How do you know if your blue cheese is rotten?

Visual:

* Mold growth beyond the blue veins: Blue cheese is characterized by blue veins, but if there's mold growth on the surface or throughout the cheese beyond those veins, it's likely spoiled.

* Slimy or sticky texture: Blue cheese can have a slightly sticky surface, but it shouldn't be slimy.

* Discoloration: The cheese should have a consistent blue-green color throughout the veins. If it's turning brown or gray, it might be going bad.

Smell:

* Sour or pungent odor: Blue cheese has a strong, pungent aroma, but a foul or sour smell indicates spoilage.

* Ammoniacal smell: A sharp, ammonia-like smell is a sign of spoilage.

Taste:

* Bitter or acidic taste: If your blue cheese tastes overwhelmingly bitter or acidic, it's a sign that it's gone bad.

Other factors:

* Expired date: Always check the expiration date on the package.

* Storage conditions: Improper storage, such as leaving it at room temperature for too long, can accelerate spoilage.

Important Note: Blue cheese naturally has mold, but it should be the desired blue-green variety. Any other mold growth is a sign of spoilage and the cheese should be discarded.

If you're ever unsure, it's always better to err on the side of caution and throw the cheese away. Eating spoiled cheese can cause food poisoning.