sliced sharp cheddar storage

[mondo]

I've recently been buying sliced sharp cheddar from the deli dept. (It's sliced from bulk) after 5 or 6 days I've notice what almost looks like "salt"? all over the slices. Is this truly salt or is it some type of mold growing on the cheese. I keep it in the refrigerator in a ziplock bag. I'm wondering if it is still safe to eat. Can somebody educate me please?

[makkonen]

Those sound like Calcium Lactate. They're crystals caused by the lactic acid coming out of solution. If that is, in fact, what they are, they're not harmful, and viewed as a sign of quality in some cheeses.

Ah. Here's a better link, from the glossary here: https://cheeseforum.org/Glossary.htm#Calcium_Lactate_Crystals

[wharris]

I think you can actually see some in this thread