Andy Montoya
It's a common misconception that cheese is prone to mouldiness, but it's not always the case. Cheese is a dairy product with a short shelf life, and mould can render it inedible. However, some cheeses are made with specific types of mould, such as blue cheese, Brie, and Camembert, which are safe to eat. It's important to distinguish between safe and unsafe mould on cheese. For example, calcium lactate crystals, which are coarse and harmless, are often mistaken for mould on cheddar cheese. Mould on shredded cheese can occur within two to three weeks of opening the package, and it is recommended to store shredded cheese in the freezer to prolong its freshness.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White, wispy, fluffy, fuzzy, blue, dark black-grey |
| Texture | Soft, coarse, sticky, gritty, powdery, flaky, crunchy |
| Odor | Rotten |
| Type | Rhizopus Stolonifer, Trichoderma, Aspergillus niger, Penicillium candidum |
| Location | Outside, rind, cut face, inside |
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What You'll Learn
How to identify mould on shredded cheese
Shredded cheese can get mouldy, and it's important to identify it to prevent yourself from eating spoiled food. Mould on shredded cheese can look like a fuzzy, polka-dot coat. It can also appear as tiny hairs sticking up from the surface of the cheese. Sometimes, mould can be difficult to spot, so it's important to use other senses like smell to determine if the cheese is spoiled. If the cheese smells rotten, it's best to discard it.
Mould on shredded cheese can also appear as white spots or speckles, which may be mistaken for calcium lactate, a natural byproduct of the cheesemaking process. Calcium lactate is harmless and indicates a well-aged cheese. It appears as coarse, crystalline deposits that can be soft or slightly powdery to the touch. Mould, on the other hand, is usually soft and fuzzy.
To prevent mould from growing on shredded cheese, it's recommended to store it in the freezer, especially if it will be melted in dishes. For shredded cheese that will be used as a topping, freezing may affect the texture. Vacuum-sealing or tightly wrapping the cheese in butcher paper or cheesecloth can also help extend its shelf life.
Additionally, mould growth can be influenced by the temperature of your refrigerator. It's important to ensure your fridge is set to the appropriate temperature to help prevent mould from growing on shredded cheese and other perishable foods.
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What to do if you find mould on shredded cheese
If you find mould on shredded cheese, the first thing to do is to assess the type of cheese. Soft cheeses like cottage cheese, cream cheese, ricotta, mascarpone, and chèvre are porous and can harbour the spreading of mould. Therefore, if there is mould on these types of cheese, it is best to discard the entire product. Harder and semi-soft varieties, such as Swiss cheese, Camembert, and cheddar, can be salvaged by cutting an inch around the mould spot in all directions to remove any cheese that might be impacted. Harder, aged cheeses like aged cheddar or Parmesan can simply have the mould scraped away. If the mould is black or grey, it is recommended to cut away a larger portion to ensure the affected parts are removed.
It is important to note that mould can be toxic, especially certain types like Aspergillus niger, a rare black-grey mould. If the mouldy cheese smells of ammonia or is both mouldy and wet, it should be thrown away. Additionally, if you have a weakened immune system, it is best to avoid consuming mouldy cheese.
To prevent mould from forming on shredded cheese, proper storage is key. When storing cheese, wrap it in special cheese paper, parchment paper, or vacuum-sealed bags. Label the cheese with its type and the date of purchase. Store it in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator, which provides consistent temperature and humidity. Alternatively, a dedicated wine fridge can be used, as the warmer temperature is actually better for the cheese. Harder, long-aged cheeses like Parmesan, pecorino, aged Gouda, and older cheddars are the least likely to mould.
If mould continues to appear on your shredded cheese, it could indicate a mould problem in your home or refrigerator. Ensure your refrigerator is maintaining a cold temperature and push as much air out of the cheese bag before resealing it.
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How to prevent mould on shredded cheese
Shredded cheese is highly susceptible to mould due to its increased surface area and porous nature. To prevent mould from forming on shredded cheese, it is important to take several precautions. Firstly, shredded cheese should be stored in the freezer, especially if it will be used in melted applications. If you plan to sprinkle the cheese, you may want to avoid freezing it as it will affect the texture. Vacuum-sealing shredded cheese in reusable bags is another effective method to prevent mould. This method removes air from the bag, creating an inhospitable environment for mould growth.
