How does cheese mold?

Cheese mold is a type of fungus that grows on cheese. It can cause the cheese to become soft, discolored, and develop an unpleasant odor. There are many different types of cheese molds, and they can vary in color and texture. Some common types of cheese molds include:

* Blue mold: This type of mold is responsible for the blue veins in blue cheese. It has a sharp, pungent flavor.

* White mold: This type of mold is commonly found on soft cheeses, such as brie and camembert. It has a mild, creamy flavor.

* Red mold: This type of mold is less common, and it is usually found on hard cheeses, such as cheddar and Parmesan. It has a strong, earthy flavor.

Cheese mold can grow on cheese for a number of reasons, including:

* Exposure to moisture: Cheese mold thrives in moist environments. If cheese is not properly stored, it can become exposed to moisture from the air or from other sources, such as water condensation.

* Exposure to oxygen: Cheese mold also needs oxygen to grow. If cheese is not properly sealed, it can become exposed to oxygen from the air.

* Temperature: Cheese mold grows best at temperatures between 40 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit. If cheese is stored at a higher temperature, it will be more likely to develop mold.

There are a number of things that you can do to prevent cheese mold from growing on your cheese, including:

* Store cheese in a cool, dry place: Cheese should be stored in a refrigerator or cheese cave at a temperature between 40 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit. It is also important to keep cheese away from sources of moisture, such as water condensation.

* Wrap cheese tightly: Cheese should be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or foil to prevent it from being exposed to oxygen.

* Consume cheese within a reasonable amount of time: Cheese will eventually develop mold if it is stored for too long. It is important to consume cheese within a few weeks of purchase.

If you do find mold on your cheese, it is important to remove it as soon as possible. You can do this by cutting off the moldy part of the cheese. It is also important to clean the surface of the cheese with a mild soap and water solution.