Many have encountered an unpleasant situation when seemingly fresh vegetables or bread suddenly become covered with a fluffy coating. Mold – this is not just surface pollution, but the visible part of microscopic fungi that live almost everywhere. Their invisible spores are constantly in the air, waiting for suitable conditions to land and reproduce.
The invisible life of a fungus
What we see on the surface of the product is called sporocarp. This is just the tip of the iceberg. The main part of mold is myceliuman extensive network of thin threads that penetrates deep into the food. This is why simply cutting off the moldy area is often not enough. If the product has porous structurethe mycelium has already managed to infect it entirely, even if visually it seems clean inside.
Ideal conditions for an attack
Molds are extremely unpretentious, but there are factors that accelerate their growth significantly. The main catalyst is high humidity. Products containing a lot of water are the first to spoil, since moisture is necessary for the fungus to survive.
Other provoking factors include:
-
Warm environmentpromoting active cell division.
-
Lack of air circulation, creating stagnant zones.
-
Availability sugar and proteinswhich serve as an ideal nutrient medium.
Why the refrigerator doesn’t always save you
Even low temperatures do not kill spores, but only slow down their development. Some types of mold thrive in the cold, especially if they accumulate in the chamber. condensate. Dirty refrigerator shelves often become a hidden breeding ground: spores can live in sealing bands or far corners for years, spreading to fresh purchases.
The dangers of soft foods
The texture of food plays a critical role in the rate at which spoilage spreads. Soft cheesesbaked goods, juicy fruits and jams are permeated with mycelium at lightning speed. In such products, invisible bacteria often develop along with mold.
Solid foods such as carrots, cabbage or parmesan cheeseshave a dense structure that inhibits the penetration of fungal roots. In rare cases, they can remove the affected area with a margin of a couple of centimeters, but this must be done with caution.
Consuming contaminated food may cause it to enter the body. mycotoxins – toxic substances that can cause allergies or poisoning. The best way to protect remains moisture control and timely disposal of anything that causes suspicion.
About the Author
