Does Grated Parmesan Cheese Need To Be Refrigerated?

Last Updated on September 11, 2024 by Shari Mason

Have you ever purchased a container of grated Parmesan cheese and found it difficult to use before it expires? You’re not alone. This raises the question – should grated Parmesan be kept in the fridge?

In this blog post, we will answer the question of whether or not it needs to be refrigerated. We’ll also tell you the best way to store Parmesan cheese, so it stays fresh for as long as possible. Stay tuned.

Do I Need To Keep Grated Parmesan Cheese In The Fridge?

Grated Parmesan cheese typically comes in a plastic tub and has a near-white color. This variety is the one that is most commonly found in supermarkets and has a relatively long shelf life. 

For unopened packages, you can expect them to last for up to two months in the fridge. Once you open the container, the clock starts ticking and will only last for about four weeks. If you see any mold growing on the cheese, it’s time to toss it out.

Read:

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Parmesan cheese can also be purchased in a wedge form, which is how it is typically sold in Italy. The wedges vary in color from deep yellow to pale white and have a more crumbly texture than the pre-grated variety. 

Wedges will last for up to six months in the fridge if unopened, but once you cut into them, you should use them within two weeks. As with grated Parmesan, any signs of mold indicate that it’s time to discard the cheese.

Read: How Long Does A Block Of Parmesan Last?

What Happens If You Don’t Refrigerate It?

It will eventually go bad if you don’t refrigerate grated Parmesan cheese. The cheese will become dry and hard and lose its flavor. Without refrigeration, grated Parmesan cheese can last for about a week. After that, it’s best to throw it away. 

If you’re unsure whether the cheese is still good, look for signs of mold or off-flavors. If the cheese doesn’t smell right or tastes strange, it’s best to discard it. Parmesan cheese is a flavorful ingredient that can add a lot to a dish. 

However, it’s important to store it properly to ensure it doesn’t go bad. When in doubt, throw it out. But does Laughing Cow cheese need to be refrigerated?

How Do You Know If Grated Parmesan Cheese is Spoiled?

First, check the color of the cheese. It is probably spoiled if it has turned from white to yellow or brown. 

Also, take a sniff of the cheese. If it smells sour or otherwise unpleasant, then it is probably best to discard it. 

Finally, give the cheese a taste. If it is sour or otherwise off-flavor, then it has gone bad and should be thrown away. 

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How Should You Store It?

It can be tricky to store grated cheese, as it tends to dry out quickly. The key to storing grated Parmesan cheese is to keep it away from air and moisture. One way to do this is to transfer the cheese to an airtight container immediately after grating it. 

Another option is to place a piece of plastic wrap directly on top of the cheese before placing it in the fridge. If you plan to use the cheese within a few days, you can store it in a Ziploc bag. 

However, if you want to extend the shelf life of your grated Parmesan cheese, you can freeze it. Simply place the cheese in a freezer-safe container and use it within six months.

FAQs

Does grated Parmesan go bad?

Yes, grated Parmesan can go bad. The best way to store it is in an airtight container in the fridge. If it starts to smell funky or taste sour, then it’s gone bad and should be thrown away.

Are white spots on Parmesan cheese mold?

It’s hard to say without knowing more about the white spots. They could be mold, or they could be something else, like calcium lactate crystals.

If the spots are fuzzy and have a greenish-white color, then they’re probably mold. However, if the spots are white and don’t look furry or have a color, they’re more likely to be just crystals.

What happens if you eat moldy grated Parmesan cheese?

If you eat moldy grated Parmesan cheese, you could get food poisoning from eating the mold. The molds that can grow on Parmesan cheese include Aspergillus and Penicillium. Both of these molds produce toxins that can cause food poisoning. 

Symptoms of food poisoning from eating moldy Parmesan cheese can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. See a doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms after eating Parmesan cheese.

How long does grated Parmesan last once opened?

Grated Parmesan will last for about four months in the fridge if it’s tightly sealed. It will only last a couple of weeks if it’s not tightly sealed.

Do all types of cheese need to be refrigerated?

It depends. Soft cheeses like cottage cheese, goat cheese, and cream cheese should be refrigerated. Meanwhile, hard cheeses like Parmesan and cheddar don’t require refrigeration, but they will last longer if you put them in the fridge. [1]

Final Thoughts

Grated Parmesan cheese should be refrigerated. However, there are a few caveats to that answer. If the cheese is tightly sealed and has not been exposed to air, it can stay fresh for up to six months at room temperature. 

Additionally, if you’re only using a small amount of Parmesan cheese in a recipe, it might be better to store it in the fridge, so it doesn’t go bad. 

Have you ever had trouble keeping your Parmesan cheese fresh? Let us know in the comments!

Reference:

1. https://ask.usda.gov/s/article/Does-all-cheese-need-to-be-refrigerated#: