Patrick Oconnell
Cheese is a dairy product made from milk, and it can sometimes smell like sour milk. This could be due to several reasons, including spoilage, the type of cheese, or the presence of bacteria. Each cheese ages and spoils differently, and while some cheeses are naturally pungent, others may develop an off smell due to contamination or other factors. Determining whether cheese has gone bad involves considering factors beyond smell, such as taste, appearance, and the condition of the rind. Understanding the unique characteristics of different cheeses can help differentiate between desirable and undesirable aromas.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Smell | Depending on the type of cheese, it can smell like spoiled milk, ammonia, vinegar, or even a refrigerator or freezer. |
| Taste | A sour or unpleasant taste may indicate that the cheese is spoiled. |
| Appearance | Surface mold is natural and can be trimmed off. Breaking down of the rind, leading to colorful tufts of mold, combined with a discoloration of the paste, may indicate spoilage. |
| Texture | Slime may indicate that the cheese has gone bad. |
| Expiration Date | Cheese should ideally be consumed by the date on the label or within a few days of purchasing it. |
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What You'll Learn
Why does cheese smell like sour milk?
Cheese is a dairy product, so it's not surprising that one of the signs of spoiled cheese is an "off" smell, which can sometimes be similar to spoiled milk. Each cheese ages and spoils differently, and some cheeses can be pungent and have an "off" smell even when they are not spoiled. Washed-rind cheeses, like Époisses, are known for being particularly stinky, and their strong flavor is not confined to the rind but is distributed throughout the interior of the cheese. The process of washing the rind of a cheese—by rubbing it with a salt brine, liquor, or water—creates an environment that attracts certain bacteria, especially Brevibacterium linen (B. linens), which is partly responsible for the strong aromas in the cheese.
Blue mold, which is added to many blue cheeses, can also impart dynamic flavors and strong aromas in as little as two months. Small-format goat cheeses are often ripened with Geotrichum Candidum yeasts, which can impart abundant odors of sulfur along with notes of overripe pineapple or citrus fruits.
The first indication of a spoiled cheese is often an ammonia smell, followed by a breaking down of the rind, leading to colorful tufts of mold and a discoloration of the paste. However, surface mold on cheese is natural and does not necessarily indicate spoilage. If your cheese has some surface mold, you can try trimming a small amount off the side that is growing mold.
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How to tell if cheese is spoiled
Knowing when cheese has gone bad can be tricky as each type of cheese ages and spoils differently. Here are some ways to tell if your cheese is past its prime:
Smell
As cheese is a dairy product, one of the signs of spoilage is an "off" smell. Depending on the type of cheese, it may smell like sour milk, ammonia, or even a refrigerator or freezer. It is a good idea to smell the cheese when you first buy it to get a sense of its normal scent, so you can more easily identify any deviations. Some cheeses can be quite pungent and "off"-smelling even when they are fresh, so it is important to consider other indicators of spoilage as well.
Appearance
Cheese naturally grows surface mold, so a small amount of mold growth is normal. If you see a small amount of mold, you can trim off the affected area (about 1/4 inch around the mold spot) and the rest of the cheese should still be safe to eat. However, if the cheese is soft or the mold is not just on the surface, it is best to discard it.
Taste
Tasting is often a reliable way to tell if your cheese has gone bad. If you suspect your cheese is spoiled, you can taste a small piece to see if it has soured or developed an unpleasant aftertaste. However, it is important to only taste a small amount to avoid consuming harmful bacteria.
In general, it is best to consume cheese by the "use by" date on the label or within a few days of purchasing it.
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Why some cheeses are stinkier than others
Cheese is made by adding bacteria to milk and allowing it to ferment. This fermentation process produces lactic acid, which gives the cheese its characteristic tangy flavour. However, it also produces other compounds that can make the cheese smell bad. The type of bacteria used in the fermentation process determines how much a cheese will smell.
Some bacteria produce more smelly compounds than others, and cheeses that are ripened for longer periods tend to be stinkier because they have had more time to develop these smelly compounds. The most common bacteria in washed-rind cheeses is Brevibacterium linens, which is also the bacteria responsible for making feet smell bad. The rind is regularly washed with a brine solution, or occasionally with other liquids like wine, beer, or brandy, to prevent the growth of mould and encourage the growth of this bacteria.
Some of the stinkiest cheeses in the world include:
- Vieux Lille: This cheese from the Aspe Valley in the French Pyrenees is washed with brine for three months, making it one of the most pungent cheeses on the planet.
