Why does haloumi turn green?

Haloumi doesn't actually turn green. The green color you might be thinking of is likely from a mold that can sometimes grow on the surface of the cheese.

Here's why:

* Haloumi is a brined cheese: Brining is a preservation technique that involves soaking the cheese in a salt solution.

* Salt inhibits most bacteria, but not all: While the salt solution helps preserve the cheese, it doesn't completely eliminate all microorganisms.

* Mold can grow: Certain types of mold can tolerate the salty environment and grow on the surface of the cheese.

It's important to note that:

* The mold itself is generally harmless: While some molds can be harmful, the mold that grows on haloumi is usually not a health concern.

* It doesn't affect the taste or texture: Even though it might look unappealing, the mold doesn't usually affect the taste or texture of the cheese.

* You can easily remove it: You can simply cut away the moldy parts of the cheese before eating it.

If you are concerned about mold, it's always best to err on the side of caution and discard the cheese. However, a little bit of green mold on haloumi is usually not a cause for worry.