Got a craving for some really good cheese? Then the choice will probably fall on parmesan cheese. This one is excellent, but not exactly the cheapest. Therefore, let’s learn how to store it in the home as well as possible.
You may also know Parmesan under the name Parmigiano-Reggiano, and if you buy the real one, then know that you will definitely not make a mistake. It ranks among the best cheeses in the world. The taste and texture are unmistakable, as is its aroma.
As its name suggests, we could trace its history to the Italian city of Parma (but also Modena, Bologna and others), and that very deep into the past. The long maturation period – up to four years or more – makes it a real gourmet delicacy. So let’s not spoil it at home, it would be a real shame.
Choosing the right parmesan cheese is a science, as shown in a YouTube video by MAKRO ČR:
Source: Youtube
Buy quality
If you decide to invest in a really high-quality cheese, you should bring it from the store in the appropriate packaging, which ensures the preservation of its ideal properties. Nevertheless, it is better to check everything, or take care of the correction, if necessary. If everything is in order, then open the original package only when you really want to use the cheese. You don’t have to worry, it will last for several months. So how best to preserve this culinary gem?
Proper care is the foundation
Once you unwrap a piece of parmesan cheese from its original packaging (or bring it home sliced from a large pie, which is an even better option), it’s up to you. First, it will need to be well packed so that it does not absorb moisture, which would promote its rapid deterioration.
On the other hand, leaving it unwrapped means drying out and soon you would find only a hard stone in the fridge. Therefore, parchment (baking) paper or a special lightly waxed canvas will be ideal. In such an environment, the cheese will be able to “breathe”, but it will not take in too much water from the surroundings, nor will it ripen unnecessarily deeply.
Protect it against other odors
The cheese wrapped in this way can then go into the refrigerator, but always put it on a plate and cover it at least with a plastic lid, or make a “cap” for it from aluminum foil. This is so that as little as possible other odors from the fridge get to the Parmesan cheese. After all, we want it to retain its unmistakable aroma.
A vacuum cleaner is a safe bet
For longer-term storage, you can successfully pack the cheese using a vacuum sealer. It should last up to a whole year like this, but you have to be careful not to infect it with mold when you slice it beforehand. In such a case, it would be very likely that microorganisms would multiply despite the perfect packaging. But the truth is that the Italians themselves do not take this particularly tragically. In short, he cuts off the mold with a knife and tackles the rest with the same gusto as if nothing had happened.
What about grated cheese?
If you have leftover (or bought) cheese that has already been grated, you can of course also keep it for several weeks or months without any major problems, but in this case it is better to keep it in an airtight container.
It doesn’t have to be any special equipment, screw-on mason jars will do very well. It will be ideal if you also put a piece of food foil under the lid, which you attach when closing the jar. It is better not to fill it to the very edge, so that the cheese has some air available.
Freezer is not a problem
If you are considering storing Parmesan cheese for a longer period of time, don’t hesitate to store it well wrapped in the freezer. It will not lose its quality, and at the same time you will be able to enjoy it even after a year.
Sources: www.parmezany.cz, www.finedininglovers.com, www.masterclass.com
