Can You Eat Mouldy Cheese?

When you open your fridge and spot mould on your beloved cheese, it’s normal to wonder whether it’s still safe to eat. Cheese lovers everywhere have debated this question: can you eat mouldy cheese? Understanding if certain types of mould are harmless or potentially hazardous is essential for cheese enthusiasts and health-conscious individuals alike.

Key Takeaways

• Not all mould is harmful: Some moulds in cheese, like those in blue cheese, are safe to eat.
• Hard vs soft cheese: Throw away mouldy soft cheeses; scrape off the mould on hard cheeses and consume the rest.
• Safety first: Always prioritize food safety by smelling and checking the cheese’s texture and colour.

Table of Contents

• Understanding Mould on Cheese
• When is Mouldy Cheese Safe to Eat?
• When to Avoid Mouldy Cheese
• Storing Cheese to Prevent Mould
• FAQs

Understanding Mould on Cheese

Mould is a natural part of the cheese-making process for certain varieties. Moulds are fungi that can develop on the surface of cheese and sometimes are even required during cheese production. For instance, blue cheese types like Roquefort and Gorgonzola use Penicillium moulds, which are intentionally introduced during production to cultivate flavour and texture.

Types of mould you might encounter include:
– Penicillium Roqueforti or Penicillium Glaucum: Safe moulds commonly found in blue cheese.
– Other types: Can signify spoilage and are unsafe in certain contexts.

For more about how mould impacts cheese, click here.

When is Mouldy Cheese Safe to Eat?

Hard cheese can typically be consumed if mould is present. With hard cheeses such as Parmesan or Cheddar, any mould present is unlikely to penetrate deep into the cheese. You can simply cut away about one inch around and below the mouldy spot and safely enjoy the rest of the cheese.

Some cheeses are designed to be mouldy. Not all mould is harmful, and in cheeses like Brie, Camembert, and blue cheese varieties, the mould is a natural and intended part of the product. Ensure you know what’s intentional versus spoilage.

For more insights about cheese that are safe to eat mouldy, explore here.

When to Avoid Mouldy Cheese

Soft cheeses with mould are often unsafe. Soft cheeses such as cottage cheese, cream cheese, or ricotta should be discarded if mould appears, due to the ease with which mould and bacteria can spread throughout the cheese.

Watch for changes in smell, texture, or colour. If the cheese emits a sour or offensive odour, has a change in texture, or significant discolouration apart from the expected mould for certain types, it’s best to err on the side of caution and avoid consumption.

For a detailed guide on food safety concerning mouldy cheese, you might visit this site.

Storing Cheese to Prevent Mould

Prolong freshness with proper storage.
– Wrap cheese in wax or parchment paper for breathability, followed by a loose covering of plastic wrap if needed.
– Store cheese in the refrigerator at a consistent temperature to slow down mould growth.

Purchase cheese in smaller quantities, if possible, to reduce storage time and the possibility of mould formation before consumption.

For more tips on keeping your food safe, the FDA offers comprehensive guidelines.

FAQs

1. Is any mould on cheese good to eat?
   Not all mould is safe. Specific moulds in blue veins, Brie, and Camembert are fine, but spoilage moulds on other cheeses are not.

2. Can I eat mouldy mozzarella cheese?
   No, it’s unsafe to eat mouldy mozzarella as it’s a softer cheese, allowing mould to spread easily.

3. Does storing cheese differently prevent mould?
   Yes, keeping cheese wrapped in a breathable material like wax paper and storing it at consistent, low temperatures can prevent mould.

4. How can I tell if a blue cheese type has spoiled?
   Aside from its intended mould veins, a musty smell, or unexpected colours can indicate spoilage.

5. Can you get sick from eating mouldy cheese?
   Consuming spoilage mould can lead to food poisoning with symptoms like nausea and vomiting, so caution is advised.

Understanding when and what types of mouldy cheese can be eaten is vital for enjoying this staple safely. Always prioritize food safety and when in doubt, throw it out. For further detailed advice, revisit our mouldy cheese guide.