Andy Montoya
From mild-tasting washed-rind cheeses with strong aromas to pungent-smelling blue cheeses with milder tastes, the scent of cheese is a complex and varied topic. While some people enjoy the strong scents of certain cheeses, others may find them off-putting. One such cheese with a notorious odour is Gammelost, but what exactly does it smell like?
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What You'll Learn
Gammelost cheese and other stinky cheeses
Gammelost, or "old cheese" in Norwegian, is a pungent, brown cheese with a strong odour that has been likened to that of "old socks". This stench is due to the presence of butyric acid, which is produced by bacteria breaking down the fat in the cheese. Butyric acid is commonly found in soft, creamy cheeses like Brie, which have a higher moisture content and are therefore more prone to spoilage.
While some people may be tempted to throw away any cheese that smells like feet or vomit, these odours do not necessarily indicate that the cheese is unsafe to eat. In fact, they may be intentional. For example, the French cheese Vieux Lille is washed with brine for three months, resulting in a strong goaty smell with a particular kind of gaminess that some people find off-putting. Similarly, the Italian Taleggio cheese is washed in seawater during aging to achieve its wet socks-and-grass aroma. Beneath the rind, however, the cheese is described as subtle, sweet, and tangy—far more mellow than its smell would suggest.
Other famously stinky cheeses include the English Stinking Bishop, which took first place in a contest to determine England's funkiest-smelling cheese, and the French Époisses of Burgundy, which is known for its pungent odour and mild taste. Blue cheeses are also known for their strong smell and taste, and washed-rind cheeses tend to have a stronger smell than taste. In general, washed-rind cheeses tend to have a stronger smell than taste, with the aroma coming from the rind rather than the interior.
Of course, sometimes a strong smell does indicate that a cheese has gone bad. Spoiled cheese can smell like spoiled milk, ammonia (similar to cleaning products or urine), or even a refrigerator or freezer. Other indicators of cheese gone bad include a slimy texture, quick drying out after being opened, and a sour or bitter taste.
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Why does cheese smell bad?
Cheese is derived from milk—typically cow, sheep, or goat milk—with added cultures of bacteria. Certain types of cheese, like the French cheese Époisses, rely heavily on brevibacterium linens (b. linens), which is also the bacteria responsible for body odour. This is why some people liken the smell of cheese to old gym socks or feet. For example, cheddar cheese, especially when shredded, is often described as smelling like feet. While some may find this smell unpleasant, it does not necessarily indicate that the cheese is spoiled.
The scent of spoiled cheese can vary depending on the type of cheese and the stage of spoilage, but it is often described as rancid, sour, or putrid. It can also be pungent and acrid, smelling like ammonia, or even like vomit, cleaning products, or urine. This is due to the presence of butyric acid, a short-chain fatty acid produced by bacteria when they break down the fat in the cheese. Butyric acid is commonly found in soft, creamy cheeses like Brie, which have a higher moisture content and are more prone to spoilage. Aged or washed-rind cheeses may naturally have an ammonia scent, but excessive amounts can indicate spoilage. These cheeses may also develop a bitter or sour taste when they have gone bad.
Musty and mouldy smells can also be a sign of spoiled cheese. Soft cheeses like cottage cheese, cream cheese, and other crumbled, shredded, or sliced cheeses should be discarded if mould is visible. Blue cheeses, which are known for their pungent smell and taste, are famous for their mould content. However, mould in cheese does not always indicate spoilage. In fact, mould is intentionally added to some cheeses, like the French bleus, which are then left in moist caves to ripen for months.
While smell and appearance can be indicators of cheese spoilage, taste is a more reliable indicator. If the cheese tastes sour or has an unpleasant aftertaste, it has likely spoiled. However, it is important to note that consuming spoiled cheese can be dangerous, and one should consult a doctor if they feel sick after eating cheese that smells or tastes strange.
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How to tell if cheese has gone bad
Gammelost cheese, a traditional Norwegian cheese, is known for its strong odour, often described as resembling that of sweaty feet or old socks. While this scent may be unappealing to some, it is not necessarily indicative of the cheese having gone bad. In fact, the bacteria that give Gammelost its pungent smell are integral to the cheese's unique flavour and characteristics.
Determining whether a cheese has gone bad can be a tricky task, as each type of cheese ages and spoils differently. Here are some guidelines to help you decide if your cheese has passed its prime:
Smell
The scent of spoiled cheese is often described as rancid, sour, or putrid. It can also smell like ammonia, similar to cleaning products or urine. Aged or washed-rind cheeses may naturally have an ammonia scent, but excessive amounts can indicate spoilage. Musty, mouldy, or vinegar-like odours can also suggest that your cheese has gone bad.
Appearance
If your cheese has become slimy or dries out quickly after being opened, it has likely spoiled. Harder cheeses tend to last longer than softer varieties due to their lower moisture content. Proper storage, such as keeping the cheese refrigerated and wrapped tightly, can help prolong its freshness and delay spoilage.
