Blue mold (Aokabi)

Blue mold (aokabi) is a type of mold found mainly on food, characterized by bluish-green spores. It is commonly seen on bread and cheese, and is known for producing penicillin, but in sake production it is treated as a contaminating microorganism. Because the balance of microorganisms is important in the sake brewing process, and blue mold has undesirable effects, it is not used in sake making. Since mold that grows improperly can spoil the flavor, strict hygiene management is required at a sake brewery.