Patrick Oconnell
Blue cheese is a pungent, distinctive variety of cheese that is made using a type of mold called Penicillium. This is what gives it its unique taste, smell, and appearance. While blue cheese is supposed to be moldy, not all mold is desirable. Fuzzy white, green, pink, or grey spots on the surface of blue cheese may indicate that it has gone bad. If stored properly, blue cheese can last 3–4 weeks in the refrigerator.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Good blue cheese should have greenish-blue veins and a body that's cream to white in colour. |
| Smell | Blue cheese is supposed to be pungent. |
| Spoilage | Fuzzy white, green, pink, or grey spots indicate spoilage. Slimy, tough, or dry cheese has likely spoiled. |
| Storage | Store blue cheese tightly wrapped in the refrigerator. If stored properly, it can last 3–4 weeks in the refrigerator. |
| Freezing | Blue cheese can be frozen to extend its shelf life. Freezing may slightly alter its texture and appearance. |
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What You'll Learn
- Blue cheese is made using a type of mold called Penicillium, which is safe to eat
- Blue cheese can go bad if not stored properly
- Fuzzy white, green, pink, or grey spots on blue cheese indicate it has gone bad
- Blue cheese with a high moisture content will spoil faster than drier varieties
- Freezing blue cheese can extend its shelf life but may alter its texture and appearance
Blue cheese is made using a type of mold called Penicillium, which is safe to eat
Blue cheese is made using a type of mold called Penicillium, which gives it its distinct taste, smell, and appearance. Penicillium is added after the curds have been drained and the cheese has been rolled into wheels. The blue cheese is then left to age for 2–3 months.
Not all molds are the same. Certain types of mold produce compounds called mycotoxins, which are toxic to humans. These molds are typically fuzzy and can be white, green, black, blue, or grey. However, the varieties of Penicillium used to make blue cheese do not produce toxins and are safe to consume.
Blue cheese naturally contains edible mold, which gives it a pungent taste and scent. This unique flavor profile is not to everyone's liking, but it is safe to eat. However, like other types of cheese, blue cheese can spoil if it is not stored properly.
To prevent spoilage, it is important to practice basic food safety and store blue cheese properly. Blue cheese should be tightly wrapped and refrigerated, where it can last 3–4 weeks. Freezing blue cheese can further extend its shelf life, although it may slightly alter its texture and appearance.
If you notice any signs of spoilage on your blue cheese, such as fuzzy white, green, pink, or grey spots, it is best to discard it immediately. Consuming spoiled blue cheese can lead to food poisoning and increased exposure to harmful mycotoxins. When in doubt, use your senses and judgment to determine if the cheese is safe to eat.
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Blue cheese can go bad if not stored properly
Blue cheese is a type of cheese made using cultures of Penicillium, a type of mold. Unlike other types of mold, the varieties of Penicillium used to produce blue cheese don't produce toxins and are safe to consume. However, blue cheese can still go bad if it's not stored properly.
Blue cheese should always be stored in the refrigerator, tightly wrapped. If stored properly, it can last 3-4 weeks in the refrigerator. You can also freeze blue cheese to extend its shelf life. Although freezing blue cheese may slightly alter its texture and appearance, it remains safe to consume indefinitely when frozen.
Blue cheese that has gone bad will have noticeable changes in its appearance, smell, and feel. Good blue cheese should have greenish-blue veins and a body that's cream to white in color. It should also be pungent, and a strong smell comparable to ammonia is not necessarily a bad thing. However, if you notice fuzzy gray or black patches of mold, or shiny pink, yellow, or green spots of yeast, it's best to discard the cheese as it has likely spoiled. Slimy, tough, or dry cheese should also be thrown away.
If only a portion of the cheese appears discolored, slimy, or fuzzy, it's best to throw away the entire piece. This is because bacteria or mold may still be present in the rest of the cheese. When in doubt, it's always better to be safe than sorry and discard the blue cheese.
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Fuzzy white, green, pink, or grey spots on blue cheese indicate it has gone bad
Blue cheese is made using a type of mold called Penicillium, which gives it its distinct taste, smell, and appearance. While the Penicillium mold used in cheesemaking is safe to consume, blue cheese can still go bad if it is not stored properly. Fuzzy white, green, pink, or grey spots on the surface of blue cheese indicate that it has spoiled and should be discarded.
Blue cheese with a high moisture content will spoil more quickly than drier varieties. To prevent spoilage, it is important to store blue cheese properly, tightly wrapped in the refrigerator. If stored properly, blue cheese can last 3-4 weeks in the refrigerator or indefinitely in the freezer.
