It’s a small question but a genuinely useful one, especially if you’ve just discovered paneer and don’t want to waste a good block. Here’s the honest answer, auntie to auntie.
Once it’s opened, how long have I got?
Treat it like any fresh dairy, because that’s exactly what it is. Once you’ve opened the pack, it’s best used within a few days rather than left lingering at the back of the fridge. There’s a use-by date on the pack for a reason, so that’s always your first port of call, but as a rule of thumb, fresh paneer doesn’t hang about the way a matured cheese does. No rennet, no ageing, nothing added to help it last longer on the shelf.
How can I tell if it’s gone off?
Trust your senses here. A sour smell, a slimy surface or any discolouration means it’s time to let it go. Fresh paneer should smell clean and milky, feel firm (not sticky) and look pale and even in colour. If in doubt, throw it out, same as you would with any fresh dairy.
Does it matter that ours is fresh, British milk?
It does, though not in the way you might think. It doesn’t change the rules of storage, fresh is fresh wherever the milk comes from. But it does mean you’re starting with a better base. Most paneer sold in the UK is either imported or made here using imported milk, Danish milk is common. Ours is different, made fresh by hand using 100% British milk, from farm to pack. Jack, Riya and the rest of us still find it a bit surreal seeing it on a shelf in Tesco.
Any tips for keeping it at its best?
Keep it in its original packaging until you’re ready to use it, store it in the coldest part of the fridge rather than the door, and once opened, wrap it tightly if you’re not using the whole block in one go. If you know you won’t get through it in time, it also freezes well, we’ve written a separate FAQ on that if you want the details.
Where can I get hold of it?
You’ll find All The Aunties paneer in Tesco, Ocado and Sainsbury’s, plus a growing number of independent shops. Availability can vary a bit store to store as we’re still a small, growing brand, so if your local one is out, do let the shelf staff know you’re after it.
Got a paneer question we haven’t covered? Drop us a line any time at hello@alltheaunties.co.uk and we’ll do our best to answer it, or turn it into the next FAQ.
