Can Mold on Cheese Be Truncated Safely? Tips and Tricks for Preservation

When cheese develops mold, the question of whether it's safe to consume or must be discarded often arises. Understanding how to handle moldy cheese can save you both money and stress. Let's explore the proper techniques and considerations for dealing with mold spots on cheese.

General Guidelines for Dealing with Mold on Cheese

While your initial instinct might be to toss out moldy cheese entirely, there are often ways to minimize waste. If the mold is not the predominant color (often black, green, or blue), it might still be safe to eat. This is because the mold you see on the surface is likely to be a surface mold, which typically doesn't penetrate deeply into the cheese. Cutting the moldy portion out can often salvage a significant portion of the cheese, provided the cheese is of the right type.

How to Properly Cut and Store Moldy Cheese

For hard cheese, such as cheddar or parmesan, you can effectively cut around the mold without spreading it. Here’s how:

Wrap the cheese in a paper towel. Soak a paper towel in vinegar and wrap the cheese in it. Use a new or clean knife to cut around the moldy area, ensuring you cut through the moldy portion as well. Wrap the cheese in plastic wrap or saran wrap. Place it in a zip-top bag, squeezing out as much air as possible. Store the cheese in the refrigerator.

Specific Guidelines for Different Types of Cheese

Not all cheeses are created equal when it comes to mold. Here are some specific guidelines for different types of cheese:

Hard Cheese

For hard cheese, you can usually cut around the mold without spreading it. However, it's important to use a clean knife and to cut directly through the mold. This helps avoid cross-contamination and ensures that you don't spread the mold through the cheese.

Soft Cheese

Soft cheese, on the other hand, presents a different challenge. The mold can send out tendrils that can infect the entire block, even if it’s not visibly present. It's generally best to discard soft cheese if mold is found, as these tend to be more porous and can harbor more extensive mold growth.

Blue Cheese

Blue cheese, which often has intentional mold as part of its production process, is a bit more nuanced. While you can discard it if the mold is limited, a single spot of mold might not necessitate the entire block being thrown away. However, wait until the cheese is fully moldy to enjoy its full flavor profile.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when faced with a piece of cheese marked by mold, you have options to minimize waste. For hard cheese, proper care in cutting around the mold can often save the day. With soft and blue cheese, it's safer to discard any mold rather than risk consuming potentially harmful mold spores. Always remember to use clean tools and refrigerate the cheese to prolong its freshness. Enjoy your cheese with confidence, knowing you've handled it safely and responsibly.