Taste
When all else fails, you can taste a small piece of the cheese. If it has an off or sour flavour, or an unpleasant aftertaste, it has likely spoiled. White specks or crystallised patches on certain aged hard cheeses like Cheddar, Parmesan, and Gouda are normal and safe to eat. These spots are usually calcium lactate crystals, which form when the lactic acid in cheese combines with calcium.
It is important to note that the shelf life of cheese varies depending on the type and storage conditions. Best-before or sell-by dates are guidelines for quality, not safety. Many cheeses can be safely consumed beyond these dates if stored properly.
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Why does cheddar cheese sometimes smell like feet?
Cheddar cheese, especially when shredded, is often described as smelling like feet. This is due to the presence of bacteria in the cheese, which is also found on human skin and contributes to foot odour. While some people may find the smell of feet-like cheese unpleasant, it is not necessarily an indication of spoilage or food safety issues. However, if a mild-smelling cheese has developed some stinky and unpleasant odours, it may have started to turn bad.
Cheese is a dairy product, and when it goes bad, it can emit an "`off`" smell, similar to spoiled milk, ammonia, or even a refrigerator or freezer. This is caused by the growth of bacteria or the breakdown of proteins and fats in the cheese, which can lead to the production of chemicals like ammonia, butyric acid, and geosmin, resulting in an unpleasant taste. Aged or washed-rind cheeses may naturally have an ammonia scent, but excessive amounts can indicate spoilage.
Spoiled cheese can smell like a range of unpleasant things, depending on the type of cheese and the stage of spoilage. In addition to the ammonia scent, it can also smell rancid and vomit-like, musty and mouldy, or sour, similar to spoiled milk. The appearance of cheese can also indicate spoilage, as it may become slimy or dry out quickly after being opened. Harder cheeses, such as cheddar, tend to last longer than softer cheeses due to their lower moisture content.
To determine if shredded cheddar cheese has gone bad, it is recommended to smell and examine the cheese. If it has developed an odour or flavour, or if mould emerges, it should be discarded. An unopened package of shredded cheddar cheese can last about a week after the "Sell By" or "Best By" date if stored properly. However, if there is any black or fuzzy mould on the cheese, it should be discarded immediately as it is no longer safe to eat.
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How to prevent cheese from spoiling
Gammelost cheese, a Norwegian cheese made from cow, goat, or sheep milk, is known for its pungent, strong smell, often likened to that of sweat or ammonia. The cheese is also described as having a powerful taste, with hints of sweetness and bitterness.
Now, to prevent cheese from spoiling, there are several measures one can take. Firstly, understanding the factors contributing to spoilage is essential. Cheese spoilage is influenced by its type, moisture content, storage practices, and the presence of preservatives. Soft cheeses, such as Brie and Camembert, are more susceptible to spoilage due to their higher moisture content, which encourages bacterial growth.
To prevent cheese from spoiling, follow these guidelines:
- Store cheese in the refrigerator: Maintain a temperature below 40°F (4°C) to inhibit bacterial growth. The ideal temperature range is between 46°F and 60°F (8°C and 15°C).
- Use proper storage materials: Avoid tight, non-porous materials like plastic wrap. Instead, opt for porous materials like wax paper, parchment paper, cheese paper, or cheesecloth. These allow the cheese to breathe and maintain its moisture.
- Separate strong-smelling cheeses: Keep cheeses like cheddar and jack separate from blue cheese, Brie, and Camembert to prevent the transfer of foreign mold and strong odours.
- Maintain a clean refrigerator: A clean fridge offers better cheese storage as moldy food can cause cross-contamination and accelerate spoilage.
- Wrap cheese properly: For hard cheeses, wrap them tightly in wax paper or parchment paper, then place them in an airtight container to prevent drying. For soft cheeses, use breathable materials like parchment paper or cheesecloth and store them in the refrigerator.
- Monitor mold growth: If mold appears on hard cheeses, cut off at least one inch around and below the mold spot. For soft cheeses, discard the entire block if mold is present.
- Be mindful of expiration dates: Even with proper storage, cheese can spoil before its expiration date due to quality control issues. Always check the "best before" dates and consume the cheese within the recommended timeframe.
- Store cheese in a cool, well-ventilated area: If refrigeration is not available, store cheese in a cool, well-ventilated room, away from heat and sunlight. Maintain consistent temperatures to prevent rapid drying or mold growth.
By following these guidelines, you can effectively prevent cheese from spoiling and prolong its freshness. Remember to inspect your cheese regularly for any signs of spoilage, such as changes in smell, taste, texture, or the presence of mold.
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Frequently asked questions
Gammelost cheese is known for its strong, pungent odour, often described as smelling like old gym socks, grass, or even a rugby club changing room.
Yes, it is normal for Gammelost cheese to have a strong odour. The smell is due to the presence of bacteria that break down the protein in the cheese, producing chemicals like ammonia, butyric acid, and geosmin.
If your Gammelost cheese has gone bad, it will likely have an "off" smell similar to spoiled milk, or excessive ammonia. It may also taste sour or bitter, or have an unpleasant aftertaste.
If you feel sick after consuming Gammelost cheese that smells or tastes strange, it is important to consult a doctor. Do not induce vomiting as it can cause more harm than good.
