Parmesan is produced only in two provinces of Italy - Parma and Reggio, where its name - Parmigiano-Reggiano - comes from. It belongs to hard types of cheese and is used not only for preparing salads and pasta. It can be eaten as an independent dish, lightly seasoned with balsamic vinegar. The incredibly delicate taste with a spicy aftertaste is loved by many connoisseurs of this product around the world. Since Parmesan is a long-ripening cheese, it can be classified as a gourmet cheese. Therefore, its price is quite high, and not everyone can afford to use it every day. But during the holidays, Caesar salad can be seen on many tables. But what to do if the cheese has already been purchased, but the celebration is still far away? How to store Parmesan? Let's look into this issue.
Special properties of Parmesan
This cheese can age for up to 3 years. During this time, it reaches a good consistency, its structure becomes crumbly and granular. Such a product can be stored for several months and will not lose its quality. There are several opinions about the shelf life of this cheese, but all experts agree on one thing. The place where you store Parmesan should be cool and have moderate humidity. Therefore, you should not store Parmesan at room temperature. In addition, it is generally accepted that a cut head of cheese cannot be stored for a long time. And within 10-15 days it will lose its unique taste.
If after this product has been in the refrigerator for some time, mold begins to appear on it, there is nothing to worry about. The affected areas are simply cut off, and the cheese itself is eaten, as it remains completely normal. It’s another matter if Parmesan has lost its shape during long-term storage at high temperatures. In this case, it is better to throw it away.
What determines the shelf life?
The safety of the product is affected by:
- integrity of original packaging;
- humidity and temperature at the storage location;
- integrity of the cheese head;
- quality of materials for making cheese shells;
- microbiological indicators.
A product in undamaged primary packaging, subject to storage conditions, retains its properties the longest. Violation of the integrity of the cheese head includes packaging and slicing. It is recommended to cut before use.
The casing must be made of materials approved for contact with food. Cheese in paraffin is stored in the refrigerator for 30 days longer than its counterpart in polymer packaging. The product must be stored under conditions that prevent microbial contamination of the product.
Before opening the manufacturer's packaging
The period of time when a food product can be used for its intended purpose is determined from the moment the technological process for its production ceases. It includes the stages of storage at the warehouse of the manufacturer, transportation, storage at retail outlets and at the consumer after purchase.
The shelf life in unopened containers under the right conditions corresponds to the periods indicated by the manufacturer on the label.
For popular semi-solid and hard varieties, while maintaining the integrity of the original packaging, GOST provides for a storage period of about four months. The duration of the period is affected not only by temperature, but also by humidity indicators.
- Soft and pickled varieties have the shortest shelf life;
- Hard types are stored better than all others.
For processed and curd cheeses, the manufacturer can set expiration dates and conditions that guarantee the safety, quality and safety of the product. They depend on the production conditions, the raw materials used, as well as other factors affecting the shelf life of the product.
How to Store Parmesan in the Refrigerator
It happens that after the celebration there are parts of this cheese left, and a question arises. How can I prevent them from spoiling? How long can Parmesan cheese , cut into pieces, be stored?
- In order to preserve a piece of cheese, it is wrapped in slightly damp gauze or any other cotton fabric.
- To prevent the moisture from evaporating and the cheese from drying out, wrap the fabric on top with foil.
Parmesan cheese can stay fresh in the refrigerator for several weeks as long as it is not too close to the freezer.
There are several rules for storing Parmesan that should be followed to extend the shelf life of this product.
- For example, you should not wrap it in film or keep it in plastic bags. This product requires air access.
- This cheese is wrapped, as already mentioned, in foil and cloth so that it does not become moldy. It is also acceptable to store it in parchment or wrapping paper.
- If it is not possible to keep Parmesan in the refrigerator, cover it with salt and store it in this form. But this method can make the cheese over-salted, and it will lose its unique delicate taste.
- For long-term storage of this product, use a freezer, where it can be safely stored for up to six months.
Parmesan cheese expiration date
Parmesan is classified as an old cheese that crystallizes. The product matures up to 3 years. It's not that easy to spoil it. A cut piece stored for more than 3 months loses its taste.
