Learn what that green mold on your cheese is. Discover how it gets there and if it's possible to safely save the rest of the cheese block.
1 Answer
Cheese develops green mold in the fridge primarily due to exposure to airborne mold spores and the presence of moisture, which allows the mold to grow on the cheese's surface.
Detailed Explanation:
Mold spores are ubiquitous in the air and can easily land on food surfaces, including cheese. When these spores find a suitable environment, such as the moist and cool conditions inside a refrigerator, they begin to germinate and grow. Cheese, especially soft cheeses, provides an ideal breeding ground for mold because of its moisture content and nutrients. The mold you see is actually a colony of mold organisms. Different types of mold can grow on cheese, but the green mold is often a species of *Penicillium*, which is also used to make certain types of cheese like blue cheese. However, unwanted mold growth can spoil the cheese and potentially produce mycotoxins, which can be harmful if ingested in large quantities. Proper storage is crucial to prevent mold growth.
Pro Tip:
To prevent mold growth, wrap cheese tightly in plastic wrap or beeswax wrap, or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Consider placing a paper towel in the container to absorb excess moisture.