A very common question is whether you can eat the rind of the cheese and the answer is that it depends. And what does it depend on? Well, specifically if it is a natural or artificial bark, and basically the nature of this bark.
If the bark is natural, it depends …
The rind forms spontaneously as it dries, and its composition is similar to that of the inside of cheese. Even so, not all of them taste good and therefore it is not always advisable to eat it.
- If it is a brie type cheese or a goat roll, for example, the rind can not only be eaten but also provides aromas that would be lost if removed.
- On the other hand, that of blue cheeses or very ripe hard cheeses , usually have an unpleasant taste.
Artificial bark, better not
It is the most common in industrial cheeses and does not form naturally during cheese making, but is added later. It is usually made with waxes, paraffins … so it is better not to eat it, although it is not harmful to health.
- They are usually red or black, very shiny and with a plastic appearance. This is the case of godam cheese or ball edam.
The advice: Be careful if they are not packaged
Many cheeses (especially artisans) are sold unpackaged, the rind of the cheese itself serves to protect them. In that case, and even if the rind is edible, it is better not to do it since it is very possible that it has been in contact with microorganisms that could have contaminated the cheese or that it is dirty.
And mold … is it bad?
- Roquefort type. In these cheeses, mold is part of the production process and can be eaten without any problem.
- Cured or semi. It is better not to eat the mold. But you can remove it and eat the rest of the cheese without problems.
- Soft cheeses. If mold has made an appearance it is better to throw the cheese immediately because it can be dangerous.
