Can you freeze Parmesan???

[kushtibari]

Just got a one and a half kilo vacuum packed chunk of quality parmesan from Northern Italy (sister does exhinitions for food shows and the like). I use loads but thought it would be best to open it up and cut into more manageable chunks but didn't know if I could freeze it or not?

[Sair33]

LUCKY YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I've never tried freezeing it.... don't see why not though.... hang on.....just found this....
"Cheese - Freezing does change the consistency of most cheeses, making it more mealy and crumbly, although the flavor remains intact. If you plan to grate or melt your cheese, this textural change won't matter much. If you plan to slice your cheese, it's best not to freeze it. Softer cheeses such as cream or cottage cheese do not freeze well at all (although most cheesecakes will do fine in the freezer). Blue cheese, Roquefort and gorgonzola are usually served crumbled so they freeze well and should keep for about six months (a little of these strong cheeses goes a long way, so they're handy to have in the freezer for quick "flavor pick ups" to recipes). Well wrapped firm cheeses (like cheddar, gouda, Swiss etc.) should keep for about six months in your freezer. Hard cheeses like parmesan and romano will keep for about a year."

So I guess the answer is YES then!
I LURVE parmesan, mmmmmm!!

[Nick]

Best thin is to cut it into useable chunks before freezing it then defrost as needed.DO NOT grate it then freeze it... it'll go all watery and horrid... be total waste.

Of course, if you find yourself running out of freezer space, yo could always courier some over my way... I'd make sure it was well used!

[kushtibari]

Brilliant. Cheers for that. Just about my favourite thing in food is fresh grated parmesan melting on top of a nice plate of (any) kind of pasta. Got some beautiful olive oil as well, whole bottles wrapped in gold coloured foil.

[kushtibari]

Of course, if you find yourself running out of freezer space, yo could always courier some over my way... I'd make sure it was well used!

Funnily enough, I think I'll manage to use it all - might have to look for some more recipes though.

[Zak33]

PECORINO owns Parmesan ...




*silence........wind whistles through window shutters....tumble weed blows up street*
*blush*

I'll get my coat....