If you buy a block of Parmesan (Parmigiano Reggiano), you're probably wondering whether Parmesan cheese goes bad and how long it lasts. Basically, this Italian hard cheese has a long shelf life if stored properly. It cannot last forever, but you should do your best to extend this time as long as possible. If you notice white spots on your cheese, it could be mold. What to do if Parmesan becomes moldy – read on!
Distinguish crystals from mold
Crystals are a sign of a well-ripened Parmesan cheese. While the cheese can take up to several years to mature, it is normal for white spots to appear on the Parmesan. As with many other hard cheeses (including Asiago and Gouda), the white spots, also called “pearls,” are the crystallization of amino acid proteins, particularly tyrosine and leucine. It could also be calcium lactate crystals. A great option for crystalsfrom the moldThe difference is that mold almost certainly only grows on the outside (surface of the cheese), while crystals can be found inside the cheese. Sometimes this can be confusing. So if you don't find them appetizing or aren't sure if it's mold, you can always cut them off at least an inch below the spot.
Parmesan is moldy – should I throw it away?
In some cases, the white spots are not crystals but rather mold. It could be a combination of bacteria and fungi, such as: BE coli, Scopulariopsis and Salmonella. So when it comes to food safety, you shouldn't push your luck.
After all, cheese is a perishable food. Cheesemaking is a process that only invites a certain group of bacteria to grow. The uninvited bacteria are inhibited either naturally or by human intervention such as salt, temperature, etc. These bacteria then produce the desired aromas, flavors and textures. Mold can come in many shapes and patterns. Some may look like black spots or fuzzy white spots, or they may simply look like bread mold. It can also appear in different colors.
If you accidentally ate parmesan cheese that was infected with mold, depending on the variety (some produce toxins), you could become very ill. The golden rule is: Don't eat it if you're unsure.If you see mold, in most cases you can simply cut it off - about an inch around and below the mold area - especially if you're working with a harder cheese. Still gross? Throw it away. This is what experts advise customers who are particularly skeptical about the whole thing about cutting the mold off the cheese. If you think the mold is making you feel a certain way, it probably is.
If it is grated cheese, you should throw away the entire container or packaging. Unfortunately, it is almost impossible to remove white mold from a collection of shredded cheese pieces, especially if the cheese itself is almost the same color as the mold. Hard cheese contains very little moisture, so mold growth is likely due to external moisture and cannot penetrate far into the cheese.
Have you ever stored your precious block of Parmesan in a plastic bag? An Italian culinary expert will definitely reprimand you and disapprove of your method of storing cheese. If you really want to buy the expensive Italian Parmigiano-Reggiano parmesan cheese, storing the parmesan in a plastic bag is prohibited.
However, sometimes we are not sure how best to store the cheese so that it retains its flavor. There are actually many ways to properly store Parmesan cheese. First, make sure that the Parmesan cheese you buy is in good condition, not damp, moldy or even rotten. Once you've used up the cheese, you can wrap the remaining cheese in wax paper.
Wax paper is not made of wax, but is a type of paper that is coated with food-grade silicone. The purpose of the wax paper is to retain moisture and prevent the cheese from drying out. Several cheese experts believe that when Parmesan cheese is wrapped in plastic, it can no longer breathe and “sweats.” This can cause Parmesan to become moldy.
In addition to being wrapped in wax paper, Parmesan slices should also be wrapped in aluminum foil. The aluminum foil protects the Parmesan cheese, but also allows it to “breathe”. Make sure every corner and space is covered with foil.Storethe parmesan cheese well in the bottom part of the refrigerator. Be careful not to store the cheese near other foods as it can absorb the smell of other foods, affecting the flavor of the cheese itself.
The ideal storage temperature for Parmesan cheese is between four and eight degrees Celsius. Never store cheese in the freezer. Remember to always wrap your cheese after use. Similar to wine, aged Parmesan tastes better when stored properly.
