How long does parmesan cheese keep? (+3 tips to store parmesan)
In this brief guide, we are going to answer the question “how long does parmesan cheese keep” with an in-depth analysis of the shelf life of parmesan cheese in different conditions. Moreover, we are going to discuss the ways to spot bad parmesan cheese and the tips to properly store parmesan cheese.
So without much ado, let’s dive in and figure out more about it.
How long does parmesan cheese keep?
The opened parmesan cheese lasts for about 4-6 weeks in the fridge if stored properly at or below 40°F. So parmesan cheese can be kept in the fridge for about 6 weeks. It is recommended that you always store your parmesan cheese wedge wrapped in plastic wrap or cling film once you have opened its packaging.
Moreover, it is the best practice to wrap a wax paper or parchment paper around your parmesan cheese wedge and afterward wrap a plastic wrap around it for maximum protection.
Unopened parmesan cheese lasts for about 7-9 months in the fridge.
How long does grated parmesan cheese last in the fridge?
The opened grated parmesan cheese that is sold unrefrigerated lasts for about 4-6 months when kept in the fridge in an air-tight container or plastic zipper bag at or below 40°F. It can even last longer but you should use it within this time to enjoy its peak quality.
On the other hand, opened grated/ shredded parmesan cheese that is sold refrigerated lasts for about 3-7 days when stored properly in the fridge.
What is the optimum temperature to store the parmesan cheese in the fridge?
You should always store your 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.
How long does parmesan cheese last in the freezer?
The parmesan cheese lasts for about 12-18 months in the freezer if stored properly in a plastic freezer bag. As the frozen parmesan cheese becomes crumbly when thawed so it is better to use it in sauces, soups, or casseroles.
How to store parmesan cheese in the freezer?
To store the parmesan cheese in the freezer, it is recommended to cut it in the form of slices or wedges and store those wedges individually by wrapping them in heavy-duty aluminum foil, plastic freezer bag, or plastic freezer wrap.
How long does a wedge of parmesan cheese last after being frozen and thawed?
A frozen wedge of parmesan cheese lasts for about 3-4 days if thawed in the fridge but if you thaw your parmesan cheese in the microwave or a bowl of cold water, it is recommended to use it immediately.
Other FAQs about Parmesan which you may be interested in.
How to keep parmesan cheese from molding?
Why doesn’t parmesan cheese melt?
Does parmesan cheese need to be refrigerated?
How to tell if the parmesan cheese has gone bad?
You can tell if your parmesan cheese has gone bad by considering its appearance, color, texture, and smell.
Appearance
Moreover, if you see some mold, especially some grey-green mold on the parmesan cheese then it is an indication of bad parmesan cheese. In the case of the grated parmesan cheese, if you spot a mold in it, you should discard the whole package.
On the other hand, if you spot a mold on the block of parmesan cheese then what you can do is to cut out the cheese at least 1 inch around and below the mold and discard it. Care should be taken while cutting out the mold and the knife should never touch the mold.
Color
If you see that the color of parmesan cheese has darkened, it is the indication that your parmesan cheese has gone bad.
Texture
If you notice that the edges of the parmesan cheese have hardened or that the cheese has become flaky, then it is the indication that your parmesan cheese is past its prime age.
Smell
If you notice some off-smell (pungent or ammonia-like smell) or something that does not quite smell like parmesan cheese itself, then it means that your parmesan cheese has gone bad and you should discard it.
How to store parmesan cheese properly in the fridge?
- The parmesan cheese should be stored wrapped in parchment or wax paper in an air-tight container or a plastic zipper bag.
- 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.
- 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.
Conclusion
In this brief guide, we answered the question “how long does parmesan cheese keep” with an in-depth analysis of the shelf life of parmesan cheese in different conditions. Moreover, we discussed the ways to spot bad parmesan cheese and the tips to properly store parmesan cheese.
Citations
https://www.stilltasty.com/Fooditems/index/19125
Does Parmesan Cheese Go Bad?
