Shelf Life Tips
- How long does opened grated Parmesan cheese last? The precise answer to that question depends to a large extent on storage conditions - to maximize the shelf life of opened grated Parmesan cheese, keep it in the refrigerator.
-
How long does opened grated Parmesan cheese last in the refrigerator? Grated Parmesan cheese that was sold unrefrigerated will generally stay at best quality for about 10 to 12 months in the refrigerator after it has been opened.
-
To further extend the shelf life of opened grated Parmesan cheese, freeze it: to freeze, place grated Parmesan cheese in covered airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
-
Frozen Parmesan cheese may lose some of its texture and flavor; the thawed cheese will be best suited to cooked dishes, such as sauces, soups and casseroles.
-
How long does grated Parmesan cheese last in the freezer? Properly stored, grated Parmesan cheese will maintain best quality for about 18 months in the freezer, but will remain safe beyond that time.
-
The freezer time shown is for best quality only - grated Parmesan cheese that has been kept constantly frozen at 0°F will keep safe indefinitely.
-
Is grated Parmesan cheese safe to use after the "expiration" date on the package? Yes, provided it is properly stored, the package is undamaged and there is no sign of spoilage (see below) - commercially packaged grated Parmesan cheese will typically carry a "Best By," "Best if Used By," "Best Before," or "Best When Used By" date but this is not a safety date, it is the manufacturer's estimate of how long the grated Parmesan cheese will remain at peak quality.
-
How can you tell if grated Parmesan cheese is bad or spoiled? The best way is to smell and look at the cheese: if cheese develops an off odor, flavor or appearance, it should be discarded; if mold appears, discard all of the grated Parmesan cheese.
About Our Authors
Sources: For details about data sources used for food storage information, please click here
