Parmigiano Reggiano is much more than just a cheese: it is the king of cheeses!
An authentic masterpiece of Italian gastronomy, a treasure to be carefully protected and conserved. Its unmistakable taste and unique properties make it a culinary jewel loved all over the world. If you are a Parmesan lover, you will know that every piece is precious and cannot be wasted! This is why it is essential to know how to best preserve it once opened.
But how is Parmigiano Reggiano preserved once opened? And how long does it last? In this article, we want to give you some advice on how to best preserve your Parmigiano Reggiano.
Firstly, you must know that this cheese, thanks to its low water content, can also be stored at room temperature, in a cool, dry place, protected from light and air, even after opening and cutting the form from which the points (or pyramids) are obtained for a limited period of time.
However, if you want to keep Parmigiano Reggiano fresh for longer, we recommend storing it in the refrigerator, in a glass or plastic food container, or in a slightly moistened cotton cloth, at a temperature between 4 and 8 °C, where it will last up to a month if stored correctly. Don't forget to remove the outer film and make sure you keep it away from other foods, because Parmesan tends to absorb the smells of nearby foods, altering its fine taste.
Each package bears a date of use, i.e. Minimum Conservation Term, preceded by the wording: "...best before..." which is to be considered an indication, very different from the expiry date, which is instead mandatory.
But be careful, you must know that the indications on the conservation period of Parmigiano Reggiano can vary according to the seasoning. Here are the general indications for the duration of Parmigiano Reggiano in the refrigerator based on the seasoning:
- Fresh Parmigiano Reggiano (aged less than 12 months): it can last up to 2-3 weeks if stored correctly in the refrigerator, wrapped in kitchen paper or transparent film.
- Aged Parmigiano Reggiano (aged for 12 to 24 months): it can last up to 3-4 weeks if stored correctly in the refrigerator, wrapped in kitchen paper or cling film.
- Extra-aged Parmigiano Reggiano (aged for more than 24 months): it can last up to 4-6 weeks if stored correctly in the refrigerator, wrapped in kitchen paper or transparent film.
In any case, if a little mold appears on the surface of the cheese, don't worry: you can easily remove it with the tip of a knife before enjoying it.
Follow these tips and you will be able to enjoy your favorite cheese at its maximum freshness and quality for a long time!
