Shelf Life Tips
- How long does unopened grated Parmesan cheese last? The precise answer to that question depends to a large extent on storage conditions - to maximize the shelf life of unopened grated Parmesan cheese, keep it in a cool, dry area.
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How long does unopened grated Parmesan cheese last at room temperature? Unopened grated Parmesan cheese that has been sold unrefrigerated will generally stay at best quality for about 12 to 18 months at normal room temperature.
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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.
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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.
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