Identifying and Eliminating Bread Mold
10/6/2020 (Permalink)
At best, bread mold is disgusting. At worst, it spreads, creating a hazardous mess best eradicated by a mold cleanup specialist. Prevent this problem from becoming an issue in your house by eliminating compromised loaves the moment they are identified.
Classifications of Mold
Loaves suffering fungus growth contain spores that fall into one of three categories:
1. Penicillium Mold
Look for fuzzy white, light blue or gray colors to identify this type of spore. Believe it or not, some strains are used for flavoring, such as in blue cheese. Other types create… What else? Penicillin.
2. Black Mold
Contrary to popular belief, this common form of bread mold first appears in fuzzy blue or green splotches. Only later does it develop its darker coloration.
3. Cladosporium
This fungal nuisance appears in darkened patches and gives off a noticeable odor that makes identification easy. Avoid prolonged exposure, as cladosporium, like penicillium mold, emits problematic mycotoxins.
While consumption of these types of fungi is unlikely to cause serious injury, avoid doing so to avert unpleasant discomfort.
Disposing of and Avoiding Mold
To properly do away with infected bread, place it in a plastic or paper bag and then deposit it in a trash receptacle equipped with a safety lid. Inspect nearby foods to check that there has not been any spread. Next, thoroughly clean the surrounding area where the moldy item was discovered with a commercial-strength disinfectant.
Although mold thrives in warmer climates, it is still able to grow in the cold. Avoid fridge mold by performing regular cleanings and tossing any half-eaten sandwiches. Dedicate one day a week to performing this task, as just a few minutes of occasional attention may prevent an inconvenient mess from becoming a reality.
When spending time in your kitchen, immediately discard anything suspect and reduce your chances of ever having to deal with bread mold becoming a problem at your home in Johnson City, TN.