Foil, cold, and cling film help preserve the taste of hard cheeses. Sprinkle cheese slices with flour or starch to prevent them from sticking together. When parmesan dries, simply grate it and add it to pasta, pizza, and soup.
Storing Parmesan at home.
Professional ways to store Parmesan
This cheese comes to our market in different forms. Italian manufacturers supply it to our stores both as whole heads and cut into pieces starting from 50g. Therefore, the issue of storing pieces of cheese remains relevant.
In addition to storing in the refrigerator, the method of storing Parmesan in a vacuum has become widely used. To do this, a special device is used to pump out the air from the bag where the cheese is located. This method has long been used not only by manufacturers and professional chefs, but also by housewives.
If the cheese has already been purchased in vacuum packaging, it should not be opened until you use this product. And when its integrity is compromised, it is better to transfer the cheese to a bag of parchment paper. They roll it into a bag and pack the cheese there.
You can also save chopped Parmesan cheese, prepared in advance, for adding to various dishes. It can be stored in the refrigerator in this form for up to 7 days.
What to do if Parmesan has gone bad
If the cheese has spoiled a little, mold or a white coating has appeared on the surface, then it’s okay. Simply cut or scrape this area off the surface of the cheese with a knife.
Cheese that has been exposed to air may begin to turn white or its “rind” may begin to thicken. If this is what happened to your Parmesan, there is a simple trick you can use to revive the cheese and make it ready for your next recipe.
Soak the cheesecloth in water, then wring it out until it is just damp. Wrap the cheese in a damp cloth, then in plastic wrap. Place it in the refrigerator overnight. The next day, when you remove the cloth, the cheese will be fresh and ready to eat again. Wrap it in new plastic wrap and put it in the refrigerator.
More about Italian Parmesan cheese - history, production, varieties and types
Tips to help preserve Parmesan
- In order for the taste and aroma of the cheese to be preserved for as long as possible, it should be stored in paper, which, in turn, is wrapped in foil;
- You need to know exactly when the shelf life of the product ends; for this, the packaging must be signed. A sticker is attached to the foil with tape indicating the date the cheese was placed in the refrigerator. This method is especially relevant for those cases when Parmesan is in the freezer for 6 - 8 months. Signing becomes even more relevant when there are several pieces of cheese placed in storage at different times;
- It should be remembered that chopped Parmesan does not last long. When preparing dishes with this cheese, you need to try to correctly calculate the required amount of grated product. But if there is any leftover, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
Implementation time
According to Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation dated June 16, 1997 No. 720, for their intended use after the expiration date
According to the rules and regulations of SanPiN 2.3.2.1324-03, products that require special storage conditions and rules to preserve their quality should be considered perishable. Cheese is one of these products and is intended for short-term sale.
Cheese products after packaging have been damaged should be sold within a period of no more than 12 hours, subject to storage conditions.
- Soft and pickled varieties have the shortest shelf life;
- Hard types are stored better than all others.
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Storing Parmesan in the Freezer
The question often arises whether Parmesan can be kept in the freezer. Yes, this cheese can be stored at sub-zero temperatures. At the same time, its nutritional value will be preserved. At temperatures from - 15 to - 20°C, this product will remain usable for up to 9 months. But it is better not to keep cheese in the freezer for more than six months, while it will retain its quality and structure. It is important to avoid sudden temperature changes when defrosting it. To do this, the product is moved from the freezer to the refrigerator shelf, and after a few hours to room temperature.
When storing cheese in the freezer, it is recommended to divide it into small parts. In this case, you can use only the required amount.
Repeated freezing of cheese is unacceptable, after which it will lose not only its shape, but also its taste.
Wrap the sliced cheese pieces in parchment paper and place in a bag. Remember! Each piece must be wrapped separately. The method of storing parmesan in small portions in the freezer was invented by Italian housewives who cannot imagine life without this product.
