Nothing compares to hot, creamy soup with grated Parmesan cheese on top. Parmesan cheese, or Parmigiano Reggiano, is an Italian cheese that has gained popularity worldwide due to its savory, rich, and slightly nutty flavor. Parmesan is a hard, dry cheese made from cow’s milk that makes your salads, soups, pizzas, and pasta even more delicious. It’s a favorite ingredient in many cuisines, but how to store parmesan cheese? Parmesan cheese can remain fresh in its original packaging, but once it’s opened, it can get bad quickly. Fortunately, these tips and tricks will help you store Parmesan effectively.
Parmesan cheese has a granular texture, a pale golden rind, and a yellow-white interior. However, upon exposure to air, parmesan turns white and the rind becomes thicker. Parmesan cheese’s freshness and taste can be preserved for a longer period if stored properly.
Does Parmesan Cheese Go Bad?
Yes, it can. You can try many delicious dishes, such as broccoli cauliflower cheese soup, cheese stuffed potato balls, and many more with cheese. Generally, parmesan cheese is used for grating and as a topping for pizza, snacks, and pasta dishes. If cheese, especially parmesan cheese, is not stored properly, it can lose its flavor and spoil due to bacterial and mold growth. To prevent this, it is important to store cheese in airtight containers in the fridge or freeze it to extend its shelf life. Unlike other cheeses, if Parmesan cheese develops mold, just cut off the mold area and use the rest. However, don’t keep the cheese for an extended period because mold indicates that it is no longer fresh.
How To Store Parmesan Cheese
Parmesan cheese is a hard, dry cheese made from skimmed milk. This cheese is so popular because it’s naturally lactose-free and rich in calcium, which is good for bones. There are various ways to store parmesan cheese to keep it fresh and prolong its shelf life. Moisture ruins parmesan cheese. To prolong the life of a parmesan cheese wedge, wrap it in wax paper, parchment paper, or cheesecloth. This will prevent moisture from entering the cheese. If you use grated cheese, always store it in an airtight container.
1. Stored In A Refrigerator
Another effective way to store cheese is to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and put it in the refrigerator. Usually, the cheese put in the fridge soaks up the smell from the refrigerator. So, to prevent this, it is always recommended to place the cheese in a crisper drawer or wrap it in aluminum foil. An unopened block of parmesan cheese is edible for up to nine months, while an opened block stored in the fridge is edible for up to two months.
2. Stored In Freezer
Freezing is an effective way to store many ingredients. Cheesecake is frozen to prevent it from spoiling. Many people wonder how long a cheesecake is good for. It’s good for 2–3 months if frozen. Simultaneously, parmesan cheese is frozen to extend its shelf life and preserve its taste. If you have a wedge of cheese, place it in a freezer bag and put it in the freezer. However, if you want to store shredded cheese, it is best to place it in an airtight container.
How Long Does The Parmesan Cheese Last?
Parmesan cheese is expensive compared to other cheeses. Generally, it is available in grated and ungrated forms. Ungrated and unopened cheese wedges last for 7-9 months. However, if opened it will last 1-2 months if stored in the fridge. If frozen, it will last for 3–6 months. Many believe that frozen cheese loses its flavor and texture. However, if you let it sit on a countertop for 10 minutes at room temperature before using it. It will maintain its texture and flavor when defrosted. In the case of grated cheese, break the lumps and store them in an airtight container. It will ensure that the cheese retains its quality and taste.
How To Restore Dry Parmesan Cheese
Parmesan cheese goes well with many delicious dishes, whether in delicious weight watchers salads or mouthwatering pasta and soups. At times, delightful parmesan cheese may dry up and lose its taste when exposed to air. No worries. There is an easy and effective way to revive dried-up cheese. Wrap a damp cloth around the cheese, then tightly wrap a layer of plastic wrap around the cheese and refrigerate overnight. Then remove the damp cloth and enjoy your fresh parmesan cheese.
Final Verdict
A delicious hard cheese, parmesan cheese enhances the flavor of pasta and soups. The question of how to store parmesan cheese is often asked by people who love the cheese. If you plan to store parmesan, keep it in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. Once opened, store it in a tightly sealed container to prevent it from drying out.
Also Read: How to make paneer fried rice? A mouthwatering, versatile, and delicious recipe for both children and adults.
