Can You Cut Mold Off of Cheese? A Guide to Safe Cheese Consumption
In some cases, yes, you can cut mold off of certain types of cheese and safely consume the rest. However, this depends entirely on the type of cheese and the type of mold.
Understanding Mold on Cheese: A Primer
Mold. It’s the unwanted guest at every picnic, the silent saboteur in your refrigerator, and a common concern for cheese lovers. But not all mold is created equal, and understanding the nuances is crucial before you decide whether to toss that tempting wedge or salvage it.
The Good, the Bad, and the Moldy: Beneficial vs. Harmful Molds
Some molds are deliberately cultivated on cheese, contributing to their distinctive flavors and textures. Think of the bloomy rinds of brie and camembert, the blue veins of gorgonzola and stilton, or the washed rinds of pungent Munster. These beneficial molds are carefully selected strains that are safe for consumption and essential to the cheese’s character.
However, other molds are unwelcome invaders. These are the harmful molds that can appear on cheese due to contamination during production, storage, or handling. These molds can produce mycotoxins, poisonous substances that can cause illness.
Identifying the Culprit: Recognizing Different Types of Mold
Identifying the type of mold is crucial, but it’s often difficult to do with certainty without laboratory testing. However, some general guidelines can help:
- Color: Mold colors can range from white, green, blue, and gray to black and pink. While color is not a definitive indicator of safety, brightly colored molds are generally more concerning.
- Texture: Look for fuzzy, powdery, or slimy textures. Mold that appears embedded within the cheese is more likely to be harmful.
- Odor: A strong, unpleasant, or musty odor emanating from the mold is a red flag.
When Cutting is Acceptable: Dense, Hard Cheeses
Cutting off mold is generally considered safe for hard, dense cheeses like:
- Hard Cheeses: Parmesan, Cheddar, Gruyere
- Semi-Hard Cheeses: Provolone, Gouda
The density of these cheeses prevents mold spores from easily penetrating beyond the surface.
The Cutting Process: Best Practices for Safe Removal
If you’ve determined that your cheese is safe to salvage, follow these steps:
- Cut Generously: Cut at least one inch around and below the visible mold. The mold’s roots can extend further than what’s visible on the surface.
- Use a Clean Knife: Use a sharp, clean knife to prevent cross-contamination. Wipe the knife between cuts.
- Avoid Contact: Do not let the knife touch the mold itself, as this can spread spores to the clean cheese.
- Re-wrap Properly: Wrap the remaining cheese tightly in fresh plastic wrap or parchment paper and store it in the refrigerator.
When to Toss It: Soft Cheeses and Shredded Cheese
Never attempt to cut mold off of the following types of cheese:
- Soft Cheeses: Brie, Camembert, Ricotta, Cream Cheese
- Shredded Cheese: Pre-shredded cheddar, mozzarella
- Crumbled Cheese: Feta, Goat Cheese
These cheeses have a high moisture content and porous structure, allowing mold spores to easily spread throughout. Shredded and crumbled cheeses are particularly vulnerable due to their increased surface area.
Safety First: The Risk of Mycotoxins
Mycotoxins are toxic compounds produced by certain molds. They can cause a range of health problems, from short-term gastrointestinal upset to long-term liver damage and even cancer. While the risk of mycotoxin exposure from small amounts of moldy cheese is generally low, it’s best to err on the side of caution.
Preventing Mold Growth: Storage Tips
Proper storage is key to preventing mold growth on cheese:
- Keep it Cold: Store cheese in the refrigerator at a temperature below 40°F (4°C).
- Wrap it Properly: Wrap cheese tightly in plastic wrap, parchment paper, or wax paper to prevent exposure to air. Special cheese storage bags are also available.
- Separate Cheese: Store cheese separately from other foods to prevent cross-contamination.
- Avoid Double Dipping: Use a clean knife or utensil each time you cut or serve cheese to prevent introducing mold spores.
Common Mistakes: Pitfalls to Avoid
- Cutting too close: Not cutting far enough away from the mold.
- Using a dirty knife: Spreading mold spores to the clean cheese.
- Ignoring soft cheeses: Attempting to salvage moldy soft cheese.
- Relying solely on appearance: Assuming all mold is harmless if it looks similar to beneficial molds.
- Forgetting about shredded cheese: Trying to salvage moldy shredded cheese.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is white mold on cheese always safe?
No. While some cheeses, like brie and camembert, are intentionally coated with white mold (usually Penicillium candidum), other types of white mold can be harmful. If the white mold appears fuzzy, powdery, or has an off odor, it’s best to discard the cheese, especially if it’s a soft variety.
What if the mold is just a tiny spot?
Even a tiny spot of mold can indicate a more extensive contamination network within the cheese. With hard cheeses, you can cut around a small spot with the appropriate one-inch margin. However, with soft cheeses, even a small spot warrants discarding the entire piece.
Can I just wash the mold off?
Never wash mold off of cheese. Washing will not remove the mycotoxins that may have been produced by the mold. It also risks spreading the mold spores, potentially contaminating other food items.
What happens if I accidentally eat moldy cheese?
If you accidentally eat a small amount of moldy cheese, don’t panic. The risk of serious illness is generally low. However, you may experience mild gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. If you experience severe symptoms, consult a doctor.
How long does cheese last in the refrigerator?
Hard cheeses, when properly stored, can last for several weeks or even months in the refrigerator. Soft cheeses have a much shorter shelf life, typically lasting only a week or two. Always check the expiration date and use your senses to assess freshness.
Can I freeze cheese to prevent mold growth?
Freezing can slow down mold growth, but it can also alter the texture of some cheeses, particularly soft cheeses. Hard cheeses generally freeze well. Wrap the cheese tightly to prevent freezer burn.
Is it safe to eat cheese with blue veins that I didn’t expect?
Cheeses like Gorgonzola and Stilton are intentionally veined with blue mold. However, if you find unexpected blue veins in a cheese that shouldn’t have them, it could be a sign of contamination. If the cheese also has an off odor or texture, it is best to discard it.
What if the cheese tastes okay, but has mold?
Even if the cheese tastes okay, mold can still be present and potentially harmful. Some mycotoxins are odorless and tasteless. It’s best to err on the side of caution and follow the guidelines above, depending on the type of cheese.
Are certain people more susceptible to the effects of moldy cheese?
Yes. Individuals with weakened immune systems, pregnant women, young children, and the elderly are generally more susceptible to the effects of mycotoxins and should be particularly cautious about consuming moldy cheese. If in doubt, throw it out.
How do cheese manufacturers prevent mold growth?
Cheese manufacturers use a variety of methods to prevent mold growth, including:
- Sanitation: Maintaining strict hygiene standards throughout the production process.
- Pasteurization: Heating milk to kill harmful bacteria and mold spores.
- Proper Packaging: Using airtight packaging to prevent exposure to air.
- Adding Preservatives: Using safe and effective preservatives to inhibit mold growth.
- Controlled Aging Environments: Carefully controlling temperature and humidity during aging.
What is rindless cheese?
Rindless cheese is produced without an outer rind. These types of cheese rely on pasteurization and sanitary packing methods for protection. Mold found on these varieties should always be cause for concern and avoided if possible.
What’s the best way to clean my refrigerator to prevent mold?
Clean your refrigerator regularly with a solution of baking soda and water, or a commercial refrigerator cleaner. Pay particular attention to shelves, drawers, and door seals. Promptly clean up any spills and discard any spoiled food. This will help prevent the growth and spread of mold.