Cheese is quite possibly the most common and sought-after food on the planet. It’s melted onto a pizza, diced up for a sandwich, or dressed up on a charcuterie board. Come on, though—cheese just flat stinks incredibly bad periodically. Not funky. Not stinky. We’re referring to that particular stench that causes you to comment, “Gym feet” or “sweaty feet.” So why in the world does some cheese smell like feet?
Believe it or not, there’s actually a really fantastic scientific reason why this smell happens. In this article, we’re going to talk about why some cheese smells the way that it does, which cheeses have the worst smell, how the stinky cheese gets its smell, and whether or not stinky cheese is edible. Whether you love cheese or have absolutely no clue what in the world is smelling like stinky feet in your fridge, read on.
Table of Contents
Why Cheese Really Does Smell Like Feet
Same Germs as Human Skin
Yes, that is right. And why certain cheese smells like feet is that it has the same bacteria that live on your skin. Brevibacterium linens, for example is one of the most common bacteria on human feet and on the rind of most aged cheeses. It breaks down proteins to stinky sulfur molecules and that is why you carry that bad smell with you.
Why Cheesemakers Use It Anyway
You probably wonder, why on earth would anybody let that bacteria grow on cheese? Reason for flavor. Even when it stinks, cheeses that contain B. linens are tasting rich and decadent. The pungent smell is part of the aging process also making cheeses like them creamy, rich and full bodied.
Top Cheeses That Smell Like Feet
Some cheeses are just naturally stinky. Here are a few examples where the cheese smells like feet more than you’d expect, yet still tastes amazing.
Limburger
Limburger is famous for its strong smell. This cheese is almost always mentioned first when people talk about foot-scented cheese. It’s washed in brine to help the B. linens grow and it’s the ultimate “love it or hate it” cheese.
Époisses
This stinky French cheese was so foul that it was supposedly banned on public transport in some parts of France. It has a washed rind, stringy texture and smell that’s difficult to remove. And still, the individuals who have experienced it seem to go back to the well.
Taleggio
Taleggio is another Italian cheese that’s no less strongly flavored but also has the pungent, footy aroma. It’s earthy, salty, and creamy with only a good funk.
Roquefort and Other Blue Cheeses
The same kind of cheese that creates blue veins in treats like Roquefort, Gorgonzola and Stilton is responsible for the smell. Blue cheese will never smell of anything similar to foot smell but does possess a very potent, pungent funk most everybody will find disgusting.
Munster (French Version)
Don’t confuse it with American Muenster, which has a French relative that’s a washed-rind cheese whose smell will have you remembering that you spent hours in a dirty gym bag. But otherwise than the smell, you’re blitzed with rich, comforting flavor.
Why Doesn’t All Cheese Smell Like Feet?
Not all cheeses have the same microbial process. Cheddars, goudas and mozzarellas employ a bacteria that will not produce those stinky, sulfur based compounds. They’re typically aged in dry cold places that are not ideal for B. linens growth.
Things That Influence Cheese Smell:
- Moisture: Cheeses that are soft will be stronger smelling than cheeses that are hard.
- Temperature: Higher temperature promotes bacteria.
- Aging: The longer you age cheese, the more potent the odor.
- Brine-washing: This promotes bacteria with a pungent odor to grow.
So the next time you’re there scratching your head thinking why the one cheese smells like feet and the other one does not, it’s due to production.
Is It Safe to Eat Cheese Smelling Like Feet?
Yes—Usually
Stinky cheese is not always rotten cheese. Most cheeses should have this smell. The smell will not spoil food if the cheese is kept safely and within the date of expiration.
When to Be Worried
There are instances, though where the smell of the cheese tells you that something is wrong. Watch out for when you notice:
- An ammonia smell
- A top surface
- Accidental mold on the cheese
- Bitter or sour flavors in non-sour cheeses
Just eliminate the cheese in this case.
Eliminating Stinky Cheese Smell
Clever Storage Solutions
If the smell is bugging you (and or your roommates) you can do the following:
- Wrap it up correctly: Wrap it in wax paper or cheese paper but not plastic. Then, store it in an airtight container.
- Refrigerate: Refrigerate it. Odor is more offensive at high temperature.
- Don’t store it with mild cheese: Store stinky cheese alone so the flavors are mixed up.
Serving Suggestions
- Air the cheese, but not for long. Also, put a harder cheese below so that it doesn’t come into contact with stinky cheese.
- Serve with fruit or sweet wine to counteract the odor.
- Use small amounts in pasta, sandwiches or salad.
The Psychology Behind the Smell
You might be surprised, but some people grow to love the smell of footy cheese. Our brains can learn to associate strange smells with good taste, especially if we’ve had positive experiences eating them.
This is called sensory adaptation. After your tongue gets used to what the cheese has in store for it, your nose starts welcoming even inviting the scent. And that is why a lot of people who love cheese also love the smell.
How Chefs Use Stinky Cheese in the Kitchen
Foot stink cheeses are a favorite in top rated kitchens worldwide. They’re used because they melt, pair well with other strong flavors and add serious depth to a dish.
Common Uses:
- On burgers: Limburger adds richness and strong flavor.
- Folded into risottos or pasta: Taleggio or Époisses can be folded into dressing up comforting fare.
- Charcuterie board: Accompanied by honey, apples, nuts or mustard.
- In sauces: Blue cheese steak sauce is a hit.
Cheese and Feet: Fun and Strange Facts
- B. linens enters foot smell research as well as cheese production.
- Workers in certain cheese plants are required to wear masks—not to preserve themselves from injury but so they won’t have to endure the strong smell!
- One attends cheese festivals to worship the smelliest cheeses!
- Some claim that cheese breath is stronger than garlic breath.
5 FAQs About Smelly Cheese
Why does some cheese smell like feet?
Because of a bacterium Brevibacterium linens which also occurs on human skin and results in foot stench.
Is it safe to eat smelly cheese?
Yes, provided it’s been stored correctly and there is no visible spoilage it’s fine.
What cheese smells the most like feet?
Limburger, Époisses and Taleggio are all strong contenders for foot smelling cheese.
How do I avoid the cheese smelling so incredibly pungent in the fridge?
Place it in tightly covered containers, wrapped in cheese paper and away from the other foods so the smell is kept to a minimum.
Are all aged cheeses foot-smelling?
No, but a few of them with bacteria or molds. Most of the venerable cheeses like old cheddar have a strong odor but not a footlike one.
And if you ever catch yourself wondering why does cheese smell like feet well now you know it’s not you it’s science! But just because it smells so nasty doesn’t mean it’s going to taste nasty. The best cheeses in the world are the stinkers.
Don’t be scared. Serve it with a gentle washed rind cheese like Taleggio to start and take it to the extreme with Limburger if you have the guts. Serve it alongside fruit, crackers or wine and indulge in the amazing spectrum of flavors.
And don’t forget highly bacterial aged cheese is a telltale. And so when you catch a whiff of that something rank maybe it’s a chunk of cheese you might give it a try.
