Types of Bread Mold

Black, blue, or green fuzz growing on the top of the bread you put in your cupboard a few days ago. That fuzz is mold. Mold is a member of the fungi family, which is a separate categorization from plants and animals.

Several species of molds – identified as “bread molds” – grow on bread. They form when mold spores find their way onto the surface of the bread. Mold is a fungus that eats the organic compounds found in bread and other foods. Penicillium, Cladosporium and black bread mold are three common bread molds.

Black bread mold (Rhizopus stolonifer) is one of the most common bread molds. It exists on every continent on Earth. In addition to bread, black bread mold also appears on wild fruits and vegetables, especially if they are growing in moist conditions.