We’ve all been there. You’re ready to whip up some spaghetti aglio e olio, and you reach for your trusty block of parmesan cheese only to find it’s been sitting in the back of your fridge for a while. The question pops into your mind, “Does parmesan cheese go bad?“. In short, yes, it can. But don’t fret just yet! There’s more you need to know.
Parmesan is a hard cheese that’s made to last—its low moisture content gives it a long shelf life compared to soft cheeses like cream cheese. However, how long it lasts depends on whether it’s a block or grated. An unopened package of grated parmesan cheese will maintain best quality for about 12 months in the refrigerator, but even if the date on the package has passed, you may still have time before its quality decreases significantly.
Just stumbled upon an opened bag of Kraft Parmesan from who knows when? If stored properly (think: tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil), grated and shredded Parmesan can last between 7 to 9 months. But remember folks—quality is key here. If there’s one thing we want you to take away from this article, it’s this: always check the color and smell of your cheese before use—it should not have mold or an off smell.
The Lifespace of Parmesan Cheese
It’s a question that often crosses our minds as we stare at the golden block of parmesan in our hands: “How long does this cheese actually last?” Truly, understanding the lifespan of parmesan cheese can help us make informed decisions about storage, usage, and purchasing quantities.
How Long Does a Whole Block of Parmesan Cheese Last?
A whole block of parmesan cheese is quite hardy. If stored correctly – tightly wrapped in wax or parchment paper and then further secured with plastic wrap or aluminum foil – it can maintain its best quality for about 7 to 9 months in the refrigerator. If you’d like to extend its shelf life further, freezing is an option! Kept constantly frozen at 0°F, your block of parmesan will keep safe indefinitely. However, bear in mind that once thawed, you should use it within a few days.
How Long Does Grated Parmesan Cheese Last?
Grated or shredded parmesan has a different story. Whether it’s Kraft parmesan or another brand, once grated and exposed to air and moisture more extensively than its whole wedge counterpart, it may start losing its best quality sooner. Typically though, if you keep your grated parmesan cheese in a tightly-sealed container within the refrigerated section of your kitchen appliance world (yes – we’re talking about your trusty fridge here), then you’re looking at maintaining top-notch flavor for around 4 to 6 weeks.
Can the Expiration Date Define How Long Parmesan Cheese Lasts?
The date on the package gives some guidance but isn’t always definitive when it comes down to individual pieces of cheese going bad or spoiled. It’s really more indicative for unopened packages still swaddled securely in their original packaging glory from companies like Kraft. Once opened, other factors come into play such as how often the cheese is handled, temperature fluctuations, and storage conditions.
For instance, if you store your parmesan cheese block in a fridge that’s constantly opening and closing (as it does in most homes), the quality of the cheese may start to degrade before reaching that date printed on the label. However, with careful handling and consistent refrigeration temperatures, you can still enjoy your parmesan past its expiry date without any significant loss of quality.
When it comes to determining whether parmesan cheese has gone bad or not, trust your senses more than dates. If there’s visible mold (not to be confused with natural crystal formations), off-putting smell or color changes then it’s probably time to say goodbye.
So next time you’re wondering about how long a block or grated serving of Parmesan will last in your kitchen domain – remember these pointers! Keep an eye out for signs of spoilage but also trust that this hardy Italian export is built for longevity when treated right!
Storage of Parmesan Cheese
Parmesan cheese, whether it’s a block or grated, needs proper storage to maintain its quality and extend its shelf life. From the texture to the taste, everything can be influenced by how you store your parmesan.
How to Store Parmesan Cheese to Maximize Longevity
When storing a block of parmesan cheese or any unopened package, it’s best kept in the refrigerator section wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. If you’d like to learn more about maximizing the shelf life of your parmesan wedges, consider using wax paper or parchment paper as an alternative. This method prevents the cheese from absorbing unwanted flavors while preserving its natural aroma.
For grated or shredded parmesan like Kraft Parmesan, keep it sealed in its original packaging until you’re ready for use. Once opened, transfer it into an airtight container before placing it back into the fridge.
Does Parmesan Cheese Last Longer in the Refrigerator or Unrefrigerated?
You may wonder if keeping your parmesan cheese outside might cut it some slack. The answer to that question depends largely on storage conditions and initial quality. However, we generally advise against this practice because refrigeration undoubtedly extends its shelf life. A block of high-quality parmesan can last up to 7-9 months when stored properly in the fridge!
