Andy Montoya
Blue cheese is a popular variety of cheese known for its strong aroma and distinct flavour. It is made from cow, sheep, or goat's milk, and its unique characteristics are a result of the aging process it undergoes. The presence of edible blue or green mould, known as Penicillium roqueforti and Penicillium glaucum, is essential to its production and gives it a pungent taste and scent. While the mould in blue cheese is safe for human consumption, it is dangerous for dogs and can cause serious health issues such as vomiting, diarrhoea, and seizures. To maintain its freshness, blue cheese should be properly stored in the refrigerator and consumed before the expiration date. Good blue cheese is typically moist, tangy, and has visible blue or green veins. However, if it develops slimy, gritty, or fuzzy textures, or mould in colours other than blue or green, it has likely spoiled and should be discarded.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Moist, blue or green veins, white, beige, or yellow creamy part |
| Texture | Fuzzy, slimy, gritty |
| Smell | Pungent, ammonia-like |
| Taste | Tangy, sharp |
| Storage | Refrigerated, frozen |
| Health Risks | Safe for humans, harmful to dogs |
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What You'll Learn
Blue cheese is safe to eat for humans, but toxic to dogs
Blue cheese is characterized by its strong aroma and distinct flavor, which is created during the aging process. This distinctiveness is due to the presence of mold, specifically Penicillium roqueforti and Penicillium glaucum, which have antibacterial properties. While the mold may appear furry, this is not a cause for concern—in fact, it's safe to eat and even beneficial, with anti-bacterial properties. However, it's important to note that blue cheese can spoil, so it should be stored properly in the refrigerator. If you notice any slimy, gritty, or fuzzy textures, or an ammonia-like smell, it's best to discard the cheese.
On the other hand, blue cheese is not safe for dogs. The unique fungi used in its production result in the presence of roquefortine C, which is toxic to dogs and can lead to severe symptoms such as seizures, diarrhea, and vomiting. As such, dog owners should be cautious and avoid feeding blue cheese to their furry friends.
While humans can safely consume blue cheese, it's always important to practice moderation. Blue cheese is high in sodium and saturated fat, which can negatively impact cardiovascular health if consumed in excess. Additionally, some people may be allergic to mold or have sensitivities to certain types of cheese, so it's always a good idea to monitor your body's response when introducing new foods.
In summary, blue cheese is safe for human consumption and can even provide some nutritional benefits due to its mold content. However, it should be enjoyed in moderation and stored properly to maintain freshness. Conversely, blue cheese is toxic to dogs and should be avoided in their diets to prevent potential health risks.
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Blue cheese is mouldy, but some mould is safe to eat
It's a common misconception that all mouldy food is unsafe to eat. In fact, blue cheese is mouldy, and it's perfectly safe to consume.
Blue cheese contains edible mould, which gives it its distinctive pungent taste and scent. The mould in blue cheese is typically blue or green in colour, and it's this mould that makes the cheese so tangy and flavourful. The mould accelerates the breakdown of proteins and fats in the cheese, releasing amino acids and creating free fatty acids, which contribute to the unique taste and aroma of blue cheese.
However, not all mould is safe to eat. If your blue cheese has developed slimy, fuzzy grey or black splotches of mould, or is showing pink, yellow, brown or white spots, it has likely gone bad and should be discarded. Good blue cheese is moist and tangy, and while it has a strong scent, it should not smell like ammonia. It's also important to note that blue cheese should be refrigerated to stay fresh and should be consumed within three to four weeks of opening.
While blue cheese is safe for human consumption, it is dangerous for dogs. The unique fungi used in the production of blue cheese contain roquefortine C, a substance that can cause serious health issues in canines, including vomiting, diarrhoea, and seizures.
So, while some moulds are safe to eat, it's important to be cautious and always inspect your blue cheese for any signs of spoilage before consuming it.
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Blue cheese should be refrigerated to stay fresh
Blue cheese is a popular type of cheese with a strong aroma and distinct flavour. It is made from cow, sheep, or goat's milk, and its unique characteristics are a result of the aging process it undergoes. The cheese gets its name from the blue or green veins that run through it, which are created by the amino acid activity in the cheese. While the presence of mould on most cheeses is an indication of spoilage, blue cheese is unique in that it is meant to have mould. The mould found in blue cheese, known as Penicillium roqueforti and Penicillium glaucum, is essential to its production and even has antibacterial properties. In fact, the spores of these moulds are in the same family as those used to make penicillin.
Despite the fact that blue cheese is meant to have mould, it can still go bad. Blue cheese should be refrigerated to stay fresh and prevent spoilage. If left out at room temperature, blue cheese will spoil much more quickly and will likely need to be discarded after just a few days. Even when refrigerated, blue cheese will only last for three to four weeks. To maximise its shelf life, it is important to ensure that the refrigerator temperature is set below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
There are several signs to look out for when trying to determine if blue cheese has gone bad. Firstly, the colour of the creamy part of the cheese can provide some clues. Typically, this part of the cheese should be white, beige, or yellow. If it has started to turn pink, brown, or green, it is likely that the cheese has spoiled. Additionally, the presence of certain types of mould can indicate that the cheese is no longer safe to eat. If the cheese develops fuzzy grey or black mould, or pink and yellow yeast spots, it should be discarded. A change in texture can also be an indication that the cheese has gone bad. If the surface of the cheese appears slimy or gritty, it is best to throw it away.