- Epoisses: This cow's milk cheese from France is famous for its stink and sweet, salty flavour. It is so pungent that it has been banned from Parisian public transportation.
- Taleggio: One of the most pungent-smelling cheeses, this Italian cheese is frequently used in salad, risotto, and pasta dishes.
- Casu Marzu: This Sardinian sheep's milk cheese is infested with live maggots, which help to break down the cheese and give it a strong, pungent aroma and a sharp, tangy flavour.
While these stinky cheeses may be off-putting to some, they are often incredibly flavorful and well worth trying for those who enjoy strong-tasting foods.
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How to make cheese less stinky
While some people enjoy the smell and taste of strong, stinky cheese, others may find the pungent aroma off-putting. Stinky cheese, or washed-rind cheese, gets its distinctive odour from a unique process. As these cheeses mature, their rind is regularly washed with a brine solution, wine, beer, or a combination of these liquids. This washing process prevents the growth of mould while encouraging the proliferation of bacteria, particularly Brevibacterium linens. This bacterium is primarily responsible for the strong smell associated with these cheeses.
If you find the odour of stinky cheese too overpowering, there are several ways to mitigate it and make it more palatable. Firstly, it is essential to understand that not all cheeses are equally pungent. Some varieties are naturally milder in scent and flavour, so opting for these cheeses can be a good starting point. Softer cheeses, such as Brie, tend to have a less intense aroma compared to their harder counterparts. Examples of milder-smelling soft cheeses include French Comté, Uplands Cheese Company's Pleasant Ridge Reserve, and Cowgirl Creamery's Wagon Wheel. These cheeses are made with a cooked and pressed curd, resulting in lower moisture content, which creates a less habitable environment for bacteria and thus a less potent smell.
Another strategy to reduce the intensity of stinky cheese is to pair it with the right beverages and foods. Port wine is traditionally served with blue cheese as it has a mellowing effect on its sharp flavour. Rich stout beer can also help balance the strong flavours of stinky cheese. When serving stinky cheese, consider pairing it with complementary foods that can help temper its pungency.
Additionally, proper storage and handling of stinky cheese can help minimise its odour. Keeping the cheese wrapped tightly can contain its scent and prevent it from permeating its surroundings. It is also advisable to consume cheese within a few days of purchasing it, as its smell and taste can become more potent over time.
Lastly, if the smell of stinky cheese is too overwhelming, there are alternative options to consider. Opting for milder cheeses, such as Brie or Camembert, can provide a more subtle aroma and flavour. These cheeses still offer a delightful sensory experience without the intensity of their washed-rind counterparts.
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What to do with cheese that smells like sour milk
If your cheese smells like sour milk, it is likely past its prime or spoiled. This could be due to improper storage or because it is beyond its expiration date. To confirm, you can examine the texture of the cheese. Spoiled cheese often has a different texture than fresh cheese. For example, a formerly firm block of cheese may become slimy, sticky, or wet to the touch. Hard cheeses like Parmesan or Pecorino may develop a tough, dry texture or crumble apart easily.
If your cheese is past its prime, it is best to discard it. Consuming off-tasting or spoiled cheese can lead to digestive issues such as nausea and diarrhea. However, if you accidentally consume spoiled cheese, unless you have severe stomach or gastrointestinal issues, it is typically not necessary to seek medical help.
To prevent cheese from spoiling, proper storage is crucial. Cheese should be stored in a refrigerator, ideally in an airtight container. Additionally, it is recommended to consume cheese by the date on the label or within a few days of purchasing it.
It is worth noting that some cheeses naturally have a stronger or more pungent smell, and surface mold can be common. If the cheese has some surface mold, you can try trimming a small amount off the side that is growing mold. However, if the mold is extensive or the cheese has a rancid odor, it is best to discard it.
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Frequently asked questions
If your cheese smells like sour milk, it could be a sign of spoilage. However, some cheeses are meant to have a pungent smell, so it's important to also look for other signs of spoilage, such as an ammonia smell, discolouration, or mould. It's best to consume cheese by the date on the label or within a few days of purchasing it.
Cheese that smells like sour milk could be a result of contamination during the cheese-making process. It could also be due to the type of bacteria present in the cheese, such as Brevibacterium linens, which is added to some cheeses to give them a distinct flavour and aroma.
If your cheese smells like sour milk and you suspect it has gone bad, it's best to discard it. If the cheese is within its expiration date and shows no other signs of spoilage, you may choose to consume it, as some cheeses are meant to have a sour or pungent odour.
