On January 20th, the “World Cheese Day” is celebrated, a product that is consumed and adored by many populations. Who doesn’t like some type of cheese among the many varieties that exist?
But do you know the origin of cheese? Many people might think it came from Switzerland or France, countries famous for their typical cheeses. But the truth is that cheese has an uncertain origin, as there is no conclusive evidence indicating where the product originated. It is certain, however, that the practice of cheese making had already spread across Europe even before the Romans. There are also speculations that the first cheeses may have been made by Arab traders in the Middle East.
A legend tells that thousands of years ago, an Arab merchant placed his supply of milk in a pouch made from a sheep’s stomach, as he set off on a one-day journey through the desert. The rennet in the lining of the pouch, combined with the heat of the sun, caused the milk to separate into curds and whey. That night, he discovered that the whey quenched his thirst, and the cheese (curds) had a delicious flavor that satisfied his hunger.
Regardless of its origin, cheese has become incredibly popular worldwide. Today, there are over 1,800 types of cheese in the world. In the United States, one-third of all the milk produced in the country goes to cheese production. It is undoubtedly a multibillion-dollar industry.
The making of cheese has also become an art due to its sensitive and technical process. Everything, from the environment to the temperature of the milk, can affect the flavor and aroma of the cheese. Thus, some parts of the world are very secretive about their cheese-making, keeping ingredients and production techniques confidential.
The Success of Brazilian Cheeses
Brazil, especially Minas Gerais, is internationally recognized and awarded for its cheeses. The state has 15 regions producing artisanal cheeses. Ten of them make Queijo Minas Artesanal, produced with raw cow’s milk, without pasteurization, following traditional manufacturing processes.
But there are other regions producing different types of cheese in Brazil as well. Among them are Alagoa, Mantiqueira, Jequitinhonha, Vale do Suaçuí, and Serra Geral.
Cheese In Numbers
• 1,800 – the number of cheese varieties existing worldwide.
• 5 – the number of years it would take to try one cheese a day.
• 57,518 pounds – the weight of the heaviest cheese ever made in the world by a Canadian cheesemaker.
• $600 to $1,000 – the price range for which a kilogram of cheese can be sold.
• 300 million pounds – the amount of cheese used annually by Pizza Hut.
• 70% – the percentage of Americans who prefer American cheese on their hamburgers.
• 1/10 – the volume of milk that evaporates when cheese is made.
• 33 pounds – the amount of cheese consumed by an American adult every year.
Interesting Facts About Cheese
• A cheese specialist: A cheese specialist is called a cheesemaker or cheese expert.
• Blue cheese is made in caves or cellars: Blue cheese is usually aged in a controlled temperature environment, like a cave or cellar.
• The most popular cheese: Cheddar is the most popular type of cheese in the United States; in Brazil, the population consumes more mozzarella.
• The most popular cheese dish: The most popular cheese recipe in the United States is the famous Macaroni & Cheese.
Source: Nationaltoday.com