How to Store Parmesan Cheese in the Fridge and Freezer

Parmesan cheese is a hard cheese made from skimmed, unpasteurized cow’s milk, with a lengthy aging process of a minimum of two years and occasionally more than four. Parmesan cheese originated in Italy. Parmesan produced in Italy is known as Parmigiano-Reggiano.

The quality and flavor of Parmesan cheese is best when it's fresh, but you can store Parmesan in the refrigerator or freezer to prolong the shelf life. Follow these steps:

1. 1. Wrap the Parmesan cheese. Moisture will cause spoilage, so Parmesan cheese needs to breathe to prevent condensation. You can wrap a wedge of Parmesan cheese in parchment paper, cheesecloth/cheese paper, or wax paper. Store grated Parmesan in an airtight container.
2. 2. Place in the refrigerator. Cover the cheese block in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from soaking up the smells in the refrigerator. Place the wrapped cheese in a crisper drawer. A block of opened Parmesan cheese will last in the fridge for up to two months. A whole, unopened block of Parmesan cheese can keep for nine months.
3. 3. Freeze the cheese. You can also freeze Parmesan cheese in an airtight container or freezer bag. Shredded Parmesan cheese can last for three to six months, while a wedge of Parmesan cheese will stay in the freezer for over a year. You can use shredded frozen cheese straight from the freezer—give it a shake to break up any clumping before use. Place a wedge of frozen Parmesan cheese on a countertop for ten minutes at room temperature to defrost before using.

Parmesan cheese is a hard cheese, so it will last longer than soft cheese because of its lack of moisture content. A whole, unopened block of Parmesan cheese can last seven to nine months in the refrigerator, and a whole opened block of Parmesan cheese will last one to two months. A container of grated Parmesan cheese will last about one week in the refrigerator. When Parmesan turns yellow or begins to get moldy, it has spoiled.

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