Parmesan is, perhaps, the greatest of all the Italian cheeses. It’s certainly among the most famous Italian cheeses! It’s a hard cheese, made from cow’s milk, and has a distinctive, slightly nutty, flavour.
The Italians, and many chefs around the world, use it in pasta dishes, salads and even soups, since it enhances the flavor. However, you only need a little parmesan in any recipe: that means you need to know how to store the remaining grated parmesan cheese.Fortunately, we’re here to help. We can show you how to store grated parmesan cheese and keep it fresh until you need it again.
Store Grated Parmesan Cheese After Opening: Tips And Tricks
Parmesan cheese contains a variety of fats. Unfortunately, these fats tend to cling to each other: that means, your grated parmesan cheese will clump, potentially ruining the flavor. It will also be difficult to separate and take the amount you need.
Freshly grated parmesan cheese is particularly good at clumping. You need to know how to store fresh grated parmesan cheese properly to maximize shelf life and flavor.
- Freshly Grated Parmesan Is Better
You can purchase parmesan cheese grated in a bag. This is harder to store as the packaging encourages moisture, which increases the likelihood of clumping.
Instead, buy freshly grated parmesan or grate it yourself as you need it. Since you’ve just grated it, the cheese will have a smaller surface area than a pre-packed grated cheese: this helps to reduce its ability to absorb moisture.
- An Airtight Container Is Essential
Depriving the grated parmesan of moisture is critical to successfully storing it and maintaining its flavor.
When learning how to store grated parmesan cheese, the simplest approach is to use an airtight container. It’s the easiest way to ensure moisture can’t get to the cheese.This dramatically reduces the likelihood of the cheese clumping and the flavor changing.
Cool temperatures make it much harder for any food to absorb moisture: this includes grated parmesan. To prevent the cheese clumping or bacteria growing on the parmesan, you should keep it below 5°C. That means, placing your airtight container, with the cheese inside, in your refrigerator.
While the aim is to store your freshly grated parmesan for as long as possible. The truth is that it will taste best and be least likely to clump if you use it within two weeks of storing it.In short, don’t buy or grate more parmesan than you’ll use in the next two weeks.
It is possible to prevent clumping and help extend the storage life of your parmesan by adding a simple ingredient which won’t affect the flavor or quality of the parmesan, but will absorb any moisture.
One of the best things you can do is add a little cornstarch to your grated parmesan. Alternatively, flour or arrowroot powder can have the same effect. They absorb the moisture, preventing the cheese from doing so.
Finally, if you’re not sure you can use the grated parmesan within two weeks, you can freeze it! Simply place your airtight container in the freezer. The cheese will stay fresh and won’t clump for six months. All you have to do is defrost it before using it. That should only take a few hours.
Summing Up
There is no doubt parmesan cheese adds a delightful flavor to any dish, that’s why it’s so popular in Italy.You can enjoy the same flavor by grating parmesan or purchasing freshly grated parmesan and storing it properly. It couldn’t be simpler!
FAQs
Cool temperatures make it much harder for any food to absorb moisture: this includes grated parmesan. To prevent the cheese clumping or bacteria growing on the parmesan, you should keep it below 5°C. That means, placing your airtight container, with the cheese inside, in your refrigerator.
What is the best way to store freshly grated parmesan cheese? ›
The answer is straightforward: store that cheese in the fridge. With that said, harder cheeses will hold up against bacteria longer than softer cheeses due to their drier texture. If you notice any discoloration, foul odors or moisture on that grated Parm, as much as it hurts, throw it out!
How do you keep grated cheese from getting moldy? ›
The best way to keep cheese fresh and mold free is by using cheese wrapping paper, parchment paper, or cheese bag. These wraps ensure that the cheese can “breathe”, but prevent unwanted air from entering the cheese. Never use plastic wrap. It suffocates the cheese, making it trap moisture and lose flavor.
