Cheese molds in the refrigerator due to the presence of spores and humidity. Even when chilled, some mold spores survive and thrive in moist conditions, leading to mold growth on cheese surfaces over time.
Understanding Cheese Mold
What Is Mold?
Mold is a type of fungus that can grow on various surfaces, including food. Unlike plants, mold does not rely on sunlight to grow but thrives in moist and warm conditions.
There are countless mold species, some harmless and some potentially harmful if ingested.
Common Molds on Cheese
On cheese, you might find several types of mold, such as Penicillium, Aspergillus, and Cladosporium.
These molds can appear as spots of various colors, including green, white, blue, or black, on the cheese surface.
Mold Spores in the Environment
Mold spores are everywhere in the environment. They float in the air and can settle on surfaces, waiting for the right conditions to grow.
This is why it’s not uncommon to find mold on food items, including cheese stored in the refrigerator.
Cheese and Mold Growth Relationship
Cheese has a high moisture content and often contains nutrients that mold needs to grow. This relationship between cheese and mold is natural, but when mold grows excessively, it can spoil the cheese and make it unsafe to eat.
Factors That Make Cheese Susceptible to Mold
Factors such as age, type of cheese, and its surface area affect how susceptible cheese is to mold growth.
Fresh, soft cheeses tend to mold quicker than aged, hard cheeses due to their higher moisture content.
Conditions That Promote Mold Growth in Refrigerators
Temperature and Humidity Levels
Refrigerators are generally cool, but they can still have areas that are warm enough for mold to grow.
The humidity inside a fridge can also vary, with crisper drawers often being more humid, creating ideal conditions for mold.
Air Circulation and Mold Growth
Poor air circulation in a refrigerator can lead to pockets of still air where humidity builds up, and mold can thrive. Ensuring good air flow can help to minimize this risk.
Moisture’s Role in Mold Development
Moisture is crucial for mold growth. Cheese that is not properly dried or wrapped can retain or accumulate moisture, which promotes mold development.
Improper Storage of Cheese
Storing cheese without proper wrapping or in containers that trap moisture can lead to mold. Cheese should be stored in conditions that limit moisture but still allow it to breathe.
Impact of Age and Cheese Type on Mold Growth
The age and type of cheese are also critical factors. Older cheeses have had more time to be exposed to mold spores, and soft cheeses are more prone to mold due to their moisture content.
Prevention and Remediation Strategies
Best Practices for Storing Cheese
To prevent mold, cheese should be stored at the right temperature and humidity levels. Wrapping cheese in wax paper or cheese paper before placing it in a slightly opened plastic bag can help maintain the proper environment.
Wrapping and Protecting Cheese from Mold
Wrapping cheese correctly is essential for protection against mold. Avoid using cling film, which can create a too moist environment. Instead, opt for materials that allow cheese to breathe while keeping out unwanted moisture.
Cleaning Routines for Refrigerators
Keeping your refrigerator clean is vital for preventing mold spores from spreading. Regular cleaning, including wiping down shelves and disposing of expired food, will help maintain an environment less conducive to mold growth.
Actions When Finding Mold on Cheese
If you find mold on cheese, assess the type of cheese. For hard cheeses, you can cut away the moldy part plus an extra inch of cheese. For soft cheeses, it’s often safer to discard the entire piece.
Safe Consumption: Moldy Cheese Guidelines
When it comes to moldy cheese, safety is paramount. Hard cheeses with mold can often be salvaged, but soft, shredded, or crumbled cheeses with mold should be discarded to avoid the risk of consuming harmful bacteria.
FAQs About Cheese Mold in the Refrigerator
Why does cheese mold even when stored in the fridge?
Cheese molds in the fridge because mold spores can survive the cold environment and grow when they find moisture on the cheese surface.
What conditions in the refrigerator lead to mold growth on cheese?
High humidity levels and the presence of mold spores in the refrigerator create the right conditions for mold to grow on cheese.
How can mold spores be present in a clean refrigerator?
Mold spores are ubiquitous in the environment and can easily be introduced into a refrigerator through new foods, open containers, or simply by opening the fridge door.
Can all types of cheese mold in the refrigerator?
Yes, all types of cheese can potentially mold in the refrigerator, but some cheeses are more resistant to mold due to lower moisture content or added preservatives.
Is there a way to prevent cheese from molding in the refrigerator?
To prevent cheese from molding, store it in airtight containers, keep humidity levels low, and ensure the fridge temperature is consistently cold.
Final Thoughts
Cheese molds in the refrigerator because mold spores, which can withstand cold temperatures, find a hospitable environment due to the humidity within the fridge.
These conditions allow the spores to germinate and proliferate, leading to mold growth on the surfaces of cheese over time.