The question:
Dear Chef Mom: What is the proper container to store grated Parmesan cheese? I have tried glass and plastic, and it always ends up moldy. Should you always store it in the refrigerator? (I do.) Thank you! - Cathy, Philadelphia

Chef Mom says:
Thanks to its reputation as the topping of choice for many pasta dishes, Parmesan cheese (also called Parmigiano, so named for the Parma region of Italy) is one of the world's most popular cheeses.

When it comes to the best way to store Parmesan, that depends on how you will be using it and how often you will be needing it.

In general, the best place to store shredded or grated hard cheese (such as Parmesan, Asiago, Gruyere, Jarlsberg or Swiss) is in your freezer, not the refrigerator. The California Milk Advisory Board suggests wrapping the cheese tightly in an air-tight, moisture-proof wrapper to prevent evaporation, then to freeze it quickly at 0 degrees F or below. You can keep it in your freezer for up to three months! Let the frozen cheese thaw in the refrigerator for 24 hours and then serve as soon as possible.

Finally, even if the cheese does get some mold, all is not lost. In most cases, you can trim off the mold and another 1/2 inch below the moldy portion and use the remainder of the cheese.

Mange! Mange! (That's "Eat! Eat!" in Italian...)