Here’s exactly how to store Parmigiano-Reggiano (or any real aged Parmesan) so it stays fresh, flavorful, and mold-free for months, without drying out or going to waste.

🧀 1. Wrap It the Right Way (Most Important Step)

Parmigiano is a hard, low-moisture cheese, which means it doesn’t like plastic touching it directly.

✅ Best way to wrap:

Wrap the cheese in wax paper or parchment paper first.
Then wrap that in a loose layer of aluminum foil OR place it in a partially open plastic bag.

This lets the cheese breathe while still being protected from drying out.

❌ Avoid:

Wrapping directly in plastic wrap → traps moisture → encourages mold
Airtight containers → too much humidity

🧀 2. Store in the Right Fridge Spot

Parmigiano should be stored:

In the cheese drawer or
In the vegetable drawer (ideal humidity)

Avoid keeping it in the coldest part of the fridge, which causes it to dry and crack.

Best temperature: 39–45°F (4–7°C)

🧀 3. Keep the Rind On (It Protects the Cheese)

If your Parmigiano comes with a rind, don’t cut it off until you’re ready to eat that portion.
The rind acts as a natural barrier that reduces mold and moisture loss.

🧀 4. If Mold Appears — Don’t Toss It

Good news:
Because Parmigiano is hard and dry, surface mold is harmless.

Fix:

Just cut off 1 inch (2.5 cm) around the moldy spot.
The rest is perfectly safe.

This can save a LOT of money.

🧀 5. Store Pre-Grated Parmigiano Differently

Once you grate it, it loses moisture faster.

To store grated cheese:

Use a glass jar or airtight container
Keep it refrigerated
Use within 1–2 weeks for best flavor

Tip: You can freeze grated Parmigiano with no loss of quality.

🧀 6. Can You Freeze Parmigiano Blocks?

Yes — but only in certain forms.

Best forms to freeze:

Grated
Shredded
Cut into small chunks

Worst form to freeze:

Large whole block (texture becomes crumbly)

Freezing won’t hurt the flavor, but it changes the texture slightly — fine for cooking, not ideal for slicing.

🧀 7. Avoid These Common Mistakes

Leaving cheese uncovered in the fridge → dries out quickly
Washing moldy spots with water → spreads mold
Using airtight plastic wrap → traps moisture and speeds up spoilage

🧀 Shelf Life (When Stored Properly)

Unopened vacuum-packed wedge: 6–8 months
Opened wedge (properly wrapped): 4–6 weeks
Grated (fridge): 1–2 weeks
Grated (freezer): 3–6 months

Want storage tips for Pecorino Romano, Asiago, or Grana Padano too?

Just tell me which cheese you want next!

Parmigiano: How to store it properly to avoid mold and waste