Cheese is a popular dairy indulgence – and it comes with a rich and varied history too. If you’re ready to take a look at this incredible culinary creation all you have to do is read to the bottom of the page and you’ll be a cheese connoisseur in no time. So, without further excitement, here’s 13 fun facts about cheese!
1. We’ve been enjoying cheese for centuries!
Cheese was created 4,000 years ago and has been going strong ever since.
2. Cheese making takes a lot of effort!
You need 10 pints of milk to make a single pound of cheese.
3. We’ve changed cheese making a lot over the years!
Cheese was first made by storing fresh milk in containers made from animal stomachs. The enzymes from the animals would then combine with the milk to create cheese.
4. Wisconsin really is the US cheese capital!
25% of all U.S. cheese is made in the state of Wisconsin.
5. Cheese – banned? You’d better believe it.
Certain types of cheeses are often banned in some countries due to the type and level of bacteria present in them.
6. There are caves of cheese – it’s true!
Cheese caves are used throughout Europe by artisan manufacturers looking for the perfect temperature and humidity to age their latest creations.
7. Mice won’t generally go for cheese.
It’s a myth that mice like just cheese. They much prefer peanut butter due to the high moisture content. However, they’ll eat most things.
8. There are some cheeses you can eat if you’re dairy intolerant.
Lactose intolerance won’t stop you eating Brie, Camembert, Cheddar, or even a little sprinkling of Parmesan.
9. Curd size matters.
A large curd will create a soft cheese whilst a small curd will produce a much harder cheese. Hard cheeses last much longer than their soft counterparts.
10. Cheese makes bread.
A ‘cheesemonger’ is someone who sells cheese for a living.
11. There’s more to cheese than you think!
Vinegar and lemon juice are some of the lesser known ingredients that go into some types of cheese.
12. Got the hump?
Some countries use camel’s milk to make their favourite specialty cheeses.
13. Its name is pretty fitting…
The latin word for ‘cheese’ is ‘caseus’ which means ‘to ferment and sour’.
FAQs about Cheese
What is the world’s favourite cheese?
On the whole, it’s likely to be mozzarella or parmesan - loved by cheesemongers and average sandwich munchers everywhere!
What’s bad about cheese?
Cheese has received a bad reputation over the years as it is quite high in saturated fat, meaning it could lead to high blood pressure and other problems.
Is it safe to eat cheese every day?
Providing you enjoy cheese in moderation, it is safe to eat cheese each day - it has protein and stacks of calcium.
Do you know any fun facts about cheese? Share them in the comments below!