What’s this on my salami. I know it’s not mold (I think). I was in Paris and couldn’t bring myself to eat it!.

Why It Matters

Traveling exposes us to new culinary traditions, and sometimes our instincts don’t immediately align with what we’re seeing. It’s completely understandable to hesitate when something looks unfamiliar — especially when it involves mold.

But in the case of traditional dry-cured salami, that white coating is usually a protective ally, not a threat.

So if you find yourself back in Paris, staring at that same slice of salami, you can relax. It’s likely not mold in the way you feared.

It’s tradition.