Parmigiano Reggiano is a staple in everyone's kitchen: grated on pasta, as a filling for first courses, or a simple snack, it's an absolutely essential ingredient. Not everyone knows, however, that there are a few small rules for storing it optimally and maintaining all its precious properties, from nutritional to taste-related.
Obviously, everything depends on how it's purchased, whether pre-packaged or fresh. So, let's look in detail at all the rules for proper storage of Parmigiano Reggiano.
How to store pre-packaged Parmigiano Reggiano
The first thing to know is that Parmigiano Reggiano that is already cut and vacuum-packed can even be displayed (for short periods) at room temperature without its structure being damaged.
However, once purchased, it's important to maintain its freshness. For this reason, the cheese should be placed in the refrigerator at a temperature between 4°C and 8°C, ensuring the packaging is completely intact to avoid loss of taste and aromas.
By following all these small precautions and without opening the package, your Parmigiano Reggiano will keep well for several months. But what if you've purchased fresh Parmigiano Reggiano?
How to store fresh or unpacked Parmigiano Reggiano
When purchasing fresh Parmigiano Reggiano, or when opening a vacuum-sealed package, a few small rules must be followed to ensure optimal and long-lasting preservation.
First, the cheese should be stored in the refrigerator, at a temperature between 4°C and 8°C, so as not to affect its precious organoleptic properties. It's also necessary to establish an optimal humidity level and keep it away from other foods, as the fatty part of the cheese tends to absorb odors. The ideal solution is to use dedicated glass or plastic containers, or wrap the Parmigiano Reggiano in simple food film or cheese paper.
Another small secret is to check the Parmigiano Reggiano from time to time in its vacuum packaging: if it swells, it means air has entered. If this happens, open the package immediately and wrap the Parmigiano as described above.
One last vital piece of advice: absolutely avoid freezing it, or it will lose its texture, taste, and aroma!
Now that you know all the rules on how to store Parmigiano Reggiano, all you have to do is taste what we produce every day in our dairy, using only high-quality milk processed using traditional techniques.
