NATIONAL MOLDY CHEESE DAY

National Moldy Cheese Day

NATIONAL MOLDY CHEESE DAY

While spotting mold on your food is usually a reason to panic, on October 9th, we celebrate the glorious, funky, and delicious world of edible mold. Welcome to National Moldy Cheese Day. This is the day for the daring, the culinary adventurers, and anyone who believes the best food is a bit of a science experiment. This is the one day a year when "fuzzy" is a feature, not a failure!

#MoldyCheeseDay

Let's be clear--not all mold is created equal. Your friendly neighborhood cheesemonger, the guru who specializes in cheese, can guide you through this flavorful frontier. Think of them as a sommelier for dairy. But here's a quick guide to know which molds are friends and which are foes.

The moldy friends we celebrate today are the artistic streaks of blue, grey, and green mold. These are specific strains of Penicillium (like Penicillium roqueforti or glaucum) that are intentionally introduced to cheeses. They create the bold flavors and creamy textures we love.

The cheesy foes we need to be afraid of are the red, brown, black molds, or fuzzy green spots on a hard cheese like cheddar. Say goodbye to these uninvited party crashers that can be harmful. The golden rule is simple: When in doubt, throw it out!

So who are the rock stars of the cheese world? These are the cheese's you can celebrate for their unique and pungent personalities:

  1. Roquefort - Sharp and salty.

  2. Gorgonzola - Mild and creamy.

  3. Stilton - Strong and earthy.

  4. Maytag Blue - Tangy, creamy yet crumbly.

  5. Brie - Mild, creamy, and buttery.

  6. Camembert - Deep, earthy, and intense.

HOW TO OBSERVE MOLDY CHEESE DAY

Stop by a local deli or chat with your favorite cheesemonger about a uniquely moldy cheese. Other ways to celebrate the day include:

  1. Invite friends for a tasting

  2. Clean out your fridge. You might find some moldy cheese.

  3. Try a moldy cheese you've never tried before. Is Stilton something new to you? Try it!

  4. Share your recipes using moldy cheeses.

  5. #MoldyCheeseDay to post on social media.

NATIONAL MOLDY CHEESE DAY HISTORY

National Day Calendar® continues researching the origins of this funky food day.