Can I freeze Parmesan?
I am thinking about buying a larger amount of Parmesan and freeze it for later use. Is this possible? How long can I keep it for? How is the taste/texture affected?
Best Answer
Yes, you can freeze parmesan cheese. Even without freezing, Parmesan is very durable since the low water and high salt content prevents mould from growing. The younger varieties may be more prone to mould growth (having a higher water content), but I've kept ripe Parmesan (30-36 months) for at least a year in the fridge without problems (and it would probably have stayed good much longer). Just remember to keep it wrapped in paper, not in a sealed plastic container to prevent a buildup of condensation.
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Can you freeze store bought grated Parmesan cheese?
Parmesan cheese has a low moisture content, making it ideal for freezing. It doesn't have a tendency to clump together, and is not very susceptible to freezer burn. Grated Parmesan cheese should stay soft even while frozen. It can be used directly out of the freezer, without any need to thaw ahead of time.What happens if you freeze parmesan cheese?
You can freeze parmesan cheese, both in block form and shredded or grated. Both work very well and are viable options for extending the shelf life of leftover parm. That said, frozen parmesan cheese changes its texture slightly and loses a bit of its signature crumbliness.Should you grate Parmesan before freezing?
What is this? You can skip pre-freezing if you've bought your parmesan grated. Grated parm usually has cellulose added so it doesn't stick; hence pre-freezing isn't necessary. Your parmesan is ready to sit in the freezer for at least a couple of months.How do you defrost frozen Parmesan cheese?
How to Defrost Parmesan Cheese? To thaw Parmesan cheese, remove the cheese from the freezer and place it in the refrigerator. Leave the cheese wrapped while thawing to help seal in the moisture and avoid it drying out. Leave the cheese for several hours or overnight to allow it to thaw completely.How to properly store fresh Parmesan cheese
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Answer 2
I'm not going to add much as Tor-Einar Jarnbjo's answer was very thorough but just to note that you can also freeze parmesan rinds to add to soups and stews for an easy umami boost.
Answer 3
There is absolutely no need to freeze it. Keep it dry and cool and everything will be just fine.
I make artisan cheeses...cool and dry is how it is aged and is all it requires.
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