Randy Chandler
Mites are tiny organisms that are found on many types of cheese. While the thought of insects on cheese may be off-putting to some, mites are crucial to the aging process of certain cheeses and are said to enhance their flavour. Mites are most commonly found on cheeses with natural rinds, such as British clothbound cheddars or natural rinded blues like Stilton, and French varieties such as Comté, Tomme de Savoie, and Mimolette. In Germany, a delicacy called Milbenkäse is made by maturing the cheese in a wooden box together with cheese mites, a process that dates back to the Middle Ages. While the presence of mites in cheese may be acceptable or even desirable in some cultures, it is important to note that they can pose health risks, especially for individuals with mite allergies.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Do blue cheeses have mites? | Some blue cheeses, such as British clothbound cheddars or natural rinded blues like Stilton, have mites. |
| Cheeses with mites | Casu martzu, Milbenkäse, Mimolette, Comté, Tomme de Savoie, Cantal, Parmesan, and Cheddar. |
| Mite appearance | Individual mites are microscopic and cannot be seen with the naked eye. A large number of mites may appear as brownish/grey powdery dust on the rind of the cheese. |
| Mite effects on cheese | Mites contribute to the flavor and appearance of the cheese. They may also destroy the cheese if left alone. |
| Mite effects on humans | Mites do not cause direct harm to humans unless one has a severe mite allergy. |
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What You'll Learn
Blue cheese mite-afflicted varieties
In France, the infamous Mimolette cheese is mite-ridden. This cheese, also known as "Boule de Lille", is produced in Lille, near the Dutch-Belgian border. It is a hard, orange cheese with a thick crust riddled with holes. The mites on Mimolette are intentionally placed there and contribute to its flavour and distinctive appearance. The mites give the cheese its greyish colour and crusty texture. The French also use mites in the production of the German quark-based Milbenkäse.
In the UK, mite-afflicted cheeses include clothbound cheddars or natural rinded blues such as Stilton. According to a 1724 quote by Daniel Defoe, Stilton was "brought to the table with the mites round it, so thick, that they bring a spoon with them for you to eat the mites with, as you do the cheese."
While some people may find the idea of mite-afflicted cheese unappetizing, it is important to note that cheese mites are generally harmless to humans unless one has a severe mite allergy. Mites are present in various dry goods, such as grains and flours, and are too small to be seen with the naked eye. They are also easily removable from the cheese's surface, usually without affecting the flavour.
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Mite-free blue cheese options
Blue cheese is a delicious treat, but some people are put off by the idea of consuming cheese mites along with their dairy snack. While some cheeses are deliberately mite-ripened, such as the German delicacy Milbenkäse, there are ways to avoid these tiny creatures if you'd prefer to.
Firstly, it's important to understand that cheese mites are most commonly found on aged cheeses with natural rinds. So, if you're looking for a mite-free option, opt for blue cheeses with a waxed or cloth-bound rind. These rinds act as a barrier, preventing mites from accessing the cheese. Examples of mite-free blue cheeses include Bay Blue, Black Creek, and Buttermilk Blue.
Another way to avoid cheese mites is to choose a blue cheese that has been treated to prevent mite infestation. One example is the Italian cheese Casu Marzu, which is traditionally made with live maggots and cheese mites. However, modern versions of this cheese often omit the live insects, instead using pasteurized sheep's milk and carefully controlled conditions to mimic the flavor and texture of the original.
Additionally, some cheesemakers take measures to actively remove mites from their products. For instance, some use large machinery to brush the cheese, while others employ manual methods like brushing, hoovering, or blasting with pressurized air. By seeking out cheesemakers who prioritize mite removal, you can increase your chances of enjoying a mite-free blue cheese.
Finally, if you're particularly concerned about cheese mites, consider opting for a blue cheese dip or spread. These processed cheese products are made with preservatives and other ingredients that create an environment unsuitable for mite growth. Just be sure to check the ingredients list to ensure the product aligns with your taste preferences and dietary needs.
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The health implications of consuming mites
Mites are a group of insect-like organisms, some of which bite or irritate humans. They can cause allergic reactions, asthma attacks, and skin irritation in humans. Mites can also contaminate food products, leading to a loss of sanitary quality, weight, and nutritional composition.
Cheese mites, in particular, are found on aged cheeses with natural rinds, such as British clothbound cheddars or natural rinded blues like Stilton, and French cheeses such as Comté, Tomme de Savoie, and Mimolette. These mites are microscopic and cannot be seen with the naked eye. While some people may find the idea of consuming mites unappetizing, there is no published evidence that consuming cheese mites is harmful to human health.
