cheese doesn’t necessarily go bad immediately after the best before date. It is the time during which you can enjoy the peak quality and flavor of parmesan cheese but you can still use parmesan cheese that is past this date as long as it was stored properly.

What is the proper way to store parmesan cheese?

  1. Unopened grated parmesan cheese that is sold unrefrigerated can be stored in a cool, dry, and dark corner of the pantry away from direct sunlight and heat for a long time. You can even refrigerate it to prolong its shelf life.
  2. You should always store your opened parmesan cheese or grated parmesan cheese at 40°F or below in the fridge. Bacterial growth takes place at a faster pace between the temperature of 40°F and 140°F, therefore it is always advised to store parmesan cheese at a lower temperature to preserve its freshness and quality for a long time.
  3. It is the best practice to wrap a wax paper or parchment paper around your parmesan cheese wedge or block and afterward wrap a plastic wrap around it for maximum protection.
  4. The parmesan cheese should be stored on the lowest shelf of the refrigerator as it is the coldest part of the refrigerator and has its temperature between 38 °F to 40 °F.
  5. You can even freeze your grated parmesan cheese in the freezer. If you want to store the grated parmesan cheese in the freezer it is recommended to store it in a plastic freezer bag. Moreover, in case you want to store the whole parmesan cheese, it is recommended to cut it in slices or wedges and wrap the individual wedges in plastic wrap before storing it in a plastic freezer bag or heavy-duty freezer container.

Conclusion

In this brief guide, we answered the question “how long does grated parmesan cheese last” with an in-depth analysis of the shelf life of grated parmesan cheese in different mediums. Moreover, we discussed tips to store grated parmesan cheese and parmesan cheese wedge properly.

Citations

Does Parmesan Cheese Go Bad?

https://www.stilltasty.com/fooditems/index/17873