What is mold and why does it happen on cheese?
Mold is downy, furry or fuzzy growth on the surface of an organic matter, such as cheese, caused by fungi, especially in the presence of dampness or decay. It is more likely to occur if cheese is improperly handled or stored. (e.g., open to the air, improper temperature, etc). The white crystalline matter on the surface of cheese (similar to grains of salt) is not mold. It is calcium salts that have precipitated out of the cheese. This substance is not harmful, and can be trimmed off the cheese before use.
