How to Store Parmigiano Reggiano

Parmigiano Reggiano is a strongly flavored, hard Italian cow's milk cheese. It is generally sold in wheels or wedges and is similar to the more common Parmesan cheese; however, Parmigiano Reggiano is imported directly from Italy. It is commonly used for snacking or to flavor pasta dishes or salads. This particular variety of cheese can be much pricier than Parmesan cheese, so it is important to know how to store it properly in order to get your money's worth. Parmigiano Reggiano can generally be kept for up to 1 month in the refrigerator.

Things You'll Need

• Quart size plastic storage bag Plastic wrap Knife

Instructions

1. Place any freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano into a quart size plastic storage bag. Press down on bag to release all air and securely close bag.

2. Lay the bag of grated Parmigiano Reggiano flat into the vegetable drawer of the refrigerator. Use as soon as possible or within 1 to 2 days because the grated cheese begins to lose flavor after sitting.

3. Cover a leftover Parmigiano Reggiano wedge tightly with plastic wrap. Place the covered wedge into the vegetable drawer of the refrigerator.

4. Remove and discard plastic wrap when you want to use the cheese again. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, you can cut off any mold on the cheese and continue to use Parmigiano Reggiano.

5. Cover Parmigiano Reggiano wedge with new plastic wrap each time cheese is used. Place rind, the light brown waxy top portion of wedge, into a plastic storage bag and keep in the freezer once the rest of the Parmigiano Reggiano wedge is gone.

Tips & Warnings

• Use the leftover rind to add flavor to soups by letting it cook with other ingredients and removing it before serving.

• Parmigiano Reggiano stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to 1 month and is not recommended for freezer storage, with the exception of the rind.

References

• Canadian Living Cooking School
• Whole Foods Market: Parmigiano Reggiano Storage
• United States Department of Agriculture