Phonetic: Tore-you-luh or Tore-rule-uh

Torula is a yeast-like fungus reported to be a type I allergen. It is a saprophyte (weak parasite) in mild areas on soils, dead wood, leaves, food, hay, textiles, and in the air. This fungus can also be found indoors on cellulose-based materials. The species T. ligniperda causes a stain in hardwoods. Torula is one of many fungi that ferment sugars and are commonly found in dairy products, known as Torula yeast. Its popularity in the food industry comes from it being inexpensive to produce, and having a high amino acid (Lysine) and protein content. Morphological characteristics - Conidiophores short, dark, simple, branched or absent; conidia 1-to several-celled, round, dark, and in chains. (A_w-0.62-0.92) Culture - Potato dextrose agar or Malt extract agar, 20° – 25°C, 7 – 10 days.