Paneer is a type of fresh cheese that is very popular in South Asian cuisine. It has a mild flavor and soft texture that lends itself well to many dishes. As a fresh cheese, paneer requires proper storage to keep it fresh and prevent spoilage. Many people wonder if paneer can be kept in the refrigerator and if so, how long it will stay good for. Here is a look at whether paneer can be stored in the fridge and for how long.
Quick Answer: Yes, paneer can be stored in the refrigerator.
Paneer is best kept refrigerated as it is a fresh, unripened cheese. The cold temperature of the refrigerator helps to slow down the growth of bacteria and mold, allowing the paneer to stay fresh for longer. Properly stored in the fridge, paneer will usually stay good for 3-4 days. There are some simple steps you can follow to maximize its shelf life:
- Keep paneer tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This prevents exposure to air and moisture loss.
- Store paneer towards the back of the fridge, away from the door. This is the coldest part of the refrigerator.
- Once opened, use paneer within 3-4 days for best quality.
- Do not freeze paneer as it will change the taste and texture.
How to Tell If Paneer Has Gone Bad
Although refrigeration prolongs its shelf life, paneer can still go bad after some time. Here are some signs that indicate your paneer has spoiled and should be discarded:
- Appearance: Mold growth, sliminess, or dryness on the surface indicates the paneer is no longer fresh.
- Texture: Spoiled paneer will become hard or crumbly rather than soft and moist.
- Smell: Paneer gives off a sour, unpleasant smell when it has gone bad.
- Taste: Rancid, bitter, or oddly sour flavors signal spoiled paneer.
As a general rule of thumb, if your paneer exhibits any of these signs or tastes/smells “off,” it should not be consumed and should be thrown out.
Maximizing Paneer’s Shelf Life
Follow these tips to keep paneer fresher for longer:
- Buy fresh: Purchase paneer that looks moist and soft with no discoloration. Avoid paneer that looks dried out or is crumbling as this indicates older cheese.
- Portion paneer: Cut paneer into smaller cubes or slices before storing. This exposes less surface area to air.
- Use acidic liquids: Store paneer immersed in whey, lemon juice, or yogurt. The acids help inhibit bacterial growth.
- Keep air out: Make sure paneer is tightly wrapped so no air can get in.
- Sanitize surfaces: Clean refrigerator shelves, containers, and utensils that contact paneer.
- Monitor temperature: Ensure refrigerator temperature is set below 40°F.
How Long Does Paneer Last in the Fridge?
Here is a table summarizing paneer’s shelf life when properly stored:
| Type | Refrigerator (below 40°F) |
|---|---|
| Fresh paneer, unopened | 7-10 days |
| Fresh paneer, opened | 3-5 days |
| Paneer made from pasteurized milk, unopened | 2-3 weeks |
| Paneer made from pasteurized milk, opened | 7-10 days |
As you can see, fresh paneer lasts for 3-5 days in the fridge after opening. Paneer made from pasteurized milk can keep for up to 2-3 weeks thanks to the higher heat treatment. Always rely on your senses. If paneer develops an unpleasant odor, texture, or appearance before the timelines above, it should be discarded.
Does Water Submersion Extend Fridge Life?
Some people recommend fully submerging paneer in water in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The water creates an anaerobic environment that inhibits mold growth. This technique can extend the shelf life of refrigerated paneer by a few days. Change the water daily to keep it fresh. While this can prolong paneer’s fridge life, it will dilute the flavor over time.
Can You Freeze Paneer?
Freezing is not recommended for paneer. The freezing process causes the moisture in paneer to form ice crystals, which damages the texture of the cheese. Once thawed, frozen paneer turns mushy and crumbly. The flavor also deteriorates and becomes dry. For best quality, paneer is best consumed fresh and not frozen.
However, paneer can be frozen for 2-3 months if needed. To freeze:
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
- Place in a freezer bag, removing excess air.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
- Thaw overnight in the fridge before use.
