Molds Are Not Just Bad Fungi

Have you ever seen those tiny black or green spots in your cheese, bread, or other foods that were left open for about a week or so? These minute particles are known as molds.

Molds are different kinds of fungi that thrive on any kinds of animal or vegetable matter that produces either sexual or asexual spores.

In general, humans despise molds because these imply rotting and constitute the decomposition stage of a particular food. That is why most people will no longer consume foods that are moldy because this will only cause some health problems such as extreme allergic reactions.

However, contrary to popular beliefs, molds can be very beneficial, too. In fact, molds are consciously used for the production of different kinds of cheese.

So for people who are not yet aware how molds can be valuable in the community despite of its horrible appearance, here is a list of some of its benefits:

1. Foods

As mentioned, molds are used in the production of cheese. Although not all kinds of cheese use molds, there are some types that definitely use these miniature fungi. This is because molds, when used in cheese production, give the product's distinct flavor.

The "blue-mold" cheeses such as the Stilton, Gorgonzola, and Roquefort are actually manufactured with the use of "penicillium glaucum molds." As these kinds of cheeses grow old with age, the molds continue to thrive within the cheese, which, in turn, gives the blue-mold cheeses its distinctive color that looks likes "blue veins."

Molds are also known for its benefits in the production of tempeh (similar to tofu), Puer tea (fermented tea from China), and Quorn (a "fungus-based" product used as meat substitute in Europe).

2. Medicines

Molds are also used in the manufacture of antibiotics. This is based on the premise that molds are known for its inherent protections against certain kinds of bacteria. That is why antibiotics are widely accepted in the medical industry as the best drug that will destroy or decelerate the development of bacteria.

One good example is the penicillin, which has been produced through the use of green mold scientifically known as P. notatum.

3. Industrial

Molds are also used in the "fermentation" of organic acids. Experts contend that molds are used to accelerate the fermentation of these organic acids to retain more nutrients needed in the production of organic acids.

Organic acids such as lactic acids are used to produce quality silage and haylage, which, in turn will be used in crop productions and other industrial purposes.

Through fermentation, molds are also used to produce beer and breads.

4. Decomposition and environment

Molds or fungi are used to accelerate the decay or rotting of a particular dead substance. Without molds, decomposition will not take place, the carbon atoms in the dead substances will not be reprocessed, which, in turn, may affect the production of carbon in the environment. If this will happen, there will be no living things that will continue to survive on earth.

These are just a few of the many benefits that molds can give in spite of its unsightly appearance and smell.

And so, even if molds can be pretty destructive especially those that can cause some serious health problems, they also have their benefits. Hence, it should not be totally despised; otherwise, life on earth will never be balanced.

Robert Thatcher is a freelance publisher based in Cupertino, California. He publishes articles and reports in various ezines and provides mold resources on http://www.about-mold.info.