It’s National Moldy Cheese Day on October 9 which is the equivalent of Christmas time for all the cheese lovers out there. There are over a thousand types of cheese ranging in different styles, textures, and flavors depending on the origin of the milk, butterfat content, bacteria, and mold, etc. Blue cheese is the most popular kind of moldy cheese with brie and Camembert not too far behind on the list.
History of National Moldy Cheese Day
Everything’s better with cheese! It is one of the most loved foods on the planet. National Moldy Cheese Day is a great excuse to binge out on all your favorite recipes, make a delicious Stilton sandwich, or a simple cheese-on-toast with yummy Gorgonzola, and indulge yourself in the flavorful world of cheese.The history and origin of the National Moldy Cheese Day are not known. This day encourages people to consume colored moldy cheeses like Roquefort, camembert, brie bleu, gorgonzola, Maytag blue, Gorgonzola, Stilton, and Roquefort.Cheese is produced by coagulation of the milk protein ‘casein’ in a wide range of flavors, textures, and forms. The bluish-greenish hues of the blue cheese are caused by Penicillium roqueforti or Penicillium glaucum added to the milk or curds. The mole spores grow and spread with the help of small holes that are hit into the cheese.The molds in cheese are completely safe to eat. These molds are responsible for producing a large number of varieties of cheese. They are also the reason for the unique flavor of the cheese. Blue cheeses are often considered “the moldiest” of all cheeses and also have a more distinct smell.Cheese has existed for many many years, in different forms, flavors, and textures, across different parts of the planet, spreading through many cultures. This day in October marks the celebration of the rich history of cheese, making it the most mouth-watering month of the year, with a flavor that satiates all our taste buds.
National Moldy Cheese Day timeline
Earliest dates proposed for the origin of cheesemaking range from around 8000 B.C.
World's oldest cheese is found in ancient Egyptian tombs dating to this period.
The first factory for the industrial production of cheese opens in Switzerland.
World production of cheese from cow milk hits 18.7 million tons, with the United States accounting for 29%.
National Moldy Cheese Day FAQs
Can I eat blue cheese if I'm allergic to penicillin?
The penicillin in antibiotics is made from the fungus Penicillium chrysogenum. Blue cheeses do use Penicillium mold to create the blue veins, but they use a different strain. It is possible that one may be allergic to the drug, but will still be able to eat the cheese with impunity. Though there are people who can be allergic to both.
What is the best blue cheese in the world?
Rogue River Blue, made by Rogue Creamery in Central Point, Oregon, has been declared the best cheese in the world at the 2019 World Cheese Awards.
Is feta a blue cheese?
Feta cheese is a much milder and softer cheese that is similar to blue cheese in texture but without the blue veins.
How to Observe National Moldy Cheese Day
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Make a sandwich
The best thing to do with cheese is to eat it. Make yourself a nice cheese sandwich, add some moldy cheese to it, you can even start with a cheese-on-toast. There can’t be a better way to celebrate this day.
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Throw a moldy cheese party
Organize a moldy cheese theme party, with everything cheese. Invite your friends and family over, and ask them to bring a cheese dish along with them. Enjoy the savory flavor of moldy cheese along with everyone.
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Learn a new recipe
Many people are reluctant to try moldy cheeses, because of their strong smell and unique appearance. But many great recipes are cooked with these cheeses. Search the internet for the best blue cheese recipes and give them a try. You will never know; you might be missing out on the best flavors cheese dishes can offer.
5 Facts About Cheese That Will Blow Your Mind
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A cheese expert is called a cheesemonger
A cheesemonger is a person who specializes in cheese and dairy products.
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Blue cheese is made in a cave
Blue cheeses are usually aged in a temperature-controlled environment such as a cave or a cellar.
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It’s highly addictive
Many studies confirm that cheese is highly addictive, and has similarities to the effects of drugs.
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Lactose-intolerant people can eat cheese
When cheese is being aged the bacteria is further breaking down the traces of lactose.
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Heaviest cheese ever produced
A Canadian cheesemaker made the heaviest cheese in the world weighing as much as 57,518 pounds.
Why National Moldy Cheese Day is Important
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Cheese is delicious
No matter how you choose to eat it, sandwiches, salads, or tarts, nothing beats cheese. It adds a unique flavor to everything. No wonder, there are so many cheese lovers out there, and with a flavor so heavenly, who wouldn’t fall in love with it.
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Cheese is healthy
Cheese is very nutritious, it can be a good source of vitamins, minerals, quality proteins, and healthy fats. A single slice of cheese contains a similar amount of nutrients as a glass of milk. So grab onto a slice to give yourself the daily dose of health benefits.
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A myriad of flavors
There is something for everyone when it comes to cheese. Cheese has thousands of flavors to suit the likes of everyone. There is a different flavor and texture for everyone. With so many varieties to choose from you can never get bored eating cheese, at least in one lifetime!
National Moldy Cheese Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | October 9 | Sunday |
| 2023 | October 9 | Monday |
| 2024 | October 9 | Wednesday |
| 2025 | October 9 | Thursday |
| 2026 | October 9 | Friday |