Do you have to refrigerate grated parmesan cheese after opening? ›
Soft cheeses such as cream cheese, cottage cheese, shredded cheeses, and goat cheese must be refrigerated for safety. As a general rule, hard cheeses such as cheddar, processed cheeses (American), and both block and grated Parmesan do not require refrigeration for safety, but they will last longer if kept refrigerated.
How to keep grated cheese fresh in the fridge? ›
(So that's why my whole fridge smells, well, funky.) Store shredded cheese in a bag. Shredded cheese can be stored in plastic bags or in the packaging it comes in, which is usually resealable. Just make sure to get as much air as possible out of the bag before sealing it shut, says Kuhn.
How do you store Parmesan cheese so it doesn't mold? ›
Finally, if you're not sure you can use the grated parmesan within two weeks, you can freeze it! Simply place your airtight container in the freezer. The cheese will stay fresh and won't clump for six months.
How do Italians store Parmesan cheese? ›
When you buy a piece of Parmigiano Reggiano freshly cut or when you take it out of the vacuum-pack, it must be stored in the refrigerator at a temperature ranging from 4 to 8°C. Parmigiano Reggiano keeps its organoleptic features unchanged if stored: at an optimal humidity level.
Does wrapping cheese in foil prevent mold? ›
To keep cheese moist—but not mold-prone—first wrap it tightly in waxed or parchment paper and then loosely in aluminum foil.
Does vinegar prevent mold on cheese? ›
Vinegar does kill and prevent most molds from growing, and it won't hurt the cheese.
What kills mold on cheese? ›
Vinegar. You can actually wipe the mold away with a clean cloth you've dipped into white vinegar. Not the most pleasant job, it does work to save the cheese.
Grated Parmesan cheese that was sold unrefrigerated will generally stay at best quality for about 10 to 12 months in the refrigerator after it has been opened.To further extend the shelf life of opened grated Parmesan cheese, freeze it: to freeze, place grated Parmesan cheese in covered airtight containers or heavy- ...
Does Kraft grated parmesan go bad? ›
One note about expiration -- the manufacturer's note above says the date on the packets is the manufacture date, not the "Best By" date, and the shelf life is 270 days/9 months beyond that.
Can I eat expired grated parmesan cheese? ›
If there are any noticeable changes in colour, texture, or smell, it's advisable to inspect the cheese closely and determine if it is still suitable for consumption. Always follow any specific storage instructions provided on the packaging.
What is the best way to store grated parmesan cheese? ›
Sharp in flavor with a granular texture, this cheese is primarily used for grating. To keep Parmesan fresh, proper storage is necessary: It should be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and kept in the refrigerator.
How do you store cheese in the fridge without mold? ›
Use cheese storage paper instead
To keep cheese fresh for a long time, you can use cheese bags or cheese storage paper which can be purchased at shopping centers or online stores. The material created specifically for storing cheese can prevent air from entering inside while still circulating air properly.
Can you store cheese in Tupperware? ›
Yes, actually, it is possible to store cheese in a tupperware in the fridge. Ideally, you should wrap them individually: each one in its own box. You can use plastic tupperware, but glass is a better material. Indeed, glass allows us to keep humidity better and avoid aromas and bad smells.
Can you grate Parmesan cheese ahead of time? ›
This is because much of the flavor of aged cheese resides in volatile esters, aldehydes, and other flavor compounds that start to degrade when they're exposed to air by grating. In sum: For the best flavor, Parmesan and Pecorino Romano should be consumed within a week of grating.
How long does fresh shredded Parmesan cheese last in the fridge? ›
How long does opening parmesan cheese last? EatByDate says it lasts 3–6 weeks in the refrigerator, 6–8 months in the freezer.
Can grated parmigiano be frozen? ›
Waxed paper, foil and plastic wraps are also acceptable, and more commonly available, means of storing most types of cheeses.). Cheese should never be frozen, however, it is possible to freeze grated Parmigiano Reggiano.
