Let’s cut to the cheese and put to rest what might be a food myth.
Cheese is undoubtedly one of the most versatile items you keep in the refrigerator.
It’s delicious on its own and is easily the star ingredient in dishes likemac and cheeseor broccoli-cheddar soup.
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As wonderful as it is, cheese does have a problema tendency to mold.
The answer is, it depends.
Cortney LaCorteis the founder and owner of Cheese Gal, an artisanal cheese and charcuterie board business in Nashville.
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What Causes Cheese To Mold?
LaCorte says there is no single reason cheeseturns moldy.
One common cause is too much moisture when the cheese is being stored.
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The use of plastic wrapping or zip-top bags can retain too much moisture.
When you consider this, which container would you choose instead for your cheese?
The other common cause of moldy cheese is inconsistent temperatures in refrigeration.
Should your cheese start growing mold, you might find yourself diagnosing an appliance issue.
Be thankful your cheese was there for you.
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Can You Eat Moldy Cheese?
In most cases, LaCorte says moldy cheese is safe to eat.
She’s quick to point out that the outside rind of brie is mold to begin with.
The exception is fresh cheese.
“Fresh cheeses are meant to be consumed right away.”
This includes other fresh cheeses such as cottage cheese and Queso Fresco as well.
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How Much Mold Do You Have To Cut Away?
Be sure to have that container ready to betterstore your cheese.
Consider the option of cheese paper as well.
Using cheese paper allows the cheese to breathe while simultaneously keeping excess moisture at bay.
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What Happens If You Eat Moldy Cheese?
If you accidentally eat moldy cheese, most likely it won’t be an issue.
Mold can grow along with bacteria like E. coli and salmonella that could potentially make you sick.
One of these is Camembert.
It originated from the French village of Camembert.
Curdled milk is introduced to the bacteria in the cheese to increase mold production.
Camembert is great paired with a baguette or fruit and crackers.
Two types of blue cheese, Stilton and Gorgonzola, are different in their origins.
Try a blue cheese paired with grapes, apples, or crackers.
If you eat moldy cheese and are pregnant or have a weakened immune system.
you should seek guidance from your doctor as these could pose a risk.
However, sometimes reactions can be delayed depending on the jot down of mold it was.
Molds On Food: Are They Dangerous?.
U.S. Department of Agriculture.
If Cheese Has Mold Growing On It Should I Throw It Away?.
Producers.Stilton Cheesemakers' Association.
What Happens If You Accidentally Eat Moldy Food?.
