Andy Montoya
Mexican cheese is a delicious treat, but does it smell bad? Some people believe that Mexican cheese has a low shelf life and can develop an unpleasant odour, similar to sweaty feet. This is caused by the bacteria brevibacterium, which is used during the production of certain cheeses. However, not all Mexican cheeses are created equal, and some varieties like Cotija, a mature Mexican cheese, are known for their strong aroma, likened to Parmesan in texture and salty flavour. So, while some Mexican cheeses may have a more potent scent than others, it is subjective whether this constitutes smelling bad.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Mexican cheese has a low shelf life | Mexican cheese lasts only for a few weeks |
| Mexican cheese smells weird after opening the bag | Within a week of opening the bag, it starts to smell weird, not rancid or mouldy |
| Smell of Mexican cheese when bad | Some Mexican cheeses like Cotija have a stinky smell and aroma that can be compared to sweaty feet |
| Reason for the bad smell | The use of bacteria, yeast, and fungi during production |
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What You'll Learn
Mexican cheese has a low shelf life
For example, Cotija, a popular Mexican cheese, has an overpowering aroma that some have compared to sweaty feet. This strong smell is a result of the aging process and the specific bacteria used in production. While some people enjoy the aroma of smelly cheese, others may find it unpleasant.
Another factor contributing to the low shelf life of Mexican cheese is its texture. Soft cheeses, such as Curd Mozzarella, tend to have shorter shelf lives than hard cheeses. This is because soft cheeses are more susceptible to mold growth and spoilage. Blue or green molds on soft cheese indicate that it is no longer safe to eat.
Additionally, the storage method can impact the shelf life of Mexican cheese. Properly stored shredded cheese can last up to 6-7 days in the fridge after opening. However, if moisture is introduced or air is not sealed out, the cheese will spoil more quickly. To extend the shelf life, some people freeze shredded cheese, ensuring they fluff the bags every few hours to prevent clumping.
Overall, Mexican cheese has a shorter shelf life than other varieties due to factors such as the production process, bacteria used, texture, and storage methods. While it may have a strong smell, this does not necessarily indicate spoilage, but rather the unique characteristics of Mexican cheese.
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Mexican cheese can smell like feet due to bacteria
Mexican cheese can sometimes smell bad due to a variety of reasons. One of the main reasons is the type of bacteria used during the production process. Brevibacterium, for example, is a bacterium that can cause cheese to smell like feet, and is used in the production of some Mexican cheeses. This is not an indication that the cheese is unhealthy for consumption, but rather a natural consequence of the production process.
Another reason for the strong smell of some Mexican cheeses is the aging process. Aged cheeses tend to have a more pronounced aroma, and this is true for Mexican varieties as well. For example, cotija, an aged Mexican cheese, is known for its salty, bitey flavor and overpowering aroma, which some have compared to sweaty feet. Similarly, queso añejo is an aged cheese with a strong smell.
The storage method and shelf life of Mexican cheese can also contribute to its smell. Mexican cheese tends to have a shorter shelf life than Italian cheese, lasting only a few weeks. If not stored properly, it can start to smell weird within a week of opening, even if there is no mold present. To extend the shelf life, some people freeze their Mexican cheese, but this can affect the texture and taste.
Overall, while Mexican cheese can sometimes smell like feet due to bacteria, production methods, aging, and storage, it is still safe to consume and can be a delicious addition to many dishes.
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Some Mexican cheese is aged and has a stinky smell
Mexican cheese has a reputation for its low shelf life compared to Italian cheese. While Italian cheese can last for months after purchase, Mexican cheese only lasts for a few weeks. This is due to the bacteria that are used in the production of Mexican cheese. The presence of brevibacterium in some Mexican cheeses, for example, can cause them to smell like dirty feet when they go bad. This is not an indication that the cheese is unhealthy for consumption, but rather that it is no longer suitable to be eaten.
