Vent: That weird smell in the cheese aisle at the Portland farmers market

I stopped by the Portland farmers market last Saturday and noticed this super funky smell coming from the aged gouda display that just wouldn't quit. Anyone else catch a weird odor at a specific vendor spot and wonder if it's normal or if something's off?

3 comments

3 Comments

wendy_henderson215d ago

Heard from a local cheese maker that those strong smells usually mean the rind is doing its thing with natural molds, but if it's more like ammonia than earthy then something might be off. Did you check the date on the display or ask the vendor about it?

robinp895d ago

Oh boy, I actually have to push back a little on that, @wendy_henderson21. I've been buying from a small cheesemonger for years and he always tells me ammonia smells can be part of the natural aging process, especially with washed rind cheeses like Taleggio or Epoisses. It's when that ammonia smell is really sharp and burns your nose that you should worry, not just a faint whiff. A good hard cheese like an aged Gouda can also have a strong earthy smell that's totally normal, even if it's past its sell-by date. I think the rind doing its thing is usually a good sign, not a bad one. You just have to know the cheese.

violag805d ago

Honestly the only way I'm trusting a stinky gouda is if the vendor gives me a free sample first so I can judge if it's "aged to perfection" or "aged to regret my life choices." I'd rather risk a weird look from the seller than bring home a cheese that smells like my gym bag.