It is important to note that not all mold is created equal. While some molds are safe to consume, others can produce compounds called mycotoxins, which are toxic to humans. Consuming spoiled blue cheese can cause food poisoning and increase exposure to harmful mycotoxins. Therefore, it is always best to err on the side of caution and discard any blue cheese that appears discolored, slimy, or fuzzy.
In addition to visual cues, you can also use your sense of smell to determine if blue cheese has gone bad. Good blue cheese should have a pungent aroma, while an ammonia-like smell may indicate spoilage. Trust your senses and use your best judgment to assess whether the cheese is safe to eat.
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Blue cheese with a high moisture content will spoil faster than drier varieties
The moisture content of cheese plays a crucial role in determining its texture and shelf life. Blue cheese, a soft cheese, typically has a high moisture content, which contributes to its creamy texture and strong flavour. While this moisture content is essential for the desired taste and mouthfeel, it also accelerates spoilage.
Blue cheese, known for its distinctive blue veins, is a semi-soft cheese with a moisture content ranging from 42% to 55% of its dry weight. This moisture content is significantly higher than that of semi-hard or hard cheeses, which have a moisture content of 45-50%. The higher moisture levels in blue cheese contribute to its softer consistency and more pronounced flavour.
However, the downside of higher moisture content is an increased susceptibility to spoilage. Water activity, a measure of available water that supports microbial growth, is a critical factor in determining a cheese's shelf life. Cheeses with higher water activity, like blue cheese, tend to spoil faster due to their softer texture and higher moisture content. On the other hand, drier and firmer cheeses with lower water activity benefit from extended shelf life.
Therefore, blue cheese with a high moisture content will indeed spoil faster than drier varieties. This characteristic underscores the importance of proper storage conditions in preserving the desired qualities of blue cheese and preventing premature spoilage. Even slight fluctuations in storage temperature or humidity can significantly impact the texture and shelf life of blue cheese.
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Freezing blue cheese can extend its shelf life but may alter its texture and appearance
Freezing is an effective way to extend the shelf life of blue cheese. It can be safely stored in the freezer indefinitely if kept at a constant temperature of 0°F. However, it is recommended to consume it within 6 months for the best quality.
To freeze blue cheese, cut it into portions of about half a pound each. Wrap the portions tightly in heavy-duty aluminum foil or plastic freezer wrap, or place them inside freezer bags. Make sure to label the packages with the date before placing them in the freezer.
Freezing can slightly alter the texture and appearance of blue cheese. Frozen and thawed blue cheese may become crumbly and lose some of its flavor. It is best suited for cooked dishes like sauces, soups, and casseroles.
It is important to note that not all molds are created equal. While blue cheese is supposed to have a greenish-blue or blue vein and a pungent smell, the presence of fuzzy gray or black patches of mold or shiny pink or yellow spots of yeast indicates that the cheese has gone bad. Additionally, if the cheese is slimy or feels tough and dry, it has likely spoiled.
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Frequently asked questions
Blue cheese is made using a type of mold called Penicillium, which is responsible for its distinct taste, smell, and appearance. However, not all molds are safe, and some molds can indicate that your blue cheese has gone bad. Fuzzy white, green, pink, or grey spots on the surface of blue cheese may indicate that it has spoiled.
Good blue cheese should have greenish-blue veins and a body that’s cream to white in color. It should also be pungent, with a strong smell. If stored properly in the refrigerator, wrapped tightly, blue cheese can last 3–4 weeks. Signs of spoilage include fuzzy gray or black patches of mold or shiny pink or yellow spots of yeast. If the cheese is slimy or feels tough and dry, it has likely spoiled.
If your blue cheese has gone bad, it is best to throw away the entire piece, as bacteria or mold may still be present. Consuming spoiled blue cheese can cause food poisoning and increase exposure to harmful mycotoxins.
Blue cheese contains an edible mold that gives it a pungent taste and scent. However, unlike the Penicillium mold, other types of mold can produce mycotoxins, which are toxic to humans. Therefore, it is important to practice food safety and only consume blue cheese that has been properly stored and handled.
To prevent blue cheese from going bad, it is important to store it properly. Blue cheese should be tightly wrapped and refrigerated. It can also be frozen to extend its shelf life, although freezing may alter its texture and appearance. Practicing basic food safety and using your senses and judgment can help ensure that you enjoy blue cheese safely.
