Parmesan Peril: Spotting Spoiled Cheese Before It's Too Late
Parmesan cheese, a staple in Italian cuisine, presents a unique challenge: proper storage directly affects its quality and safety. Mold growth on Parmesan, often a sign of spoilage, indicates bacterial contamination which needs careful inspection to decide if discarding the cheese is the right step. Understanding how to tell if parmesan cheese is bad hinges on observing these indicators and knowing what steps to take. Learning how to properly identify these indicators will help you ensure that your parmesan is always safe to eat. These guidelines from the FDA will help prevent potential health issues.
Image taken from the YouTube channel Jenna Passaro | Home Cooking @sipbitego , from the video titled Does Parmesan Cheese Go Bad? (+ Tips and Facts) .
Parmesan Peril: Spotting Spoiled Cheese Before It's Too Late
Parmesan cheese, with its robust flavor and granular texture, is a kitchen staple. However, like all dairy products, it can spoil. Knowing how to tell if parmesan cheese is bad is crucial for avoiding unpleasant tastes, digestive issues, and potential health risks. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the signs of spoilage in parmesan cheese, helping you enjoy this delicious ingredient with confidence.
Visual Inspection: What to Look For
The first step in determining if your parmesan cheese is still good is a thorough visual inspection.
Mold Growth
- Color: Mold is a common indicator of spoilage. Look for fuzzy spots of green, blue, black, or white mold. Any mold that is not a part of the cheese-making process (e.g., naturally rind-forming molds on some aged cheeses) is a red flag.
- Texture: The mold may appear powdery, fuzzy, or slimy.
- Location: Mold can appear on the surface of the cheese block, within the cheese if it's crumbled or grated, or around the edges.
If you find mold, do not simply cut it off. The mold spores can permeate the entire block, even if not visible to the naked eye. Discard the entire piece.
Discoloration
- Changes in Hue: Look for unusual discoloration that departs from the cheese's natural pale yellow to golden hue. Darker shades, or unusual colors like pink or orange, can signify spoilage.
- Surface Anomalies: Check for slimy or wet spots on the surface, which are also indicators that the cheese has gone bad.
- Crystallization vs. Spoilage: Note that harmless calcium lactate crystals (small, white, crunchy spots) are sometimes mistaken for mold. These crystals are a natural byproduct of aging and are perfectly safe to eat.
Smell Test: Follow Your Nose
Smell is another reliable indicator of spoilage.
Ammonia Odor
A strong ammonia smell is a key sign that parmesan cheese has gone bad. This smell develops as the cheese ages beyond its optimal point and proteins break down.
Sour or Rancid Smell
A sour or rancid smell, similar to spoiled milk, is another indication of spoilage. A fresh piece of Parmesan will have a nutty, slightly savory aroma.
Texture Check: How Does It Feel?
The texture of parmesan cheese can also reveal its condition.
Excessive Hardness
While parmesan is naturally a hard cheese, extreme hardness to the point of being nearly impossible to grate or cut can suggest that the cheese has dried out excessively, potentially leading to other forms of spoilage.
Slimy or Sticky Texture
A slimy or sticky texture is a sign that bacteria are growing, indicating spoilage. Fresh parmesan should have a dry, granular texture.
"Best By" Date: A Guide, Not a Guarantee
The "best by" or "sell by" date is a manufacturer's suggestion of when the cheese will be at its peak quality. It does not necessarily indicate that the cheese is unsafe to eat after that date, but it is an important consideration. Use it in conjunction with the other tests described above. Cheese stored properly can sometimes last beyond its "best by" date, but prioritize using your senses to determine its quality.
Storage Conditions: Maintaining Quality
Proper storage is key to extending the life of parmesan cheese.
- Temperature: Store parmesan cheese in the refrigerator, ideally between 35°F and 45°F (2°C and 7°C).
- Wrapping: Wrap the cheese tightly in plastic wrap or beeswax wrap, then place it in an airtight container. This helps prevent it from drying out and absorbing odors from other foods in the refrigerator. Re-wrap tightly after each use.
- Freezing: While freezing parmesan cheese is possible, it can alter the texture, making it more crumbly. If you do freeze parmesan, use it primarily in cooked dishes.
Decision-Making Chart: Is It Safe to Eat?
Here is a simplified decision chart to guide your assessment:
| Feature | Good Parmesan | Potentially Spoiled Parmesan | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mold | No visible mold. | Visible mold (any color). | Discard Entire Block |
| Smell | Nutty, slightly savory. | Ammonia, sour, or rancid smell. | Discard Entire Block |
| Texture | Hard, granular, dry. | Slimy, sticky, excessively hard. | Discard Entire Block |
| Color | Pale yellow to golden. | Discoloration, dark spots, slimy spots. | Discard Entire Block |
| Crystals | Small, white, crunchy (calcium lactate). | N/A (Crystals are NOT an indication of spoilage) | Enjoy! |
| "Best By" | Date is approaching but cheese shows no signs of spoilage. | Date has passed and cheese shows one or more signs of spoilage. | Discard Entire Block or Use with Caution (Evaluate all other features) |
Video: Parmesan Peril: Spotting Spoiled Cheese Before It's Too Late
Parmesan Peril: Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions about keeping your Parmesan safe? We've got answers to help you avoid spoiled cheese.
How can I tell if my grated Parmesan cheese has gone bad?
Grated Parmesan is more susceptible to spoilage due to increased surface area. Look for signs like a sour or ammonia-like smell. Also, check for a slimy texture or visible mold. If you notice any of these, it's best to discard the cheese. These signs are how to tell if parmesan cheese is bad in grated form.
My block of Parmesan has a little mold on the outside. Is it still safe to eat?
If you find a small spot of mold on a block of Parmesan, you can often cut away at least one inch around the mold spot, being careful not to touch the mold with your knife. The rest of the cheese should be safe to consume as Parmesan is a hard cheese. However, if the mold is widespread or penetrates deep, it's best to discard the entire block. Knowing how to tell if parmesan cheese is bad will prevent illness.
What's the best way to store Parmesan cheese to keep it fresh longer?
Proper storage is key. Wrap Parmesan tightly in parchment paper, then in plastic wrap, and store it in the cheese drawer of your refrigerator. This helps maintain the cheese's moisture level and prevents it from absorbing odors. This helps extend its shelf life and avoid prematurely how to tell if parmesan cheese is bad.
How long does Parmesan cheese typically last?
A block of Parmesan can last for several weeks in the refrigerator when stored properly. Grated Parmesan, due to increased exposure, will have a shorter shelf life, typically around a week or two after opening. If you suspect your Parmesan is bad, knowing how to tell if parmesan cheese is bad will help make the call.