Skip to content
Home » Does parmesan cheese go bad? 

Does parmesan cheese go bad? 

There’s nothing quite like the sharp, nutty flavor of Parmesan cheese. Whether you’re sprinkling it on top of your pasta or using it to make a perfect homemade pizza, Parmesan is a delicious cheese that can enhance any dish.

But what happens when Parmesan goes bad? Can you still use it, or should you throw it out? Does parmesan cheese go bad? We’re going to discuss all these things in detail today, so stay tuned. 

Does Parmesan Cheese Go Bad?

Does parmesan cheese go bad? 

Yes, it does. Parmesan cheese will start to lose its flavor after a few weeks. Once opened, Parmesan cheese should be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or foil otherwise, it will spoil, so you should use it within one month.

Signs that Parmesan cheese has gone bad include Mold growth, a change in color, and a sour smell. If you see any of these signs, it’s best to discard the cheese. We hope now you know the answer to does parmesan cheese go bad.

How Long Does Parmesan Cheese Last?

Parmesan cheese will last for six to eight weeks when stored in the refrigerator. However, if you want the cheese to retain its flavor and quality for a longer period of time, it is best to store it in the freezer. 

When stored in the freezer, Parmesan cheese can last for up to six months. To prevent the cheese from drying out or developing freezer burn, it is important to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before freezing.

When shopping for Parmesan cheese, look for a brand that uses whole milk and has a consistent texture. Be sure to check the expiration date on the package before purchasing the cheese. 

Once you have opened the package of cheese, it is best to use it within seven days. If you are not planning on using all of the cheese within that time frame, you can portion out what you need and store the rest in the freezer for future use.

How Long Does Fresh Parmesan Cheese Last in the Fridge?

Once you’ve opened a package of Parmesan cheese, it’s important to store it properly to prolong its shelf life. If stored in the fridge, fresh Parmesan cheese will last for two to four weeks. If stored in the freezer, it will last for six months to a year. 

To extend its shelf life even further, you can place the cheese in a container with a tight-fitting lid and soak it in brine (salt water) for three to four days.

This will help to preserve the cheese and prevent mold from forming. When stored properly, fresh Parmesan cheese can last for weeks or even months after opening. So don’t be afraid to stock up on your favorite brand. 

Grated parmesan cheese is bad if not refrigerated!

Grated parmesan cheese is a common ingredient in many recipes, but it can quickly go bad if it is not refrigerated. The high-fat content of the cheese makes it prone to rancidity, and the grated texture means that bacteria can easily take hold

If grated parmesan cheese is not refrigerated, it should be used within two days. After that, it will start to develop an off-flavor and a slimy texture.

So if you’re planning on using grated parmesan cheese in your cooking, be sure to keep it properly refrigerated. Otherwise, you might end up with a dish that is anything but cheesy.

6 Signs that Parmesan Cheese Has Gone Bad 

Parmesan Cheese

Just like any other food, Parmesan cheese can also go bad. However, because Parmesan is a hard cheese, it can be difficult to tell when it has gone bad. Here are six signs to look for:

1. The cheese has developed mold

Mold is a common occurrence on cheeses, and while some types of mold are safe to eat, others can cause serious illness. If you see mold on your Parmesan, it is best to throw it away.

2. The cheese has changed color

Parmesan should be a pale yellow color. If it has started to turn green or brown, this is a sign that it has gone bad.

3. The cheese has a sour smell

While all cheeses have a distinct smell, they should not smell sour. If your Parmesan smells sour, it is no longer safe to eat.

4. The cheese is crumbly or hard

Parmesan should be firm but not hard. If it is crumbly or difficult to cut, this is a sign that it has gone bad.

5. The cheese tastes different from usual 

If your Parmesan tastes sour, bitter, or otherwise off, it has gone bad and should not be eaten.

6. The expiration date on the package has passed

This is the most obvious sign that your Parmesan has gone bad and should not be eaten. Be sure to check the expiration date before consuming any cheese.

Whether you’re using Parmesan cheese in your cooking or simply enjoying it as a snack.  With proper storage, it can last for several months in your fridge.

However, if you see any signs that the cheese has gone bad, it’s best to discard it. With a little bit of care, you can enjoy fresh Parmesan cheese for weeks to come. 

How to Store Parmesan Cheese for Longer? 

As any cheese lover knows, parmesan is a versatile and delicious cheese that can enhance the flavor of any dish. However, parmesan can be quite expensive, so it’s important to know how to store it properly in order to make it last as long as possible. 

  • The first step is to wrap the cheese tightly in plastic wrap or wax paper. This will help to keep the cheese from drying out. 
  • Next, store the wrapped cheese in a cool, dark place. A refrigerator is ideal, but a cool pantry will also work. 
  • Finally, be sure to check on the cheese regularly and remove any mold that may form. With proper care, a block of parmesan can last for several months. 

So next time you’re at the grocery store, don’t hesitate to pick up a little extra parmesan. Your taste buds will thank you. If you want to know the answer to does parmesan cheese go bad, read the article from the start. 