However, it is important to note that mites can cause infestations in stored food products, including cheese, which can have economic and public health implications. For example, a study found the storage mite Tyrophagus putrescentiae in 8.44% of mouldy Surk cheese samples in Turkey, indicating that proper hygiene and storage conditions are crucial to prevent mite infestations in cheese.
In terms of health implications, dust mites are a more common concern, as they are a well-known indoor allergen and can trigger asthma attacks. Dust mites do not live on people, but they feed on flakes of dead skin that fall from humans and animals. They are often found in upholstered furniture, pillows, and mattresses. While less common, clover mites can also enter homes and cause a nuisance, leaving red stains if smashed on carpets or drapery.
Overall, while cheese mites themselves may not pose a direct health risk, the presence of mites in food products can indicate unsanitary conditions and lead to a loss of nutritional quality. Dust mites and clover mites are more likely to have direct health implications for humans, whether through allergic reactions, asthma attacks, or nuisance infestations in homes.
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The historical acceptance of mites on cheese
Mites on cheese, or "cheese mites", are tiny, round arachnids that feed on fungal hyphae on the rind of hard cheeses. While they can be found on a variety of cheeses, they are particularly drawn to aged cheeses with natural rinds, such as British clothbound cheddars or natural rinded blues like Stilton, and French cheeses such as Comté, Tomme de Savoie, and Cantal.
Similarly, in Germany, there is a traditional mite-ripened cheese called Milbenkäse that has been produced since the Middle Ages. The process involves maturing the cheese in a wooden box together with cheese mites, whose digestive enzymes contribute to the unique flavour of the final product. The German appreciation for cheese mites is further evidenced by the existence of a sculpture dedicated to them in the village of Würchwitz.
In contrast, modern British attitudes towards mites on cheese have shifted towards aversion. While they were once considered an integral part of the cheese-maturing process, there is now a greater reluctance to accept their presence. This change in perspective is likely influenced by a combination of cultural, culinary, and health factors.
In France, the acceptance of mites on cheese appears to be more nuanced. While some French cheeses, such as Mimolette, actively incorporate mites into their aging process to enhance flavour, other French cheeses, like Comté and Cantal, are treated to deter mite infestation. The varying approaches to mites in France may be influenced by regional traditions, sensory preferences, and the specific characteristics of each cheese variety.
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Mites' role in the cheese-making process
Mites are tiny creatures that are found on some cheeses, such as Mimolette, a French cheese known for its textured crust caused by the mites. While the thought of mites on cheese may be off-putting to some, these tiny organisms play a crucial role in the cheese-making process and can even enhance the flavour and texture of the final product.
Cheese mites are most commonly found on aged cheeses with natural rinds. Examples include clothbound cheddars, natural rind blues like Stilton, and other varieties such as Comté, Tomme de Savoie, Cantal, and Mimolette. Mites are also used in the production of a German cheese called Milbenkäse, which is matured in a wooden box together with the mites using a process that dates back to the Middle Ages.
The role of mites in the cheese-making process is twofold. Firstly, they contribute to the flavour of the cheese. Mites have a preference for certain types of cheese, and their presence can create a sweet, caramelly, or earthy flavour that is appreciated by many. Secondly, mites help to create a unique texture in the cheese. As they burrow their way through the rind, they allow the cheese to breathe and develop a distinctive crusty appearance.
While some may be concerned about the potential health risks associated with mites, there is little evidence to suggest that consumer exposure to cheese mites is harmful. In fact, according to microbiologist Benjamin Wolfe, "there is no published evidence that consumer exposure to cheese mites can cause any harm". However, it is important to note that the FDA did temporarily ban the import of Mimolette cheese into the US in 2013 due to concerns about health hazards and potential allergens. This ban was later lifted in 2014 as there was insufficient evidence to support the initial concerns.
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Frequently asked questions
Blue cheese can have mites, but it depends on the type of blue cheese. For example, Casu Marzu, a traditional sheep milk cheese from Sardinia, Italy, contains live maggots and cheese mites.
Yes, mites are found on aged cheeses with natural rinds. Examples include British clothbound cheddars or natural rinded blues like Stilton, and French cheeses such as Comté, Tomme de Savoie, and Mimolette.
Cheese mites are generally harmless, but they can cause an allergic reaction in people with mite allergies. Mites are present in other dry goods like grains and flours and do not cause direct harm to humans.
