Quick Answers
Parmigiano Reggiano cheese can be kept for a very long time if stored properly. Here are some quick answers about its shelf life:
– Unopened Parmigiano Reggiano can last over a year past its expiration date if kept refrigerated.
– Once opened, Parmigiano Reggiano will last at least several months with proper storage, sometimes up to a year or longer.
– Hard cheeses like Parmigiano Reggiano last much longer than soft cheeses thanks to their low moisture content and hardness.
– Proper storage means wrapping tightly in parchment paper or wax/foil, keeping air out, and storing in the fridge.
– Signs of spoiled Parmigiano Reggiano include mold, unusually soft texture, strong ammonia smell, or odd colors.
– Grating and freezing portions of Parmigiano Reggiano can extend its shelf life even longer.
About Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese
Parmigiano Reggiano is a famous Italian hard, aged cow’s milk cheese. It is a grana cheese, meaning it contains tiny granules within the cheese. Parmigiano Reggiano is strictly produced in certain provinces of Italy under government laws to ensure its quality.
Some key facts about Parmigiano Reggiano:
– Made from raw, unpasteurized cow’s milk
– Aged a minimum of 12 months, often 24 months or longer
– Hard, granular texture
– Pale yellow color
– Distinctive, strong savory and nutty flavor
– Used grated as a seasoning or eaten as a snack
Parmigiano is a very low moisture cheese at around 32%, with only 23% water content. This is much lower than soft cheeses like mozzarella which contains about 70% moisture. The low moisture content makes it much less hospitable to bacteria growth.
The cheese’s hardness also makes it difficult for molds to establish deep roots. The aging process allows Parmigiano Reggiano to develop antioxidants that inhibit deterioration. All of these factors make it a very long lasting cheese.
Why Parmigiano Reggiano Lasts So Long
There are several reasons why Parmigiano Reggiano has such an exceptionally long shelf life compared to other cheeses:
– Low moisture content – Hard cheeses resist spoilage better.
– High acidity – Acts as a preservative and inhibits mold growth.
– Large size and shape – The huge wheels have less surface area exposed to air.
– Natural rind – The natural rind helps protect the interior.
– Long aging – Develops anti-microbial compounds and antioxidants over time.
– Raw milk – Raw milk contains beneficial bacteria that can extend shelf life.
– High salt content – Salt is an antimicrobial and adds flavor stability.
– Lack of starter culture – Most cheese uses starter cultures but Parmigiano Reggiano relies solely on milk bacteria.
The combination of all these factors makes Parmigiano Reggiano stay fresh much longer than almost any other cheese you can buy.
Shelf Life of Sealed Parmigiano Reggiano
When properly stored in its original packaging, Parmigiano Reggiano can last an exceptionally long time past its printed expiration date. This table shows just how long it keeps when still vacuum sealed:
| Storage Temperature | Unopened Shelf Life After ‘Best By’ Date |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator (35°F – 40°F) | Over 1 year |
| Pantry (68°F – 77°F) | Over 6 months |
As you can see, when kept sealed and refrigerated, Parmigiano Reggiano stays unspoiled for over a year past the date stamped on the packaging. Pretty impressive for a perishable dairy product! Even unrefrigerated, it often lasts 6 months or longer.
Why Sealed Parmigiano Reggiano Lasts So Long
Why does Parmigiano Reggiano keep so long when it’s still vacuum sealed? Here are the main reasons:
– No oxygen – Anaerobic environment inhibits mold growth.
– No contamination – Package protects cheese from external bacteria, yeasts, etc.
– Low light – Minimizes oxidation and nutrient breakdown.
– Constant temperature – Refrigeration keeps it from fluctuating.
– Intact rind – Rind stays hardened so doesn’t degrade like cut cheese.
– High pressure – Vacuum packing prevents drying out.
Keep in mind that “Best By” dates are very conservative to account for variables after opening. When the original packaging remains intact, the cheese lasts much longer than the date printed on it.
Refrigerator Shelf Life After Opening
Once opened and stored in the refrigerator, here’s approximately how long Parmigiano Reggiano will last:
| Type | Refrigerator Shelf Life After Opening |
|---|---|
| Wedge with rind | 6 months or longer |
| Wedge with rind cut off | 3 to 6 months |
| Grating pieces | 8 to 12 months |
| Shredded | 3 to 6 months |
As you can see, even after opening, Parmigiano Reggiano keeps for at least several months when stored properly in the refrigerator. A wedge with the rind still on lasts the longest. Grated or shredded portions may start drying out after 3-6 months but are still safe to eat.
Maximizing Opened Refrigerator Life
To get the longest fridge life once opened, be sure to:
– Seal tightly in parchment paper or foil.
– Press plastic wrap directly on the cut surfaces.
– Keep any cheesecloth or rind intact as long as possible.
– Store in cheese paper or container.
– Keep humidity high in the fridge.
– Avoid introducing new bacteria.
– Keep cheese from drying out.
Proper storage is key to maximizing the shelf life. Follow these tips and your Parmigiano Reggiano can keep for up to a year in the fridge.
