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National Moldy Cheese Day

It may sound gross, but many kinds of moldy cheese are actually a delicious delicacy. Be brave and try a sampling of long-aged, moldy, flavorful cheese.

Cheese Food & Drink42

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Celebrate artisanal moldy cheeses (blue and soft-ripened varieties) as gourmet delicacies, positioning specialty cheese retailers and food brands as curators of sophisticated taste.

Relevance 42medium intent

Moldy Cheese Tasting Guide: Blue vs. Soft-Ripened—which is your favorite?
Host a Moldy Cheese Party: Wine Pairings & Cheese Board Ideas
From Gorgonzola to Brie: The Science & Flavor Behind Intentional Mold Growth
Cheese Lover's Challenge: Try 3 Famous Moldy Cheeses This October

History

Readers should prepare themselves for some spectacular gastronomic delights when they get ready to celebrate National Moldy Cheese Day! The origins of this intriguing festival are obscure, but what is clear is that it is a time to value and cherish moldy cheese in all of its wonderful forms.

Tidy-minded folks might wish to celebrate National Moldy Cheese Day by searching their fridges for forgotten morsels of cheese which have now acquired interesting moldy growths, providing the basis for intriguing science projects and perhaps prompting a thorough clean-up!

Alternatively, why not take a look at the many varieties of cheese which have been purposely exposed to mold in order to give them a mouth-watering flavor and enticing appearance?

National Moldy Cheese Day quietly makes its way onto the calendars and into people’s culinary choices each year, as an opportunity to show love, raise awareness, and promote the unique and delectable aspects of moldy cheese!

How to celebrate

Host a Moldy Cheese Day Party

Moldy Cheese Day parties are perhaps fairly new on the scene when it comes to gathering friends and family, but this is the ideal day to hold one! Enjoy a party where every guest is invited to bring a cheesy dish to share (made with moldy cheese, of course). In addition, look for opportunities to indulge in cheese themed party games – those that include pairings with delicious wines are usually especially popular among the adults in the crowd.

Learn More About Moldy Cheese

Brush up on some interesting bits of information about this food in celebration of National Moldy Cheese Day! Cheeses that are purposely produced by growing mold on them come in basically two categories: Blue cheeses and cheese that are soft-ripened. While the blue varieties may hail from different places (Gorgonzola from Italy, Roquefort from France, or Stilton from England), the concept of making them is very close to the same. Soft-ripened cheeses include names such as Brie, Camembert, St. Andre and Humboldt Fog, all with their subtle flavor differences but also using similar methods of production. With aging periods that last from 5-6 weeks to 2-5 months, these cheeses acquire their deep flavors while the mold is allowed to grow.

Consider Some Famous Moldy Cheese Lovers

Those who have been mocked by friends and family members, thinking they are alone in their enjoyment of National Moldy Cheese Day might want to be encouraged that they are actually in very good company! Over the years, some extremely famous people (especially among the French, of course) have been huge fans of the moldy types of cheese, including some of these recognizable names: Charlemagne, Frankish Royalty, 8th centuryLouis XVI and Marie Antoinette, French Royals, 18th centuryJulia Child, American Teacher of French Cooking, 20th centuryCardi B, American Rapper, 21st century

FAQ

What is the origin of National Moldy Cheese Day?

The exact origin of National Moldy Cheese Day remains unknown. No specific individual or organization has claimed responsibility for creating this observance. Despite its mysterious beginnings, cheese enthusiasts celebrate it annually on October 9th.

Are there any myths associated with moldy cheese?

Yes, a common myth is that all moldy cheese is inedible. In reality, certain cheeses, like blue cheese, Roquefort, and Gorgonzola, are crafted using specific molds that are safe and enhance flavor. However, not all molds are beneficial; it’s essential to distinguish between intended molds and spoilage.

How do different cultures incorporate moldy cheese into their cuisine?

In France, Roquefort is often enjoyed with bread and wine. Italians use Gorgonzola in risottos and pasta dishes. The English savor Stilton with crackers or as a dessert cheese, sometimes paired with port wine. These practices highlight the diverse culinary applications of moldy cheeses worldwide.

What is Casu Marzu, and why is it controversial?

Casu Marzu is a traditional Sardinian cheese known for containing live insect larvae. The larvae promote fermentation, resulting in a soft texture. Due to health concerns, Casu Marzu is banned in many countries, including the U.S., but remains a cultural delicacy in Sardinia.

Can consuming moldy cheese before bed cause nightmares?

There’s a longstanding belief that eating cheese, especially moldy varieties, before sleep can induce vivid dreams or nightmares. Victorian writers even consumed Welsh rarebit (a cheese dish) at night to inspire imaginative stories. While not scientifically proven, this association persists in folklore.

How do cheesemakers control mold growth during production?

Cheesemakers introduce specific molds, like Penicillium roqueforti for blue cheeses, under controlled conditions. They monitor temperature, humidity, and aging time to ensure desired mold development, which imparts unique flavors and textures to the cheese.

Are there any health benefits to consuming moldy cheeses?

Moldy cheeses are rich in calcium, protein, and probiotics. The molds can aid digestion and contribute to gut health. However, individuals with mold allergies or weakened immune systems should exercise caution.

What are some unique ways to celebrate National Moldy Cheese Day?

Hosting a cheese-tasting party featuring various moldy cheeses from around the world can be enjoyable. Pairing these cheeses with complementary wines or beers enhances the experience. Exploring recipes that incorporate moldy cheeses, like blue cheese dressing or Gorgonzola pizza, adds a culinary twist to the celebration.

Is it safe to eat moldy cheese if I’m allergic to penicillin?

Blue cheeses use Penicillium molds, different from the Penicillium chrysogenum strain used in antibiotics. While many with penicillin allergies can consume blue cheese without issues, some may react. It’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional if uncertain.

How has moldy cheese been represented in literature or media?

Moldy cheese has appeared in various cultural contexts, from children’s books to culinary shows. Its unique characteristics often symbolize acquired tastes or sophistication. For instance, in literature, characters might reference blue cheese to denote refined palates or unique preferences.