Out of date parmesan

room512

I'm emptying the fridge/freezer ready for out new one that's coming tomorrow :j
I have found a piece of parmesan - still shrink wrapped that went out of date in the middle of February. Usually I'd do the smell test but with parmesan that's not really possible!
I figure it'll be okay as it's matured for so long anyway but thought I'd check with all of you knowledgeable people.
Thanks for any help. When I asked for help on my pastry pizza it turned out beautifully.

Fen1

Should be fine. Parmesan can sit in the fridge for months and months. After unwrapping check for any mouldy bits ( highly unlikely), and cut off. Use the good bits. I have parmesan that is 6 months plus, but I do keep it in a filter cheese preserver.

Petula

Use it, no problem just cut off any mouldy bits

room512

When you say cut off mouldy bits do you mean blue bits? It's covered in white but it looks like that normally (I think!). Sorry for being silly.

Petula

Yep, the blue/green bits

Pollycat

I'd use it.
In fact, I'd probably grate the whole lot, put in a container & stick it in the freezer.

room512

I can't put it in the freezer until the new one arrives tomorrow. The old one is currently defrosting. Thanks everyone, my husband says I'll have to find a new way of poisoning him

[Deleted User]

Yes I would grate it and box it up and freeze no worries

Rather_Cynical

If bacteria can't multiply because there's basically no water to allow them to, then it's not possible to go bad - which is why salt is so good at preserving things. Parmesan would be alright as long as you've got rid of any oxidised or dried up outside bits!

Callie22

The 'dusty-looking' white bits on Parmesan are usually salt crystals. I pay absolutely no attention to the use by dates on it unless it's visibly mouldy - Parmesan is generally about two years old when you buy it so a few weeks after the use by date is not going to be a problem if it's still in the shrink-wrap. Cheeses do go mouldy more quickly once they've been opened just because more of the surface area is exposed to the air, but as long as it's not furrier than a small kitten then you're usually fine

Anne_Marie_2

I keep Parmesan in the freezer, and grate when frozen. Pop it back in the freezer. I have also grated a portion and froze, but it was hard work to do a load. Must admit it's easier to grate when not frozen, but a few minutes out of the freezer, grate or shave, and then pop back in the freezer works for me.