Cheese can be a high-maintenance food item. We all know the frustration that goes along with discovering a horrible, fuzzy patch of mold on a block of cheese that we failed to take proper care of. After all, you can’t eat moldy cheese. Or can you? You may be surprised to learn just how many people eat moldy cheese at our Italian restaurant in Bothell, and are happy to do so!
Don’t worry; this is not the result of bad sanitation in our kitchen. This is the magic of the famous Italian blue cheese, gorgonzola. This blue-veined classic is infused with mold spores, specifically the Penicillium glaucum variety, as it develops, resulting in the blue coloration for which it is so well known. The end result is a distinctly salty taste sensation that many find irresistible.
It’s important to remember that, though many molds are toxic to humans, the molds used in gorgonzola and other blue cheeses are perfectly safe for human consumption. This is because, unlike toxic molds, the Penicillium glaucum does not feature harmful mycotoxins and aflatoxins. So, feel free to partake of one of our many delicious gorgonzola-based dishes at Amaro Bistro!