Another way to tell if blue cheese has spoiled is to smell it. Fresh blue cheese has a strong, pungent scent, but this can change as the cheese starts to go bad. If the cheese has begun to smell like ammonia, it is probably spoiled. Finally, if the cheese still looks and smells fine, a small taste can be a good indicator of whether it has gone bad. Fresh blue cheese has a strong, sharp taste, but as it ages, it becomes increasingly biting and sharp. If the blue cheese is too strong to enjoy, it should be discarded.
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Blue cheese has a strong scent and sharp taste
Blue cheese is known for its strong scent and sharp taste, which are the result of the mould (typically Penicillium) that is intentionally introduced during the cheese-making process. The distinct aroma and flavour of blue cheese can vary depending on the specific type and the ageing process. Generally, blue cheese has a sharp, tangy, and slightly acidic taste with a noticeable "blue" or "mouldy" character. The texture and taste can range from firm to soft and creamy, depending on the variety.
Some varieties of blue cheese, such as Gorgonzola (Italy), Stilton (England), and Roquefort (France), are known for their rich, robust, and distinct flavours. Stilton, for example, has a creamy and crumbly texture with a pronounced savoury and tangy flavour, while Roquefort is made from sheep's milk, giving it a unique sweet taste to complement its salty, tangy, and slightly bitter notes from the blue mould.
The unique flavour of blue cheese is created by the growth of moulds, which, rather than spoiling the cheese, give it its distinctive character. Blue mould cheese, in particular, has fungus inside the curd, allowing it to ripen from the inside out. As the ripening progresses, an irregular net shape spreads like a marble pattern, resulting in the characteristic blue or green veins seen in blue cheese.
While the strong scent and flavour of blue cheese may be off-putting to some, it is a beloved delicacy for many. Blue cheese is often paired with bold red wines like Shiraz or white wines such as sweet Riesling or Sauternes, which enhance the cheese's richness. For a simple pairing, blue cheese can be served with artisan bread or crackers, allowing its bold flavour to shine. It can also be added to salads, melted into sauces for pasta or risotto, or even paired with a stout or porter beer for a less conventional combination.
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Blue cheese is made from cow, sheep, or goat's milk
Blue cheese is a popular type of cheese with a strong aroma and distinct flavour. It is made from cow's, sheep's, or goat's milk. The unique characteristics of blue cheese are a result of the ageing process it undergoes. This includes the development of blue or green veins, which are created by the most amino acid activity in the cheese.
The mould in blue cheese is not cause for concern. In fact, it is essential to the cheesemaking process and safe to eat. The mould in blue cheese is typically Penicillium roqueforti or Penicillium glaucum, which are in the same family as the mould used to make penicillin. This mould has antibacterial properties and accelerates the breakdown of proteins and fats in the cheese, creating its unique texture and flavour.
However, it is important to distinguish between the edible mould in blue cheese and other types of mould that may develop if the cheese goes bad. Good blue cheese should be moist and tangy, with blue or green mould. If the creamy part of the cheese turns pink, brown, or green, or if the surface becomes slimy, fuzzy, or gritty, it has likely gone bad and should be discarded. Additionally, if the cheese smells like ammonia or tastes too strong, it has probably spoiled.
To keep blue cheese fresh, it should be wrapped in parchment or wax paper and stored in the refrigerator. It will typically last for three to four weeks in the fridge but should be discarded after two days if left unrefrigerated. Freezing blue cheese can extend its shelf life indefinitely.
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Frequently asked questions
Blue cheese is not meant to be furry. If you notice furry mold that is grey, green, pink, or white, it has likely spoiled. Blue cheese is meant to have blue or green mold, which is safe to eat.
There are a few ways to tell if blue cheese has spoiled. Firstly, check the creamy part of the cheese. If it has turned pink, brown, or green, it has likely gone bad. You can also try smelling the cheese. Fresh blue cheese has a strong scent, but as it starts to spoil, it will develop an ammonia-like smell. You can also try tasting the cheese. If it is too strong to enjoy, it has likely spoiled. Lastly, look at the texture of the cheese. If it has a slimy or gritty texture, it has probably gone bad.
Blue cheese can spoil due to several factors, including improper storage, age, or the presence of certain molds or yeast. To prevent spoilage, blue cheese should be wrapped in parchment or wax paper and stored in the refrigerator.
Blue cheese can last for three to four weeks in the refrigerator if properly stored. If left unrefrigerated, it should be discarded after two days.
No, dogs should not eat blue cheese. The unique fungi used in the production of blue cheese can cause severe symptoms in dogs, such as seizures, diarrhea, and vomiting.
