The block of Parmesan cheese in the frig is rock hard.

[no_hypocrisy]

How can I soften it to allow me to grate it?

Or is it a done deal and I should just throw the damn thing in my next batch of minestrone?

[Warpy]

1. You can try a few seconds in the microwave

wrapped in a slightly damp paper towel. If that doesn't soften the surface enough, you can try a food processor--it'll make a racket but enough might be knocked off the lump for today's purpose. If it's too big for that and you're afraid it will damage the machine, plan minestrone soon.

It hurts, I know, I've been watching the prices rocket up into the stratosphere even for domestic varieties.

[no_hypocrisy]

2. Thanks. I'll try your suggestions.

Geez, it's getting where you can't buy Parmesan (the real thing) unless you're going to use it very soon after purchase.

[Warpy]

3. I find that wrapping it tightly in plastic

and putting into a freezer bag with all the air smooshed out will save it longer than leaving it in the fridge will.

[NJCher]

4. Italians wrap good parmesan in a wet towel

and refresh it regularly.

About six months ago, the RG brought me a primo parmesan. He wrapped it in a wet, white towel and told me to change the towel ever so often. Also to keep the towel moist.

I used most of it, but there was still a small piece left. I forgot and it dried out. I refreshed it with a new, wet towel and it returned to normal. It was still perfectly delicious, despite my lack of diligence.

So try wrapping it a clean, wet towel.



Cher

[northoftheborder]

7. I'm going to try that. It's too expensive to just throw out.

[Snarkoleptic]

5. Maybe just go at it with a microplane grater?

That way you can leave it in it's low-moisture state.

[pscot]

6. That works

especially if you break off small chunks. It's hard to get a grip on a wedge, but a 1 inch piece is easy to handle and produces a lot of grated parm.

[Warpy]

8. That works unless it's so dried out it has turned into rind

Usually it's just the outermost layer so the microwave/paper towel trick can work well enough to use the microplane. Sometimes it's dried pretty much through. In that case, I go at it with a cleaver to get a smallish chunk and use it in my spice grinder. That usually manages to reduce it to powder so I can use it.