What Happens if You Eat Expired Parmesan Cheese? 

expired parmesan cheese

While it’s generally safe to eat expired food, there are some exceptions. One of those exceptions is parmesan cheese. Unlike other types of cheese, parmesan cheese is made with rennet, an enzyme that breaks down over time. 

As a result, expired parmesan cheese can be very sour and sharp-tasting. It can also cause indigestion and other gastrointestinal problems.

So if you find a tub of parmesan cheese in the back of your fridge that’s past its expiration date, it’s best to throw it out.

The Risk of Consuming an Expired Parmesan Cheese

Although it may be hard to believe, parmesan cheese can actually go bad. That’s right, that delicious hunk of Parmesan in your fridge might not be as safe to eat as you think. When cheese is exposed to air, it starts to form bacteria that can cause food poisoning. 

While this bacteria is usually harmless, it can sometimes lead to serious illness, especially in young children, the elderly, and pregnant women. So, what happens if you eat expired Parmesan cheese? Here are two potential risks:

1. Cataracts: A study published in the journal “Food and Chemical Toxicology” found that rats who were fed a diet of expired Parmesan cheese developed cataracts. While there is no evidence that this will happen in humans, it is still a possibility.

2. Listeria Infection: Listeria is a type of bacteria that can cause severe illness, particularly in pregnant women and young children.

This bacteria can sometimes be found in unpasteurized milk and cheeses, as well as in some processed foods.

While most healthy adults will only experience mild symptoms from a Listeria infection, it can be deadly for vulnerable populations. 

If you think you may have eaten expired Parmesan cheese, it’s important to watch for symptoms such as fever, vomiting, and diarrhea. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

Can You Freeze Parmesan Cheese?

Yes, you can. Many people love the taste of Parmesan cheese, but they may not know that it is actually quite easy to freeze. Parmesan is a type of hard cheese, and like most hard cheeses, it freezes well. In fact, freezing can actually help to preserve the flavor of the cheese. 

When Parmesan is exposed to air, it can start to develop a crumbly texture. However, freezing helps to lock in the flavor and prevent the cheese from drying out. Parmesan can be stored in the freezer for up to six months. 

When you are ready to use it, simply thaw the cheese in the refrigerator overnight. Then, grated Parmesan can be used in all of your favorite recipes. So next time you find yourself with a surplus of Parmesan, don’t hesitate to pop it in the freezer.

FAQs

man picking up parmesan cheese

Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is a concentrated source of dairy proteins and enzymes, both of which are capable of promoting the growth of harmful bacteria.

For this reason, most people recommend refrigerating Parmesan after it’s been grated. 

However, if your Parmesan is in a sealed container or vacuum-sealed package and has been stored in a cool, dry place, it should be safe to eat even if it’s not refrigerated.

Now, you know the answer to the question does parmesan cheese go bad? Let’s discuss some most frequently asked questions about it. 

How Long Does Grated Parmesan Cheese Last After the Expiration Date? 

The Parmesan cheese will last a few months and will be safe to eat after the expiration date as long as it has been stored properly.

If it has been exposed to warm temperatures or moisture, then it will start to spoil and develop a sour smell. Spoiled Parmesan cheese will not be dangerous to eat, but it will taste sour and unpleasant.

Does Parmesan Cheese Go Bad if Not Refrigerated? 

Yes, Parmesan cheese can go bad if not refrigerated. The high levels of salt in Parmesan cheese help to preserve it, but at a certain point, the salt will no longer be able to keep the cheese from going bad. If you’re not going to eat all of your Parmesan cheese within a week or two, it’s best to store it in the fridge.

What is the best refrigeration temperature for Parmesan cheese?

The best refrigeration temperature for Parmesan cheese is between 36-40 degrees Fahrenheit. At this temperature, the cheese will stay for up to six months. Keep in mind that at higher or lower temperatures, the quality of the cheese may be compromised. 

Does grated parmesan cheese go bad if not refrigerated?

Yes, grated Parmesan cheese can go bad if not refrigerated. The high salt content in Parmesan cheese helps to preserve it, but if it’s left at room temperature for too long, it will start to spoil.

Spoiled Parmesan cheese will smell sour and have a slimy texture. It’s best to store Parmesan cheese in the refrigerator or in a cool, dark place.

We hope now you don’t have any confusion about the storage of parmesan cheese or does parmesan cheese go bad if not stored properly. 

How long does grated Parmesan cheese last after expiration?

The shelf life of grated Parmesan cheese is about one month after the expiration date. Once opened, grated Parmesan cheese should be stored in an airtight container and used within two to three days. If frozen, it will last for about six months. 

Final Words

Parmesan cheese does go bad, but it can last for a while in the fridge. By following some simple tips, you can extend the shelf life of your Parmesan cheese and enjoy its delicious flavor for longer.

We hope by now you’ve got the answer to your question, does parmesan cheese go bad? Have you ever had Parmesan cheese go bad on you? Let us know in the comments! 

Maybe you’d like to read:

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *