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Parmesan Delivery or Pickup
The Instacart guide to parmesan products
About parmesan
Parmesan cheese originates from the Parma-Reggio region of Northern Italy. Benedictine monks first created it in an effort to use up a surplus of milk back in the middle ages. The Monks began exporting the creation to different regions of Italy and eventually to the rest of Europe. Since then, the popularity of the cheese has spread worldwide, and more people have begun to reproduce similar versions. The original Benedictine creation is now known exclusively as Parmigiano Reggiano, while similar reproductions are called parmesan.
Parmesan is a hard and dry cheese made from cow's milk, salt, and an enzyme called rennet. It is typically aged for a minimum of 10 months which helps create a rich, slightly salty flavor. The flavor of the parmesan can be different depending on how long it has matured. A younger cheese will be smooth in texture and slightly acidic, whereas a more mature cheese will have a crumbly texture with a nutty and spicy aroma and a more complex flavor.
Parmesan cheese can be purchased as a fresh block, grated, shaved, or shredded for use in a variety of different ways, such as:
- Coating meats and vegetables: Try making a parmesan and breadcrumb coating on roast meats such as a rack of lamb or with a roast chicken. This cheese also works well sprinkled over vegetables and baked in the oven.
- Sauces: Parmesan is perfect for creating rich and creamy sauces.
- Salads: Use shaved parmesan over a Caesar salad for a hint of saltiness.
- Pastas and Risottos: Use grated parmesan to garnish and flavor your dish.
- Dessert cheese: Enjoy it on its own or as part of a cheeseboard with a glass of dry sparkling wine.
- Garnish: Use shaved parmesan to garnish soups or pastas
To find the perfect parmesan for your dish, save yourself time and use the Instacart app to browse and select which parmesan you would like to try. After checkout, an Instacart shopper will shop your order. You can get your parmesan in as little as 2 hours when you order via Instacart!
How long does parmesan last?
Parmesan is a hard cheese that lasts longer than other types of cheese. An unopened block of parmesan should last about seven to nine months. Once opened, the block should be used within two months for best quality.
Shredded or shaved parmesan degrades faster once opened and should be consumed within the week. Whereas freshly grated parmesan should be consumed within two to three days after opening, whereas grated parmesan in a canister can usually last a couple of months once opened and refrigerated. In all circumstances, make sure that you make note of the best before date on the packaging and consume within that time frame.
You need to store parmesan cheese properly in order to preserve it. To keep parmesan edible, wrap it tightly in plastic and place it on the top shelf of your refrigerator. Take care not to expose the cheese to air, this will dry it out and cause the rind to crack. If you find that your cheese is already drying out, wrap it in a damp piece of cheesecloth, then cover it tightly with a piece of plastic wrap.
Parmesan Near Me
Buy your favorite Parmesan online with Instacart. Order Parmesan from local and national retailers near you and enjoy on-demand, contactless delivery or pickup within 2 hours.
FAQs about parmesan
The key to keeping cheese fresh depends on how you store it. Keeping your cheese refrigerated in a sealed container is essential to a longer-lasting cheese. Grated, shredded, or shaved parmesan is usually packaged in easy-open resealable packaging. For best results, try to squeeze as much air out of the packaging as possible as you reseal it. Parmesan can last for several months in the fridge, but can also be frozen if needed.
Parmesan that is going bad will smell different, and the color may appear more of a yellow or darker beige. Be aware that it is completely normal for a block of parmesan to have a darker rind, but this is still edible. Look out for signs of the texture changing, it is time to discard your shredded parmesan if it feels spongy or wet. Lastly, you can continue using a block of parmesan after removing spots of mold, but you should throw out grated or shredded parmesan if you see any signs of mold.
Sometimes it can be difficult to grate parmesan when it has gotten very dry. It is possible to revive a block of parmesan cheese by wrapping the cheese in a damp paper towel, placing it into a resealable plastic bag or container, and chilling it for a day. When ready, remove the paper towel and store the cheese in an airtight container or a plastic bag with as much air squeezed out as possible.