Parmigiano Reggiano is one of the culinary treasures of the Emilia-Romagna tradition – a symbol of quality and authenticity recognized worldwide. Its unmistakable flavor and aroma make it the perfect cheese to enrich a variety of dishes: served as a delicious appetizer, grated over pasta, or used to enhance recipes with its unique character.
For this very reason, proper storage of Parmigiano Reggiano is essential to preserve its unique qualities. Knowing a few simple tips and methods to apply at home is key to maintaining its flavor, texture, and organoleptic properties—while preventing mold, drying out, or loss of aroma.
Here are some suggestions from our cheese‐makers at Caseificio Milanello.
Storage methods and times depending on the type of Parmigiano
To preserve the full flavor and aroma of Parmigiano Reggiano, the Consortium recommends setting your refrigerator temperature between 4 and 8 °C (39–46 °F). Stored this way, the cheese can last for several months, as long as it is consumed by the minimum shelf life (TMC) indicated on the packaging.
In addition to this general recommendation, however, storing Parmigiano Reggiano isn’t one-size-fits-all: the precautions can vary depending on certain characteristics of the cheese itself. Let’s take a closer look.
Fresh or aged Parmigiano
A first distinction is based on the aging of the cheese. If the Parmigiano is relatively young—around 12 to 18 months of aging—it’s best to consume it within about 15 days after opening. On the other hand, if it has been aged for over 24 months, it can be stored in the fridge for up to a month.
In both cases, our advice is to check the opened Parmigiano regularly. If it looks and smells normal, it can still be eaten even after the recommended time. If there are just a few small mold spots, you can remove them carefully with a knife and enjoy the rest of the cheese. However, if there are noticeable changes in color or smell, it’s strongly advised not to consume it.
Vacuum-sealed or grated
Vacuum sealing is one of the most commonly used techniques to preserve the organoleptic qualities of Parmigiano. Once opened, it’s essential to maintain an optimal level of humidity and keep it away from other foods to prevent the fat content from absorbing odors from the fridge. To do this, you can use tightly sealed glass or plastic containers, or wrap it in cling film. In this way, it can last a long time without losing its properties, as long as the packaging remains intact and it is stored in the fridge between 4 and 8 °C.
For homemade grated Parmigiano, the shelf life is much shorter; it should be consumed within 5–7 days, always checking its color and smell. In this case too, using an airtight container is recommended to preserve freshness and aroma.
Tips for proper storage of Parmigiano in the fridge
To store Parmigiano in the refrigerator without compromising its taste and appearance, it’s essential to follow a few simple but precise rules. The two main issues that can arise are mold and hardening of the cheese. Here are some tips to help prevent both.
How to prevent Parmigiano from developing mold
Mold is one of the most common issues when storing Parmigiano Reggiano. The cheese contains a specific percentage of moisture that decreases as it ages, and if this balance is disturbed, the likelihood of mold growth increases.
To prevent this from happening, we recommend storing Parmigiano in the refrigerator inside airtight glass or plastic containers, or wrapped in breathable cling film. This helps avoid condensation and preserves its natural quality.
How to prevent Parmigiano Reggiano from hardening
Another common risk is that Parmigiano loses its softness and becomes too hard. To prevent this, it’s important not to set the fridge to ventilated mode, as this can cause excessive drying of the food.
A traditional method to preserve its texture is to store it in a cotton bag. When used properly, this allows the right level of breathability to maintain its fragrance and natural freshness, keeping the flavor of Parmigiano intact. Additionally, the bag can be washed regularly, which is essential for ensuring maximum hygiene during use.
Common myths about storing Parmigiano
Throughout our experience, we’ve often been asked many questions about the proper storage of Parmigiano Reggiano. However, people’s beliefs frequently become popular myths and turn into common practice. That’s why we’ve decided to debunk these misconceptions—to ensure optimal storage without compromising the quality of this precious cheese.
Can Parmigiano be stored in the freezer?
Many people wonder if it’s possible to freeze Parmigiano cheese. Our answer? It’s strongly discouraged. Freezing changes the cheese’s texture, affecting its consistency, color, and flavor. If you have leftover Parmesan at home, it’s best to grate it first and then store it in the freezer—using it only for cooking afterwards.
To truly appreciate its aroma and flavor, it’s important to stress that Parmigiano should never be frozen. Freezing would result in a cheese that loses much of its distinctive qualities. It’s better to buy it fresh, in just the right amount each time.
Can Parmigiano be left at room temperature?
At our stores, Parmigiano can be displayed at room temperature for short periods without any issues, as the conditions are carefully controlled. However, once purchased, it’s best to store it in a cool, dry place and keep the packaging sealed.
At home, in conclusion, it shouldn’t be left out of the fridge for more than 4-5 days: the risk is that heat and temperature fluctuations could compromise its flavor and texture. Additionally, prolonged exposure to air can spoil the product and speed up its deterioration.
Parmigiano Reggiano is one of the most treasured foods in our culinary tradition, the result of artisanal craftsmanship honed to the finest detail. Knowing the proper storage methods means you can enjoy its unmistakable flavor and unique aroma for longer, honoring the work of those—like us—who care deeply about this exceptional cheese.
If you’d like more information about our products, feel free to visit us at our headquarters on Via Milanello in Campegine, Reggio Emilia, or give us a call at 0522 672215.
