Parmesan cheese is a popular ingredient in many dishes, especially Italian cuisine. It’s a hard, granular cheese that is made from cow’s milk and aged for several months. One question that often arises when using Parmesan cheese is how long it lasts.

Shelf Life of Parmesan Cheese:

Parmesan cheese is known for its long shelf life. When stored properly, it can last for several months or even years. The shelf life of Parmesan cheese depends on several factors such as the type of Parmesan cheese, storage conditions, and whether it’s grated or not.

Storage Conditions:

Parmesan cheese should be stored in the refrigerator to ensure its longevity. If left at room temperature, it will spoil much faster.

Ideally, you should store Parmesan cheese in the original packaging until it’s opened. Once opened, you can wrap it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh.

Type of Parmesan Cheese:

There are two types of Parmesan cheese – fresh and aged. Fresh Parmesan cheese has a shorter shelf life compared to aged Parmesan cheese.

Fresh Parmesan cheese can last up to four weeks when stored properly in the refrigerator. Aged Parmesan cheese can last up to six months or more when stored properly.

Grated vs Ungrated:

Grated Parmesan cheese has a shorter shelf life compared to ungrated Parmesan cheese due to its increased surface area exposure to air which accelerates the oxidation process resulting in rancidity and spoilage faster than whole wedges or blocks of parmesan cheeses.

Signs That Your Wedge of Parmesan Cheese Has Gone Bad:

There are some signs that your wedge of parmesan may have gone bad such as:

  • Foul smell
  • Mold growth
  • Discoloration
  • Texture changes such as crumbliness or stickiness

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Parmesan cheese has a long shelf life when stored properly in the refrigerator. The shelf life depends on several factors such as the type of Parmesan cheese, storage conditions, and whether it’s grated or not.

It’s important to also keep an eye out for signs of spoilage such as foul odors, mold growth, discoloration, and texture changes. By following these guidelines, you can make sure that your wedge of Parmesan cheese lasts for as long as possible.