- How to tell if you can eat cheese from the fridge
- 3 tips for not eating spoiled cheese
- How to make cheese last longer
- What happens if you eat rotten cheese
The best way to know if moldy cheese is damaged and cannot be eaten is to check if the texture or aroma is different from how it was when it was purchased.
In the case of fresh, creamy, grated and sliced cheeses with mold on the surface, it is difficult to take advantage of the interior because fungi and bacteria spread quickly inside this type of cheese and, therefore, you must throw away all the cheese. In hard and cured cheeses, like parmesan or gouda, you can remove the spoiled surface and eat the rest of the cheese safely, because these types of cheeses have less moisture and hinder the growth of microorganisms, not spoiling the rest of the cheese.
How to tell if you can eat cheese from the fridge
Cottage cheese, cream cheese, fresh Minas cheese, cottage cheese and ricotta cheese are examples of fresh and creamy cheeses, with high humidity and should be discarded immediately if they show signs of decay, such as changes in aroma, greening or the presence of mold, because the fungi and bacteria spread quickly for this type of cheese.
Mozzarella, plate, Swiss, gouda, parmesan and provolone, are examples of harder and ripened cheeses, with less moisture, which are not completely contaminated after the mold appears. Therefore, they can be consumed as long as the contaminated part is removed. When removing the contaminated part, remove a few inches more around it, even though the cheese still looks good. This prevents the consumption of toxins or small outbreaks of mold that have not yet spread completely.
Roquefort, gorgonzola, camembert and brie, are blue or soft cheeses that are produced with different species of fungi. Therefore, the presence of molds in these types of cheese is normal, but if it looks different than usual, its consumption is not recommended, especially after the expiration date.
3 tips for not eating spoiled cheese
To identify whether the cheese is still good to eat, it is important to:
1. Don't eat expired cheese
Expired cheese should not be consumed, as the manufacturer is no longer responsible for the safe consumption of this product. So discard the cheese and don't eat it, even though the cheese is apparently good.
2. Observe the aroma
Usually cheeses have a mild aroma, except for special cheeses, such as Roquefort and Gorgonzola, which have a very strong smell. Therefore, always be suspicious that a cheese has a very different smell than usual. If this happens, avoid consuming it, even in its cooked form.
3. Check the appearance and texture
Appearance and texture are aspects that change a lot according to the type of cheese. Therefore, knowing the normal characteristics of the cheese in question is very important. In case of doubt, consult a specialized distributor or manufacturer to understand exactly how the cheese should be within the expiration date: soft or hard, with mold or without mold, with a strong or mild smell, among other characteristics.
If the cheese looks different from what it usually has, it is advisable to throw it away, even if it is within the validity period. In this case, it is still possible to make a complaint directly to the distributor, such as supermarkets, the manufacturer or even the body responsible for consumer rights.
How to make cheese last longer
To preserve the cheese and make it last longer, the ideal temperature is 5 to 10ºC for any type of cheese. Despite this, some cheeses, such as provolone and parmesan, can be kept in a cool place in closed packaging. Once opened, all cheeses must be stored in clean, closed containers inside the refrigerator, such as a cheese maker. This prevents the cheese from drying out and deteriorating easily.
When choosing the place of purchase and the origin of the cheese, make sure that the refrigerator is on. Avoid buying cheese in hot, stuffy places and on the beach, as inappropriate places can store cheese at inappropriate temperatures and spoil the product. Therefore, avoid buying cheeses at fairs and with street vendors and prefer to buy them in secure establishments, such as supermarkets and bakeries.
What happens if you eat rotten cheese
Belly pain, diarrhea and vomiting are symptoms that can happen when eating a rotten cheese. Infection or food poisoning are foodborne illnesses that usually happen when the food is out of date or when it has not been properly preserved.
In addition, the malaise often goes unnoticed and is not related to food. Thus, only the most serious cases reach the doctors and rarely lead to death. If you suspect contamination by damaged cheese, hydrate yourself by drinking plenty of water and immediately seek a service station. Taking the package or a piece of the cheese eaten can help with medical diagnosis.
