National Moldy Cheese Day
Fast Facts
- WHAT
- Celebrates the glorious, funky, and delicious world of edible mold
- WHEN
- Celebrated each year on October 9
- FACT
- Sometimes the best food is a bit of a science project
- VIBE
- Fun, Delicious, Light-Hearted
NATIONAL MOLDY CHEESE DAY
While spotting mold on your food is usually a reason to panic, October 9th celebrates 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 cheese monger, 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:
Moldy Cheese Rock Stars
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Roquefort - Sharp and salty.
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Gorgonzola - Mild and creamy.
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Stilton - Strong and earthy.
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Maytag Blue - Tangy, creamy yet crumbly.
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Brie - Mild, creamy, and buttery.
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Camembert - Deep, earthy, and intense.
HOW TO OBSERVE MOLDY CHEESE DAY
Stop by a local deli or chat with your favorite cheese monger about a uniquely moldy cheese. Other ways to celebrate the day include:
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Invite friends for a cheese tasting. Don't forget to offer foods and wines that pair well with your cheese options.
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Clean out your fridge and look for moldy cheese. We recommend throwing it out.
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Try a moldy cheese you've never tried before. Is Stilton something new to you? Try it!
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Share your recipes and favorite moldy cheese photos on social media using the hashtag #MoldyCheeseDay.
NATIONAL MOLDY CHEESE DAY HISTORY
National Day Calendar® continues researching the origins of this funky food day.
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