Mold - disgusting or delicious?
Many Germans throw out food that's still edible. That's why politicians want to get rid of the expiry date on grocery packaging. Mold, of course, is still bad for you - but it can be really pretty, too!
From mycelium to mold
Mold grows from what initially are tiny little strings - only visible though a microscope. This web is called mycelium. In its typical furry texture, mold develops only once it grows. Preferred places to set up shop are wherever there's water, oxygen and a source of carbon-based compounds, like sugar.
Flower-like
Mold gets its color from its spores. They develop on the tips of the furry strings. Under a microscope they almost look like flower buds. The color depends on what surface the mold is feeding on.
Spreading and growing
Mold spreads from the flower-like spores, and even a very light puff of air is enough to transport them. The mold takes hold in its new environment and grows in a circular fashion. Depending on how long and how heavy the infestation is, mold can develop into a thick carpet.
Doing a useful job
Despite their bad reputation - many types of mold are actually quite useful. The so-called saprophytes help decompose organic material - like wood - and turn it into a nutrient for other plants. Mold itself is also a source of food for some spiders and insects.
A delicacy
Some substances produced by mold are even used in the pharmaceutical industry. Pennicillin, for instance, is used as a natural antibiotic and is won from the penicillium fungus. Also for food, mold can be a good thing. In the case of salami, or cheese, it's even a delicacy.
Parasites
Mostly, mold and fungus are known as parasites that infect people, plants or animals and make them sick. Especially on food, dangerous molds can develop and cause trouble for those who don't notice and eat it.
Not exactly healthy
Mold or fungus only rarely cause infections. More frequently, the consequence of long exposure is an allergic reaction. Trouble breathing, asthma, neurodermitis, migranes and headaches can be the result of contact with mold.
Dangerous gases
Mycotoxins are gases created by fungus and mold. They are particularly dangerous and can even cause cancer. More than 200 types of mold are known to produce these gases in food or simply in the air. The poison sticks to the spores, which are then carried through the air and inhaled.
Trash and nothing but?
Do you really have to throw away an apple once there's a brown spot, or is it enough to just cut out that piece? It's always better to stay clear of eating food that's moldy. And as soon as there's one spot of mold, the entire food item should be thrown out. Just cutting out the bits where you can see the mold is not enough.
Taking precautions
To make sure that it doesn't get that far, food should be stored in a cool and dry place and should be consumed soon after opening. Organic food waste should not be kept too long in the kitchen but disposed on a regular basis.