Pantry Shelf Life After Opening
Storing Parmigiano Reggiano in the pantry after opening can extend its shelf life for a little while compared to the refrigerator. Here’s roughly how long it lasts:
| Type | Pantry Shelf Life After Opening |
|---|---|
| Wedge with rind | 2 to 4 weeks |
| Wedge without rind | 1 to 2 weeks |
| Grating pieces | 2 to 3 weeks |
| Shredded | 1 week |
At room temperature, moisture loss and mold growth are accelerated. So the fridge is really best for long term storage. But keeping Parmigiano Reggiano in the pantry for a few weeks can work in a pinch. Just watch closely for any signs of mold.
Why Pantry Storage Reduces Shelf Life
Storing opened Parmigiano Reggiano in the pantry reduces the shelf life for a few reasons:
– Warmer temperatures promote faster bacteria and mold growth.
– Drier environment causes cheese to dry out and crack.
– More oxygen exposure leads to faster oxidation.
– Fluctuating temperatures cause condensation.
– No humidity control like the refrigerator.
While you can keep it in the pantry short term, it’s best to stick to fridge storage if you want your Parmigiano Reggiano to last.
Freezer Shelf Life
Freezing is a great way to extend the shelf life of Parmigiano Reggiano even longer. Here is approximately how long it lasts frozen:
| Type | Freezer Shelf Life |
|---|---|
| Wedge | 6 to 8 months |
| Grating pieces | 8 to 12 months |
| Shredded | 6 to 8 months |
Frozen properly in an airtight container, Parmigiano Reggiano can keep for about 6-12 months without noticeable deterioration. The texture may become more crumbly but the flavor remains intact.
Tips for Freezing Parmigiano Reggiano
Follow these tips to maximize freezer life:
– Double wrap in plastic wrap and foil.
– Limit air exposure by squeezing out air.
– Portion into smaller pieces or shred to use as needed.
– Freeze within 2 weeks of purchase for best quality.
– Store at 0°F or colder for longest shelf life.
– Once thawed, use within 3-4 weeks.
With proper freezing techniques, you can keep Parmigiano Reggiano for up to a year for long term storage.
Signs Parmigiano Reggiano Has Gone Bad
Watch for these signs that your Parmigiano Reggiano cheese has spoiled and should be discarded:
– Green, blue, black, or white mold – Safe to cut mold off hard cheeses, but best to discard.
– Strong ammonia smell – Indicates protein breakdown.
– Unusually soft texture – Cheese should be hard.
– Crumbly texture – Starts breaking rather than slicing.
– Watery appearance – Should maintain solid, granular texture.
– Orange discoloration – Can indicate harmful bacteria growth.
– Off tastes – Soapy, bitter, or sour rather than nutty and salty.
– Weepy rind – Liquid leaking through is a sign of spoilage.
When in Doubt, Throw it Out
With moldy cheeses, it’s best to be cautious. While it’s likely safe to consume hardness like Parmesan after cutting mold off, it’s better to not risk it when any doubt exists. Rely on sight and smell over the date on the package.
How to Store Parmigiano Reggiano
To get the maximum shelf life, here are some storage tips for Parmigiano Reggiano:
– Keep sealed until ready to use.
– Once opened, rewrap tightly in plastic wrap or parchment paper.
– Store opened cheese in loose parchment paper inside a partly closed zip top bag or storage container.
– Make sure all surfaces are covered and air is pushed out before sealing.
– Add a damp paper towel into the bag or container to control humidity.
– Refrigerate wedge at 35°F to 40°F degrees. Freeze for longer term storage.
– Store shredded or grated cheese in airtight containers or bags.
– Keep cheese evenly wrapped – no exposed areas.
– Place on interior fridge shelves away from door moisture.
– Avoid freezing and thawing multiple times.
Proper storage from the outset helps Parmigiano Reggiano stay fresh and last for months or even over a year past its expiration date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Parmigiano Reggiano expire?
Yes, Parmigiano Reggiano does eventually expire and should not be kept indefinitely. However, when stored properly it can last for many months or even over 1 year past the printed expiration date on the packaging. The signs of spoiled Parmigiano Reggiano will be obvious in the form of mold, smell, and texture changes.
Can you use Parmigiano Reggiano after it expires?
It is generally safe to use Parmigiano Reggiano for an extended time after the expiration date as long as there are no signs of spoilage. Taste and inspect the cheese closely. As long as it smells, tastes, and looks normal it should be fine for cooking. But it’s always better to err on the side of caution when in doubt.
How long can Parmigiano Reggiano last unrefrigerated?
At room temperature without refrigeration, Parmigiano Reggiano will last approximately 2-4 weeks after opening when properly wrapped. Hard cheeses like Parmigiano Reggiano resist spoilage better than soft cheeses, but will still mold eventually without refrigeration. For maximum freshness and shelf life, Parmigiano Reggiano should always be refrigerated after opening.
Can you freeze Parmesan cheese?
Yes, you can freeze Parmigiano Reggiano to extend its shelf life. Freeze it in airtight packaging for 6-12 months. It may become more crumbly but retains good flavor frozen. Grated or shredded Parmesan freezes especially well for longer term storage.