How long does parmesan cheese last? That’s a good question! Parmesan cheese is a fan-favorite amongst Italian cuisine fans and is enjoyed in places all over the world. But how do you know when it’s time to toss your parmesan cheese? Join us as we set out to answer just that.
Table of Contents
- Does Parmesan Cheese Go Bad?
- How Can You Tell If Parmesan Cheese Is Bad?
- How Long Does Parmesan Cheese Last in Fridge?
- How Long Do Different Types of Parmesan Cheese Last?
- How Long Does Parmesan Cheese Last After Opening?
- Does Parmesan Need to be Refrigerated?
- FAQs
- Your Parmesan Cheese Will Likely Last You a While…
Does Parmesan Cheese Go Bad?
Yes, parmesan cheese can go bad.
As with most dairy products, parmesan cheese can go bad. If you begin to notice mold, discoloration, weird smells, a bad texture, or a bad taste, you’ll want to discard your parmesan and buy it again fresh.
The positive thing is that though parmesan does go bad, it is just as easy to keep it fresh. Unlike learning how to store raw chicken, parmesan can be simply wrapped, thrown in the fridge and kept for weeks at a time!
How Can You Tell If Parmesan Cheese Is Bad?
Parmesan cheese may develop mold, may become transparent or discolored, and may have an odd taste or texture when it goes bad. Changes in texture and color include the hardening and darkening of this particular type of cheese.
Should Parmesan Cheese Have Mold?
Any food that is growing mold is a sign that it has gone bad. This is especially true for cheese.
However, if you would still like to eat your moldy cheese, you can simply cut the molded part off. Cut at least 1 inch below and around the visible mold to ensure you’ve gotten rid of any mold that has spread that you can’t see.
What Does Bad Parmesan Cheese Smell Like?
Because parmesan cheese is naturally “stinky”, it can be hard to tell good parmesan from bad parmesan by smell alone.
Note that expired parmesan will likely smell even stronger than before, or sometimes, it may not smell like anything at all. Thus, both a more pungent odor and a lack of odor could be signs that your parmesan has gone bad.
Still, you will want to keep an eye out for other signs of expiry before tossing your parmesan cheese.
How Long Does Parmesan Cheese Last in Fridge?
Parmesan cheese can last in your refrigerator for up to 7-9 months if left unopened.
How Long Does Parmesan Cheese Last After Expiration Date?
Even after expiration, parmesan cheese that has been opened or unopened can last up to 6 weeks past expiry if stored in the refrigerator.
How Long Does Parmesan Last in the Fridge
Parmesan cheese can last anywhere from 7-9 months in the refrigerator unopened to 6 weeks in the refrigerator once opened.
As always, check for signs of spoilage before consuming.
How Long Does Parmesan Cheese Last in the Freezer?
Parmesan cheese can last a year or more in the freezer, and thankfully, it freezes exceptionally well.
Wedge parmesan cheese does very well in terms of keeping quality and flavor intact after freezing; just be sure to purchase a high-quality parmesan cheese to begin with.
Got some leftover parmesan? Consider discovering new and popular types of pasta; you never know when you might stumble upon a new pasta dish you and your friends will love!
How Long Do Different Types of Parmesan Cheese Last?
How Long Does Grated Parmesan Cheese Last?
Grated and unrefrigerated parmesan cheese, sometimes referred to as “powdered” parmesan often lasts for about 9-10 months once it has been opened..
Note: If the grated cheese was purchased unrefrigerated, chances are it can be stored that way too.
How Long Does a Block of Parmesan Cheese Last?
A block of parmesan cheese should keep about 6 weeks even after opening, assuming it was wrapped correctly. The cheese will last 7-9 months if left unopened.
How Long Does a Wedge of Parmesan Cheese Last?
Similar to a block of cheese, your wedge of parmesan cheese that has been properly stored in the refrigerator should last you anywhere from 1-2 months opened and 7-9 months when left unopened.
How Long Does Shredded Parmesan Cheese Last?
Sadly, shredded parmesan cheese won’t last as long as your typical wedge or block, so once it is opened, you may wish to consume the cheese within 5-7 days for the best flavor.
Beyond that, it is best that you freeze the cheese or leave the cheese unopened until you are ready to use it.
How Long Does Parmesan Cheese Last After Opening?
How Long Does Opened Parmesan Cheese Last?
The length of time parmesan cheese will last after opening will depend on what kind of parmesan cheese it is (block, wedge, grated, or shredded) as well as what conditions the cheese was stored in.
Generally speaking, parmesan will last about 6 weeks after being opened assuming that the cheese was refrigerated. This is true with the exception of shredded parmesan cheese…shredded cheeses last only 5-7 days after having been opened.
To keep your opened cheese at optimal quality for the most extended amount of time, consider freezing it. You may not even have to thaw it when you’re ready to use it!
Does Parmesan Need to be Refrigerated?
How Long Does Parmesan Cheese Last Unrefrigerated?
Unrefrigerated parmesan cheeses will last 1-1.5 years if unopened.
If your parmesan is meant to be refrigerated but you accidentally leave it out, you may be able to get away with eating it within 24 hours, but we wouldn’t recommend it. Always err on the side of caution and refrigerate your parmesan to keep it safe for consumption.
FAQs
Can you get sick from eating old Parmesan cheese?
You can get sick from eating any food that is expired, old or spoiled in any way.
Thus, you can certainly get sick from eating old parmesan cheese.
Is it safe to eat expired grated Parmesan cheese?
Depending on how it was stored and how long the parmesan has been expired, it may be safe to eat.
If the parmesan was grated fresh and kept in the refrigerator for less than six weeks, you will likely be able to consume it. If the grated cheese was sold unrefrigerated, you are much less likely to get sick and thus, probably can still consume the expired grated cheese for months on end.
Your Parmesan Cheese Will Likely Last You a While…
Parmesan cheese is a staple in many homes around the world, and thankfully, when stored correctly, it tends to stay around a while.
No matter what kind of parmesan cheese you’ve purchased, we recommend you put the cheese in the refrigerator to keep it fresh and at best quality for longer.
Remember never to consume dairy products that smell different, taste different, or have a differing texture from when you first bought them.