General storage table
| Storage method | Shelf life |
| In the refrigerator in large pieces | About a month |
| In the refrigerator, grated | 7-10 days |
| In the freezer | 6-9 months |
| Vacuum packed in the refrigerator | A few months |
Where not to store
The shelf life of Russian cheese largely depends on where it is placed in the refrigerator. You should not store the product at home:
- on the top shelves of the refrigerator,
- close to the freezer,
- on the door.
It is also not worth putting the product in plastic or wrapped in plain paper for safekeeping; very soon without ventilation it will begin to deteriorate and acquire an unpleasant odor and unpresentable appearance.
Important! Under no circumstances should you wrap the product in newspaper; contact with lead will have a negative impact on your health.
How to defrost
Available options:
- Gradual defrosting. First, the bars are briefly sent to the refrigerator. Then leave it on the counter until completely thawed. This method is used when cheese is defrosted for consumption without heat treatment.
- Immediately remove the product from the freezer. It will defrost on the table. This method is used when cheese is used to prepare food (first and second courses).
Thus, any type of product can be frozen. But it can retain its properties if properly prepared. The cheese is sliced or grated. Hard products withstand freezing best.
How to use frozen cheese
Thawed cheese can be consumed in the usual way and used for sandwiches. Only most varieties change consistency. Therefore, the product is often sent to the freezer for subsequent preparation of multi-component dishes.
Application options:
- bakery. Prepare filling for flatbreads and pies. A popular option is pizza. It is for her that the leftover cheese plates are usually frozen after a festive feast;
- cheese soups. Not all types are suitable; the product must melt at high temperatures. Frozen grated cheese and slices are added, mixing different varieties is allowed;
- sauces. Frozen cheeses fit perfectly into bechamel and other white types. Often combined with mushrooms and chicken.
Can be used in salads and cold appetizers. We recommend taking the cheese out of the freezer in advance, letting it thaw, and draining the released water and whey.
Freezing grated and sliced cheese
If there are no immediate plans to fully use the product, then, of course, the best solution would be to freeze it. It is most convenient to do this not in a huge piece, but in chopped or grated form.
The freezing technology for storing grated cheese is as follows:
- grate or chop with a food processor, but not too finely;
- pour the resulting shavings into a bag, leaving about seven centimeters free;
- carefully seal the bag so that there is no air left inside;
- Indicate the freezing time on the bag and put it in the freezer.
Grated cheese takes up virtually no space in the chamber. And you don’t have to defrost it; you can immediately sprinkle it on a hot finished dish or preparation, for example, pizza, before putting it in the oven.
If you need to freeze sliced cheese, you only need to do three steps.
- Divide into manageable size pieces.
- Place each piece in a separate container with a hermetically sealed lid (optionally: foil, factory packaging, wax paper), and place in the refrigerator.
- If you are using non-original packaging, attach a label indicating the type and weight of the cheese and the date it was frozen.
Freezing in cubes or bars
The size of the bars is determined individually. Each one should be wrapped in parchment and topped with foil-based paper. If you don’t have all the materials at hand, one of them is enough. Moreover, preference is given to parchment. The chopped bars are placed in bags, after which they are sent to the refrigerator compartment.
Important: The smaller the size of the bars, the faster their shelf life ends.
What varieties can be frozen
Soft varieties lose their appearance and taste if they are frozen in the freezer. Therefore, it is not recommended to store feta and ricotta at low temperatures after opening the package. If you buy cheese and leave the original packaging and brine (for feta and feta cheese) intact, the soft variety can retain its properties for up to several weeks or months - depending on the variety.
Hard varieties, such as Russian or Parmesan, can be frozen even after opening the package. Even hard varieties lose their aesthetic appearance over time; cutting and serving them is impossible. But since the aroma and taste are not lost, the product can be grated and added to a hot dish. In this form you can eat it without any problems.
Try not to use plastic containers. Plastic tends to absorb odors and transfer them to products that will be stored in containers. It is also not possible to store cheese in an open container. The best option is foil or paper, as well as cellophane film. They will protect the product from foreign odors. It is advisable to change the packaging several times during the shelf life, then the cheese can stay in the freezer longer.
