If you are a cheese lover, you know that the world of cheese is a vast and delicious one. From creamy brie to tangy blue cheese, there is something to tantalize everyone's taste buds.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the wonderful world of cheese and cover some of the basics of how it's made, along with some tips for buying and enjoying it.

Get ready to dive into a delicious world of cheese!

A Brief History of Cheese

Cheese has been around since the dawn of time, but the exact origin is still up for debate. It is believed that cheese was first discovered by accident when milk was stored in an animal stomach and turned into curd and whey thanks to the rennet inside. Archaeological evidence suggests that cheese making dates back as early as 5500 BCE in what is now Poland. In Egypt, cheese was found as far back as 2000 BCE painted on tomb walls. 

Cheeses from this time would have been quite sour and salty, similar to feta cheese. As the cheeses evolved in Europe, they became less salty and more flavorful. In fact, the world's oldest cheese was discovered in a Chinese desert and dated back to 1615 BCE. 

The popularity of cheese has spread much further since then. In 1815, the first factory was opened for industrial production of cheese in Switzerland. 

It wasn't long before cheese had spread to the United States. Credit usually goes to Jesse Williams, a dairy farmer from Rome, New York, who in 1851 started making cheese in an assembly-line fashion using the milk from neighboring farms. This made cheddar cheese one of the first US industrial foods. 

Since then, advances in technology have allowed for mass-produced rennet and pure microbial cultures to be used in cheesemaking. This has allowed for a more standardized cheese to be produced and has become increasingly popular worldwide. In fact, by 2012, it was reported that cheese was one of the most shoplifted items from supermarkets around the world! 

As you can see, cheese has come a long way since its humble beginnings and is now a staple ingredient that can be found in almost any kitchen. Cheese is truly an amazing food that has been enjoyed for centuries and continues to surprise us with its amazing flavors and textures. With so many different cheeses available today, it's no wonder it has become such a popular staple at dinner tables around the world. 

The Different Types of Cheese

With over 500 varieties of cheese around the world, there’s something for everyone. From soft to hard cheeses, young to aged varieties, and even cheeses made from different animal milks, the possibilities are endless. 

The most common way to classify cheese is based on moisture content and fat content. Soft cheeses are higher in moisture, while hard cheeses are drier. Additionally, cheeses can be classified by their ripening or curing methods. Some cheeses are aged for months or even years! 

In the United States, cheese is an integral part of our culture. Whether it's melted onto a burger, sprinkled atop a pizza, or spread on a bagel, these 5 popular cheeses have become staples in most American kitchens.

First up is cheddar cheese, which is just about as iconic as cheese gets in the US. It can be enjoyed young and aged, and is perfect for snacking, melting into comfort foods, or pairing with wine. Plus, it’s the #1 favorite cheese of Americans. 

Next we have mozzarella, the go-to choice for pizzas and Italian dishes all across the country. It’s often shredded or sold in small balls, but can also be freshly sliced and added to salads. Kids love it as string cheese! 

Parmesan rounds out the top 3, and it’s a must-have for many savory and sweet recipes. Copper Kettle Parmesan is especially sought after, since it’s cooked in copper vats and aged for 16 months to create an unforgettable flavor. 

American cheese may not be what comes to mind when you think of cheese, but it’s still one of the most popular in America. It’s not sold shredded, but instead in slices that are perfect for burgers and sandwiches. 

Finally, cream cheese is a classic favorite. It was invented in New York in the late 1870s and can now be found in a variety of flavors (even dairy-free!). It’s delicious when spread on bagels or used in dips and desserts, like cheesecake.

While we all have our favorites, there’s no denying that cheese is an integral part of the American diet and culture. Next time you’re in the grocery store, don’t be afraid to explore all the different types of cheese available — you might just discover your new favorite!

An Exploration of the Cheesemaking Process

Cheesemaking is an art form that has been around for centuries, and while the basics of the process remain the same, it is still incredibly fascinating and complex.

To make cheese, the milk needs to be separated into solid curds and liquid whey. This is usually done by adding acid or starter bacteria to sour the milk, along with rennet. Rennet helps set the cheese into a strong and rubbery gel, and also allows curdling at a lower acidity.

After this step, the curds are cut into small cubes and salt is added to preserve flavor. Depending on the cheese being made, some steps may involve heating the curds or stretching them in hot water.

Finally, cheeses are left to rest in controlled conditions for days or even years so that microbes and enzymes can transform their texture and flavor.

There are also cheeses that have additional bacteria or molds intentionally introduced before or during aging, such as Brie and Camembert. All of these steps together create a delicious final product that we all know and love!

Conclusion

Cheese is one of the most versatile food around, and this is what makes it a perfect addition to any dish. And no matter what your preference is, there’s a type of cheese out there to satisfy your taste buds. Whether you prefer a mild, creamy brie or a sharp, salty cheddar, you’ll never run out of options when it comes to this delicious food.