How many days does it take for cheese to mold?

It's impossible to say exactly how long it takes for cheese to mold because it depends on several factors:

* Type of cheese: Some cheeses, like soft cheeses like Brie and Camembert, are meant to have a white mold rind and are typically consumed with it. Hard cheeses like cheddar or Parmesan are less likely to mold quickly.

* Storage conditions: Temperature, humidity, and exposure to air all play a role. Warm, humid environments encourage mold growth.

* Packaging: Unwrapped cheese is more likely to mold than cheese stored in its original packaging.

* Handling: Cross-contamination from other foods or utensils can introduce mold spores.

Here are some general guidelines:

* Refrigerated cheese: Most hard cheeses, if stored properly in the refrigerator, can last for several weeks without visible mold. Soft cheeses will likely start to develop mold in a few days to a week.

* Unrefrigerated cheese: Cheese left out at room temperature will mold much faster, often within a day or two.

If you see mold on cheese:

* Don't try to cut it off: Mold roots can spread throughout the cheese, even if it's not visible.

* Discard the cheese: It's best to throw away any cheese with visible mold.

Remember: It's always better to be safe than sorry. If you're unsure about the freshness of your cheese, it's better to err on the side of caution and throw it away.