Keep in mind frozen paneer will have a softer, grainier texture when thawed. It also loses its mild flavor over time in the freezer.
How to Store Paneer for the Long Term
If you need to store paneer for more than a few weeks, canning provides a long term preservation method. Canned paneer can keep for up to a year at room temperature. Here is a step-by-step guide to canning paneer:
- Cut paneer into 1-inch cubes.
- Blanch cubes in boiling water for 3 minutes to kill surface bacteria.
- Fill sterilized canning jars with blanched paneer, leaving 1-inch headspace.
- Pour hot whey, lemon juice, or pickle brine over paneer to cover.
- Process jars in a pressure canner for 30-35 minutes at 10-15 PSI pressure.
- Allow to cool undisturbed for 12-24 hours.
- Check jar seals, then store in a cool, dark place.
Canned paneer will have a longer shelf life but a slightly different texture. Always use sterile equipment and follow canning instructions precisely to prevent botulism risk.
Other Ways to Preserve Paneer
Here are a few other methods for preserving paneer long term:
- Freeze in whey: Helps maintain texture better than freezing alone.
- Pickle in oil: Fully submerge cubed paneer in oil with spices. Keeps for up to 6 months refrigerated.
- Cook in recipes: Paneer maintains integrity when cooked into dishes like saag paneer or paneer tikka masala. Freeze leftover recipes.
- Dry: Dehydrate crumbled paneer into a shelf-stable product. Reconstitute by soaking in milk before using.
How Should You Store Paneer for Best Quality?
To summarize, for best taste and texture, paneer should be stored:
- Wrapped in plastic wrap or aluminum foil – minimizes air exposure
- In the refrigerator – optimizes freshness at temperatures below 40°F
- Submerged in acidic whey or lemon juice – inhibits bacterial growth
- For 3-5 days maximum after opening
- In portioned cubes or slices – reduces surface area exposed to air
Avoid freezing paneer for long-term storage if possible, as freezing alters the taste and texture. Follow sanitary practices and don’t let paneer sit at room temperature more than 2 hours. Discard paneer that develops any foul odors, appearance, or sliminess.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does paneer need to be refrigerated?
Yes, paneer should always be refrigerated for food safety and to extend its shelf life. The cold temperature of the refrigerator will slow down bacterial growth and enzymatic breakdown of the cheese. Refrigeration can keep paneer fresh for up to 1 week after production or opening.
Can you freeze homemade paneer?
Homemade paneer can be frozen but it is not recommended, as the frozen storage time will negatively affect the taste and texture. Freezing causes damage to the cheese structure. If freezing homemade paneer, consume within 1-2 months for best quality.
Can frozen paneer be refrozen after thawing?
No, paneer should not be refrozen after thawing. Refreezing can lead to further texture and quality degradation. Only thaw the amount of frozen paneer you plan to immediately consume. Any uneaten thawed paneer must be discarded and not refrozen.
Does acidic whey help preserve paneer?
Yes, storing paneer immersed in its acidic whey prolongs freshness. The acids in the whey create an unfriendly environment for bacterial growth. Changing the whey daily provides the most benefit. Lemon juice has a similar preservative effect.
Can you eat moldy paneer if you cut the mold off?
No, paneer that has begun to mold should be completely discarded. Mold can penetrate deeply into the cheese, so trimming off the visible part is not sufficient. Consuming moldy paneer poses a health risk and should be avoided.
Conclusion
Paneer is a fresh cheese best kept refrigerated for 3-5 days for optimal flavor and texture. Keep it wrapped tightly in plastic or foil to prevent air exposure and submerged in whey or lemon juice to inhibit bacterial growth. While it can be frozen, freezing alters paneer’s delicate texture. For long term storage up to a year, canning paneer is an effective preservation method. With proper refrigerated storage and careful monitoring for signs of spoilage, fresh paneer can be safely enjoyed within a week of production or opening.
