Parmesan cheese is a popular ingredient in many dishes, and it’s known for its distinct flavor and texture. But what happens when you forget to put it back in the fridge after using it? Can you leave Parmesan cheese out of the fridge, or should you always refrigerate it?
The short answer is: Yes, you can leave Parmesan cheese out of the fridge, but only for a short period. Parmesan cheese is made from milk, salt, and rennet. It doesn’t contain any preservatives, which means that it can grow bacteria if left at room temperature for too long.
How long can you leave Parmesan cheese out of the fridge?
You can leave Parmesan cheese out of the fridge for up to 24 hours. This is because Parmesan is a hard cheese that doesn’t contain a lot of moisture. The low moisture content makes it less susceptible to bacteria growth.
However, if you’re leaving your Parmesan cheese out for more than an hour or two, you should wrap it in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep air from getting to it. Air can dry out the cheese and make it more susceptible to bacteria growth.
What happens if you leave Parmesan cheese out of the fridge for too long?
If you leave your Parmesan cheese out of the fridge for too long, it will start to spoil. You’ll know that your cheese has gone bad if it has a sour smell and taste.
Additionally, mold may start growing on your Parmesan cheese if you leave it out for too long. Mold can cause allergic reactions in some people and can be harmful to those with weakened immune systems.
How do you store Parmesan Cheese?
To prevent spoilage and mold growth on your Parmesan Cheese always store them properly.
- Wrap in Parchment paper: Wrap your cheese in parchment paper and then put it in a plastic bag. This will allow the cheese to breathe while also protecting it from moisture.
- Refrigerate: Always store your Parmesan cheese in the fridge.
It will keep the cheese fresh for weeks.
- Freeze: You can freeze Parmesan cheese to extend its shelf life. Cut the cheese into small pieces and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before putting it into an airtight container.
The bottom line:
Parmesan cheese can be left out of the fridge for up to 24 hours, but it’s best to refrigerate it when possible. To keep your Parmesan Cheese fresh, always store them properly by wrapping them in parchment paper and storing them in a plastic bag. You can also freeze Parmesan Cheese to extend its shelf life.