Parmesan

[koster]

I bought some Parmesan for risotto. But when I was in the supermarket I looked at the information on each of the different Parmesan options, (whole pieces, flakes and ready grated). They all say that when once opened, they should be used within 5 days, or within 7 days, depending on which one.

The only option that will last longer is a tub of 'grated hard cheese', which contains preservative in the ingredients, and lasts a month, according to the details.

I'm quite surprised that a rectangle of Parmesan doesn't last longer than that, if it's true. So I was wondering what other people do with all that Parmesan to eat it all within five days? Or should I just buy the generic tub of grated hard cheese that has preservative in it?

[woofgang]

I keep my Parmesan chunk in the fridge loosely wrapped for months. it gets a bit harder to shave but still tastes divine.

[Barmaid]

A lump of parmesan will last for ages. Just wrap it in clingfilm and keep it in the fridge. I don't think anyone ever died from 10 day old parmesan.

[sunny-dave]

I'm still using a huge lump my sister gave me last Christmas - not dead yet ...

[Ratty2E]

I'd steer clear of the little tubs of ready grated long life stuff if I were you it's vile. I just buy a normal wedge and keep it in the fridge till it's been used and that could be months. Apart from soft cheeses I never take any notice of sell by dates

[humbersloop]

the stuff in tubs is pedicure scrapings from satan's toenails, imo


parmesan wrapped in clingfilm will last a good three weeks, also imo

[EcclesCake]

It's laughable that it has been aged for 24 months and is then labelled that it must be consumed in a matter of days! It is hardly likely to become toxic or spontaneously combust once opened, a classic case of daft H&S replacing common sense.

I use my eyes and nose, and even then I trim off any mouldy bits should they appear.

[pastafreak]

Like Eccles said. Its laughable that something aged has such a short 'so called' shelf life.

[Barmaid]

Also as Eccles said go by your eyes and your nose and not the stoopid dates that manufacturers insist on putting on packets.

Tbh, I buy my parmesan from the local italian shop and it comes wrapped in clingfilm in a white paper bag with no dates on it.

[LyndaB]

As other people have said, buy your Parmesan in a chunk and use as you need it. If you keep it wrapped up it will last for weeks.

[pastafreak]

Italy is full of ancient grannies who would laugh at use by dates on parmesan.

[diddlydo]

Definitely don't buy the ready grated stuff which smells like puke and tastes even worse. A lump will keep for ages if cling-wrapped in the fridge.