Stunning mold photos

During our teenage years and maybe our student years and, well, maybe a few weeks ago, we accidentally witnessed what happens when food is overwhelmed by mold.

In the (rotting) flesh, it's a nasty experience, full of self-loathing and disgust. But photographer Heikki Leis has managed to capture the strange beauty of the process in these oddly captivating pictures.

Giving the decomposition of food an almost alien-like aura, they're undeniably rather great. We're also providing you with a damn good excuse next time you find yourself mistakenly coveting a furry apple: it's art.

(Images: Heikki Leis)