How is Parmigiano Reggiano preserved?
Here is a guide, provided by the Consortium, on how to best preserve the peculiar characteristics of the King of Cheeses (www.parmigianoreggiano.it/come_gustarlo/taglio_conservazione/come_conservare_parmigiano_reggiano.aspx).
HOW TO STORE PRE-PACKAGED PARMIGIANO REGGIANO VACUUM-PACKED
Parmigiano Reggiano, for short periods of time, can be put on display at room temperature in the sales outlets without being damaged. Once the purchase has been made, it is recommended that it will be kept in a refrigerated environment in order to preserve all its aromatic characteristics and ensure optimal conservation of the product.
The vacuum-packed prepackaged Parmigiano Reggiano can be stored in the refrigerator at a temperature between 4 ° and 8 ° C (39.2 and 46.4 Fahrenheit). It is important to make sure that the package is sealed and intact, and that it is not exposed to the air.
HOW TO STORE PARMIGIANO REGGIANO FRESHLY CUT OR EXTRACTED FROM THE VACUUM PACKAGE
When you buy a piece of fresh Parmigiano Reggiano or when you take it out of the vacuum pack it must be kept in the refrigerator at a temperature between 4 ° and 8 ° C (39.2 and 46.4 Fahrenheit).
The product keeps its organoleptic characteristics intact if stored:
at an optimal humidity level (a ventilated fridge is not recommended as the cheese tends to dry out)
away from other foods (the fatty part of the cheese tends to absorb the other smells present in the chiller)
We recommend using glass or plastic containers or wrapping the Parmigiano Reggiano in food-grade films.
With these precautions, Parmigiano Reggiano can be stored for a long time. However, it is necessary to check regularly that the conditions of maintenance are not altered.
It is advisable to never freeze the cheese.
DURATION OF STORAGE IN THE REFRIGERATOR
The vacuum-packed Parmigiano Reggiano can be stored in the refrigerator for several months. Each packer is committed to indicate on the package a date of use (TMC, Minimum Storage Term, different from the deadline which is peremptory), preceded by the phrase “to be consumed preferably by …”.
Once the vacuum package has been opened, or in case of purchasing a piece cut directly from the wheel, the indications and suggestions on the storage period vary according to the humidity.
For a younger Parmigiano Reggiano (13 – 15 months), and therefore richer in humidity, storage can last up to about 15 days. After this period of time there is a risk that some mold will develop
For a classic aged Parmigiano Reggiano (24 months or more), storage can last about a month. If you notice some mold on the surface of the dough, you can remove it with a knife.
You know that together with your order on montecoppe.it website, you will receive as a gift the innovative food bag in ovtene, which guarantees perfect conservation of the cheese.
100% reusable and recyclable, it avoids the formation of condensation inside the package.
Protecting aromas, flavors and colors.
Do you prefer a more traditional and long-lasting option? Try the Parmigiano Reggiano cotton bag that can be reused several times, convenient and practical in daily use, solving the problem of how to store Parmigiano Reggiano in the fridge.
