Can You Cut Off Mold on Cheese?: A Comprehensive Guide
It depends on the type of cheese. While cutting off mold on hard cheeses like cheddar and parmesan is generally safe, it’s strongly discouraged for soft cheeses such as brie, ricotta, and cream cheese, as the mold’s roots can penetrate deeper than visible.
Understanding Mold on Cheese
Mold is a natural part of the cheese-making process for some varieties, contributing to their unique flavors and textures. However, unwanted mold can also appear on cheese, signaling spoilage. Determining whether it’s safe to consume cheese with mold requires understanding the different types of cheese and the potential risks associated with mold growth. Knowing the difference is crucial for preventing foodborne illness and minimizing waste.
Identifying Safe vs. Unsafe Molds
Not all mold is created equal. Some molds are deliberately introduced and carefully cultivated to create delicious and prized cheeses. Penicillium molds, for instance, are responsible for the distinctive characteristics of blue cheese, brie, and camembert. These molds are safe to eat. However, other molds can be harmful and produce mycotoxins, toxic substances that can cause allergic reactions, digestive issues, and potentially long-term health problems. The color, texture, and location of the mold can offer clues about its safety. Mold that is not part of the intended cheese-making process, particularly mold that is fuzzy, colorful (other than the intentional blue or white), or smells strongly of ammonia, should be treated with suspicion.
The Hard Cheese Exception
Hard cheeses, such as cheddar, parmesan, and Swiss, have a low moisture content, making it difficult for mold to penetrate deeply. This allows for a safety margin when removing visible mold. If you find a small spot of mold on a hard cheese, you can often cut away the mold and still safely consume the rest of the cheese.
The Soft Cheese Rule
Soft cheeses, like brie, ricotta, cream cheese, and cottage cheese, have a high moisture content. This creates a favorable environment for mold to spread rapidly throughout the cheese. In these cases, even if you can only see mold on the surface, the mold’s roots have likely penetrated the entire block. Therefore, it’s best to discard soft cheeses that show any signs of mold.
The Cutting Process for Hard Cheeses
If you decide to remove mold from a hard cheese, follow these steps:
- Use a sharp knife to cut away the mold.
- Cut at least 1 inch around and below the visible mold spot.
- Avoid touching the mold with the knife to prevent spreading spores.
- Wrap the remaining cheese tightly in fresh plastic wrap or a cheese paper.
- Refrigerate the cheese immediately.
Preventing Mold Growth
Preventing mold growth is preferable to dealing with it. Here are some tips:
- Store cheese properly in the refrigerator at the correct temperature (typically between 35°F and 45°F).
- Wrap cheese tightly in plastic wrap, wax paper, or cheese paper.
- Store cheese in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator.
- Avoid cross-contamination by using clean knives and cutting boards.
- Purchase cheese in smaller quantities to reduce the likelihood of spoilage.
Cheese Types and Mold Safety
Here is a quick guide:
| Cheese Type | Mold Removal Safe? | Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| Hard Cheeses (Cheddar, Parmesan) | Usually Yes | Low moisture content limits mold penetration. |
| Semi-Hard Cheeses (Gouda, Gruyere) | Proceed with Caution | Can be similar to hard cheeses, but inspect carefully and cut a larger area |
| Soft Cheeses (Brie, Camembert) | No | High moisture content allows mold to spread rapidly. |
| Spreadable Cheeses (Cream Cheese, Ricotta) | No | High moisture content makes mold penetration widespread. |
| Processed Cheeses | No | Likely contaminated throughout. |
| Blue Cheeses | Yes | Mold is intentional and part of the cheese. |
Common Mistakes
- Cutting away too little cheese: Be generous with your cut to ensure all mold spores are removed.
- Using a dirty knife: This can spread mold spores to the rest of the cheese.
- Storing cheese improperly: Incorrect storage can accelerate mold growth.
- Eating moldy soft cheese: This can lead to foodborne illness.
- Ignoring the smell: A strong ammonia smell is a sign of spoilage, regardless of the type of cheese.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to eat the part of the cheese that wasn’t touching the mold?
For hard cheeses, if you’ve removed the mold properly (at least 1 inch around and below), the remaining cheese is generally safe to eat. However, for soft cheeses, it is not safe to eat any part of the cheese if there is visible mold.
What are the health risks of eating mold on cheese?
Eating moldy cheese can cause allergic reactions, respiratory problems, and digestive distress. Some molds produce mycotoxins, which can be harmful even in small amounts and pose a greater risk to individuals with weakened immune systems.
How can I tell if mold on cheese is safe or unsafe?
Safe molds are typically white or blue and are integral to the cheese-making process. Unsafe molds are often fuzzy, colorful (other than the intentional blue or white), or smell strongly of ammonia. If in doubt, throw it out.
Can I just scrape off the mold instead of cutting it off?
No. Scraping is not sufficient. You must cut a generous portion around and below the visible mold to ensure you remove all the spores. Scraping only removes the surface layer, leaving potentially harmful spores behind.
What if the mold is inside the cheese block?
If mold is found inside a block of hard cheese, it is likely that the entire block has been contaminated, and it is not safe to consume. This usually indicates a larger issue with storage or manufacturing.
How long can cheese last in the refrigerator?
The shelf life of cheese varies depending on the type. Hard cheeses can last for several weeks in the refrigerator when stored properly, while soft cheeses typically last only a week or two. Always check the expiration date and look for signs of spoilage.
Is it okay to eat cheese that has a slightly sour or off smell?
No. An off smell, whether sour, ammonia-like, or otherwise unusual, indicates spoilage. Discard the cheese, even if there’s no visible mold. Smell is a crucial indicator of cheese quality.
What is the best way to store cheese to prevent mold growth?
Wrap cheese tightly in plastic wrap, wax paper, or cheese paper to prevent exposure to air. Store it in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator, where the temperature and humidity are more stable.
Can I freeze cheese to prevent mold growth?
Freezing can extend the shelf life of cheese, but it can also alter its texture. Hard cheeses generally freeze better than soft cheeses. Wrap the cheese tightly before freezing and thaw it in the refrigerator. Be aware that thawing might affect the texture.
Are there any cheeses that are always safe to eat, even if they have mold?
Yes, intentionally molded cheeses like blue cheese, brie, and camembert are safe to eat, as the mold is a part of the cheese-making process. However, if these cheeses develop unusual molds that are not part of their normal appearance, they should be discarded.
If I accidentally eat moldy cheese, what should I do?
If you accidentally eat a small amount of moldy cheese and feel fine, there’s likely no need to worry. However, if you experience allergic reactions, digestive issues, or other symptoms, consult a doctor.
Is it better to buy cheese in bulk or smaller quantities?
Unless you consume cheese frequently, it’s better to buy cheese in smaller quantities. This reduces the risk of spoilage and mold growth. You can always buy more if needed.