Additionally, maintaining the correct temperature in your refrigerator is crucial. Too low or too high a temperature can cause the cheese to spoil. The ideal storage location for cheese is the coldest part of your refrigerator, often the meat drawer, as it has a consistent temperature and humidity. If you own a wine fridge, storing cheese there is preferable, as the slightly higher temperature is better for the cheese.
To further extend the shelf life of cheese, consider purchasing block cheese and shredding it yourself as needed. This reduces the exposure of the cheese to air and moisture, which are catalysts for mould growth. When storing block cheese, ensure it is tightly wrapped to minimise air contact. You can also pre-shred the block cheese into portion-sized pieces and store them separately to minimise handling and maintain freshness.
Finally, it is worth noting that some types of cheese, such as blue cheese, Brie, and Camembert, are made with specific types of mould that are safe to consume. However, moulds that develop on other types of cheese, such as soft cheeses like cottage cheese, cream cheese, and ricotta, can penetrate deep into the product and negatively impact its flavour and texture. Therefore, it is generally recommended to discard mouldy cheese, especially if it has an unusual smell, texture, or widespread mould growth.
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Why does mould grow on shredded cheese?
Mould grows on shredded cheese due to the exposure of the cheese to mould spores in the environment. This is more common in shredded cheese than in block cheese because of the increased surface area of the shredded cheese, which provides more opportunity for mould spores to land and grow. Soft cheeses are also more susceptible to mould because they are more porous than harder cheeses.
Mould spores are everywhere, and once the bag of shredded cheese is opened, they can easily enter and contaminate the cheese. The mould can then spread quickly throughout the cheese, especially if the cheese is not stored properly. This is why it is important to push as much air out of the bag as possible before resealing it and storing it in the coldest part of the fridge, usually the meat drawer.
Additionally, the temperature of the fridge can impact the growth of mould. If the temperature is too low or too high, it can cause the cheese to spoil faster and mould to grow.
While it may be tempting to try to remove the mould and continue consuming the cheese, it is important to exercise caution. Most of the time, it is safe to cut off the mouldy part of the cheese and consume the rest. However, if the cheese is soft or shredded, it is best to discard it entirely, as mould can spread more easily in these types of cheeses.
It is also important to note that some types of cheese, such as blue cheese, Brie, and Camembert, are made with specific types of mould that are safe to consume. These cheeses are created through a process of "mold maintenance," where cheesemakers ensure the right kind of mould is growing in the right place at the right time.
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Is it safe to eat mouldy shredded cheese?
It's not uncommon to find shredded cheese that has gone mouldy, even within a couple of weeks of opening it. But is it safe to eat?
The answer depends on the type of cheese and the type of mould. Some types of cheese are essentially made of mould, and they are safe to eat as long as you don't have a weakened immune system. Examples include blue cheese, Brie, and Camembert. These cheeses are made with specific types of mould that are safe for consumption. However, it's important to note that not all moulds are safe.
When it comes to shredded cheese, it's best to discard it if you see any signs of mould. Soft cheeses, such as cottage cheese, cream cheese, ricotta, mascarpone, and chèvre, tend to be more porous than harder cheeses, allowing mould to spread more easily. If mould is visible on these soft cheeses, it's best to throw them out, as the damp environment may have allowed the mould to penetrate deeper into the cheese, impacting its flavour and safety.
For harder, aged cheeses like Cheddar or Parmesan, you can usually scrape off the mould and safely consume the rest of the cheese. To prevent mould from growing on shredded cheese, proper storage is key. It's recommended to store shredded cheese in the freezer or vacuum-sealed bags to prolong its freshness. Additionally, pushing air out of the bag before resealing it and storing it in the coldest part of your fridge can help extend its lifespan.
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Frequently asked questions
Mold on shredded cheese can look like a fuzzy, polka-dot coat. The mold can be white, wispy, or even blue.
Soft cheeses are much more porous than firmer cheeses, making it easier for mold to spread.
It is generally recommended to throw away shredded cheese if you see mold. However, if you want to save the cheese, you can try cutting off the moldy parts, but this may affect the texture.
To prevent mold, store shredded cheese in the freezer or vacuum-sealed bags. Additionally, push out as much air as possible before resealing the bag and keep it in the coldest part of your fridge.
While some types of cheese, like blue cheese and Brie, are made with edible mold, it is generally not safe to eat moldy cheese. However, if the cheese is still in good condition and the mold is removed, it may be safe to consume.