The Effect of Freezing Parmesan Cheese and Its Shelf Life
If there’s no way you’ll consume all that parmesan within a few days after opening, freezing is another option worth exploring! Grated and shredded cheeses freeze well without affecting their flavor too much upon thawing – ideal for soups and casseroles!
To freeze your parmigiano-reggiano (another fancy name for our beloved parmesan), wrap it tightly with at least 1 inch around each side covered by heavy-duty aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Note that frozen parmesan cheese, kept constantly at 0°F, will remain safe indefinitely.
However, be aware that freezing may slightly alter the texture of your cheese. That’s why frozen parmesan is best suited for cooked dishes like pastas or sauces where this change won’t be as noticeable.
As a final note, remember to check the color of your cheese and its expiry date on the package regularly to ensure it hasn’t gone bad – quality first!
Determining if Parmesan Cheese has Gone Bad
We all love a good sprinkle of parmesan on our pasta and salads. But, you’re probably wondering “how long does parmesan cheese last?” or “how can I tell if parmesan is bad?”. Well, we’ve got answers for you.
So, let’s start with the basics. A block of parmesan cheese may last up to several months in the fridge. Grated or shredded parmesan also has a decent shelf life – usually around 7 to 9 months unopened in the refrigerator and within a few days once opened.
But how can we be sure about this? The best way is to check the expiry date on the package. However, it’s important to remember that this date only guarantees the best quality of cheese until that time. It doesn’t necessarily mean that your kraft parmesan wedges turn bad right after this date passes.
The key here is proper storage. Storing your grated and shredded kraft parmesan cheese in a tightly sealed container or wrapping your block of natural cheese tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil extends its shelf life significantly.
Now let’s talk about indicators of bad cheese.
If there’s mold on your Parmesan, it could be an indication that it’s going bad. Another telltale sign is if there’s an off smell or change in color of the cheese.
Remember, whether it’s grated, shredded or block form, any Parmesan showing these signs should not be consumed as it poses health risks.
There you have it! You now have an idea how long does grated parmesan cheese last in both the fridge and freezer and what signs to look out for when determining if your beloved hard Italian cheese has gone off track! So go ahead store that parmesan cheese properly and keep enjoying your delicious meals.
How long does parmesan cheese last once it has been grated?
Freshly grated cheese can last up to five days in the refrigerator. Be sure to store it properly in an airtight container to prolong its freshness.
Is grated parmesan cheese safe to eat after the expiration date on the package?
Yes, if it’s been stored properly, the cheese can last 1-2 months past its printed expiration date in the refrigerator, while unopened blocks of cheese can last up to 7-9 months. Always remember to trust your senses before eating, if it smells or looks bad, don’t risk it!
Can I freeze parmesan cheese to extend its shelf life?
Absolutely! You can store it in the freezer for up to 12-18 months. Just be sure to wrap it in plastic wrap and put it into a freezer bag to prevent it from absorbing flavours in your freezer.
Is it safe to eat moldy parmesan cheese?
Generally, hard cheeses like parmesan can still be safe to consume even if there’s a bit of mold. You just need to cut off about one inch around and below the mold spot. Just so you know, the presence of mold means that the cheese was exposed to air and it’s best to consume it quickly after removing the mold.
How long does parmigiano reggiano last in the refrigerator?
When stored correctly, an opened piece of parmigiano reggiano can last for about 3 to 4 weeks in the refrigerator.
How can I tell if my parmesan cheese is bad or spoiled?
If your cheese has mold, smells off, or if it’s developed a funny taste – those are all signs that your parmesan cheese might be in a way to the trash bin. Remember, your senses are usually the best tools to tell if your cheese has gone bad!
How can I keep my grated parmesan cheese fresh for longer?
Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh. You can also freeze it to extend its shelf life.
How long does an unopened parmesan cheese last in the fridge?
An unopened block of hard cheese like parmesan can last between 9 to 12 months in the fridge. If you pop it in the freezer, though, it can keep safe indefinitely!
How long does parmesan last unrefrigerated?
Some say that parmesan cheese can be okay for a day if it’s left out at room temperature. However, it’s generally safer to refrigerate it, especially if you’re planning to keep it for a while. Remember, better safe than sorry!
Is there an ideal way to store parmesan cheese?
Yes, to maximize the shelf life of parmesan cheese after opening, wrap it in wax or parchment paper, and then place the package into a resealable plastic bag in the refrigerator. This ensures that it remains moist and doesn’t absorb other flavors from the fridge.
