How to master the art of opening and storing parmesan cheese
Imagine a beautiful piece of aging Parmesan in front of you—a true treasure of Italian cuisine. You reach for a knife, try to cut a piece, and suddenly, the cheese is as hard as a rock. Instead of elegant flakes, you have only crumbling pieces. Sound familiar? Don't worry; there's a simple way to avoid this scenario.
Parmesan, also known as Parmigiano Reggiano, is an Italian cheese that matures over many months, gaining an intense aroma and characteristic texture. However, improper handling can cause it to harden to the point where cutting or grating becomes a real challenge. In this article, you'll learn how to open and store Parmesan to prevent it from drying out and losing quality.
How to properly prepare to open Parmesan?
Opening Parmesan is not just a matter of technique—it's an art that requires proper preparation. The key tool is a special Parmesan knife, often called an "almond knife." With it, you can gently crack the cheese's hard crust without damaging its structure.
Before starting, ensure the cheese is at room temperature; cold Parmesan is more brittle and harder to open. If you purchase a whole piece of cheese, find its natural cracks—that's where you should begin cutting. A well-sharpened knife and gentle pressure will allow you to open the Parmesan without damaging its interior.
Technique for opening Parmesan step by step
Start by placing the knife on the edge of the cheese and gently pressing it into the crust. Avoid sudden movements—Parmesan requires patience. When the knife starts to enter the cheese's structure, use a gentle rotation to open a section of the piece gradually. If you plan to divide the cheese into smaller parts, repeat this process along the natural cracks, using them as orientation points. Thanks to this technique, you'll avoid creating small, loose fragments, and the cheese will retain its elasticity and moisture. Remember, Parmesan should not be cut with a regular knife—this can cause it to dry out at the edges.
How to store Parmesan so it doesn't harden?
Properly storing Parmesan is as important as opening it. The best method is to wrap cheese pieces in parchment paper or a cotton cloth and then place them in an airtight container. Avoid plastic wrap—it can trap moisture and promote mold growth. It's best to store Parmesan in the refrigerator, in the vegetable section, where temperature and humidity are most favorable. Moreover, if a piece of cheese begins to harden, brush its surface gently with olive oil—this will restore its elasticity and protect it from further drying out.