Some Mexican cheeses, such as Cotija, are aged and have a strong, stinky smell. Cotija is a sharp and salty cheese that is drier and firmer than queso añejo. It has a similar taste to Parmesan, Romano, and Feta, but with a fresh milky creaminess that is characteristic of most Mexican cheeses. The aroma of Cotija is quite overpowering and has been compared to sweaty feet. Despite its strong smell, Cotija is a popular cheese that can be grated or crumbled over tacos, salads, or grilled corn.
Queso añejo is another example of an aged Mexican cheese with a strong smell. It is a popular choice for melting, crumbling, or frying. While it has a strong aroma, it is not as pungent as some other aged cheeses such as Epoisses, a French cheese that is known for its jaw-dropping fetor. Limburger, a European semi-soft cheese, also has a mild flavour but a strong, repugnant odour.
The ageing process and the types of bacteria used in cheese production can contribute to the development of strong odours in some Mexican cheeses. While some people enjoy the aroma of smelly cheese, others may find it unpleasant. Ultimately, whether or not Mexican cheese smells bad is a matter of personal preference and sensory tolerance.
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Mexican cheese can smell weird after being opened for a week
Proper storage is critical to prolonging the shelf life of shredded cheese, which typically lasts 6-7 days in the refrigerator after opening. To maximise its lifespan, it is essential to minimise air and moisture exposure. Freezing shredded cheese is also an option to consider.
Some Mexican cheeses, such as Cotija, are known for their strong aroma, which some may compare to sweaty feet. This cheese matures and develops a salty, sharp flavour akin to Parmesan, Romano, or Feta. Despite its pungent smell, Cotija is a popular choice for sprinkling over tacos, salads, and grilled corn.
The distinct smell of cheese is often attributed to a simple chemical reaction during production, involving bacteria, yeast, and fungi interacting with fats, milk, sugar, and protein. This process results in the release of pungent molecules that contribute to the cheese's characteristic odour.
While some individuals enjoy the aroma of smelly cheese, others may find it unpleasant. Ultimately, the perception of cheese odour can vary, and what one person considers a weird smell may be appealing to another.
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Some Mexican cheese has a salty, bitey flavor
Mexican cheese has a reputation for having a shorter shelf life than Italian cheese. While Italian cheese can last for months after purchase, Mexican cheese only lasts a few weeks. This is one of the reasons why Mexican cheese is not as well-known as Italian cheese.
Some Mexican cheeses have a salty, bitey flavor. For example, Cotija is a hard cow's milk cheese from the town of Cotija in the state of Michoacán, in western Mexico. It has a crumbly texture and a salty flavor likened to feta, earning it the nickname "Mexico's Parmesan cheese." It is often sprinkled on top of elote (grilled corn) or used as a topping for beans, salads, and other Mexican dishes. Another salty Mexican cheese is Panela, which is made with skim milk. It has a hard, smooth, and salty flavor. Unlike Queso Fresco, it cannot be crumbled, but it can be cut easily. It is sometimes fried and eaten as a snack or added as a sandwich topping.
Queso Añejo, the aged version of Queso Fresco, is also salty, especially when well-aged. It is harder than its fresh counterpart but equally crumbly and has a sharp flavor. It is often used as a topping for refried beans and salads or baked and grilled.
Some users have reported that shredded Mexican cheese blends can develop an unusual odor within a week of opening the bag, though this may be due to improper storage.
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Frequently asked questions
Mexican cheese has a shorter shelf life than Italian cheese and can develop a strong odour when it goes bad. This is due to a chemical reaction that occurs during production, where bacteria, yeast, and fungi transform bland curd into the final product.
No, not all Mexican cheese smells bad. Some varieties like Cotija, an aged cheese, are known for their strong aroma, while others like Queso Fresco are milder.
In addition to an unpleasant smell, spoiled Mexican cheese may exhibit signs of mould or a change in taste. It is important to note that some varieties of Mexican cheese, such as Cotija, naturally have a stronger smell, so relying solely on smell may not be indicative of spoilage.
