What is Mold?
Mold is a fungus similar to mushrooms or toadstools. Molds thrive in
moist, low light conditions, taking hold on organic material, including
food products. Mold is essential to our ecosystem, as it breaks down
dead organic materials to recycle the nutrients back to the earth.
However, most people do not appreciate this vital function when they
find it has invaded the bread in their pantry. Common Types of Bread Mold
There are several different types of mold that commonly grow on bread.
The most common is the "black mold" scientifically known as Rhizopus
stolonifer. Another common mold is the Penicillium mold, which can be
green, gray or white. Penicillium is the genus of mold the antibiotic
penicillin was isolated from. Growth of Bread Mold
Germinating spore
Bread mold spores are common and can be found on just about any surface
and any condition, including counter tops exposed to daylight or dark
corners of a pantry. This can be demonstrated by touching a slice of
bread to a counter top or other open area, then placing it in a bag to
keep the bread moist. After a few days mold spores will begin to grow.
The individual spore germinates to form hyphae, which grow into the
mature fungus. This consists of rhizoids, which hold the fungus to the
organic material and ingest the nutrients to help the mold continue to
grow. The sporangiophore grows from the rhizoids and supports the
sporangium, which is where the small spores grow and are released. Effect of Light on Growth
Mold does not need light to grow, as one might think. Remember, mold is
not a plant, it is a fungus. Plants need light to produce chlorophyll
which is needed for the plant to make food. Fungi however do not have
chlorophyll and do not make their own food. Fungi get their food from
the organic material on which they are growing. Therefore, light does
not have a direct effect on the growth of the mold. Light can have an
indirect effect in increasing the temperature, therefore increasing the
growth of the mold, and drying out the bread, therefore decreasing the
growth of mold, since the mold prefers a moist environment. Ways to Protect Your Bread
Bread containing preservatives will have a longer shelf life.
Therefore, mass-produced store-bought breads will ward off mold growth
longer than fresh baked breads. Storing bread in the refrigerator or
freezer will delay the growth of mold, since mold grows best at
temperatures between 75 and 85 degrees F. Do not keep bread in a bread
box, as this creates a dark and humid environment, a haven for mold
spores. To avoid losing your bread to mold, enjoy it while it is fresh.
Mold is a fungus similar to mushrooms or toadstools. Molds thrive in
moist, low light conditions, taking hold on organic material, including
food products. Mold is essential to our ecosystem, as it breaks down
dead organic materials to recycle the nutrients back to the earth.
However, most people do not appreciate this vital function when they
find it has invaded the bread in their pantry. Common Types of Bread Mold
There are several different types of mold that commonly grow on bread.
The most common is the "black mold" scientifically known as Rhizopus
stolonifer. Another common mold is the Penicillium mold, which can be
green, gray or white. Penicillium is the genus of mold the antibiotic
penicillin was isolated from. Growth of Bread Mold
Germinating spore
Bread mold spores are common and can be found on just about any surface
and any condition, including counter tops exposed to daylight or dark
corners of a pantry. This can be demonstrated by touching a slice of
bread to a counter top or other open area, then placing it in a bag to
keep the bread moist. After a few days mold spores will begin to grow.
The individual spore germinates to form hyphae, which grow into the
mature fungus. This consists of rhizoids, which hold the fungus to the
organic material and ingest the nutrients to help the mold continue to
grow. The sporangiophore grows from the rhizoids and supports the
sporangium, which is where the small spores grow and are released. Effect of Light on Growth
Mold does not need light to grow, as one might think. Remember, mold is
not a plant, it is a fungus. Plants need light to produce chlorophyll
which is needed for the plant to make food. Fungi however do not have
chlorophyll and do not make their own food. Fungi get their food from
the organic material on which they are growing. Therefore, light does
not have a direct effect on the growth of the mold. Light can have an
indirect effect in increasing the temperature, therefore increasing the
growth of the mold, and drying out the bread, therefore decreasing the
growth of mold, since the mold prefers a moist environment. Ways to Protect Your Bread
Bread containing preservatives will have a longer shelf life.
Therefore, mass-produced store-bought breads will ward off mold growth
longer than fresh baked breads. Storing bread in the refrigerator or
freezer will delay the growth of mold, since mold grows best at
temperatures between 75 and 85 degrees F. Do not keep bread in a bread
box, as this creates a dark and humid environment, a haven for mold
spores. To avoid losing your bread to mold, enjoy it while it is fresh.