Cheese is one of the most popular and versatile foods in the world. It can be eaten on its own or as an ingredient, filling, sauce, or ingredient in countless dishes. There are many varieties of cheese, shapes, colors, tastes and textures, each with its own history and story. On June 4th, we celebrate International Cheese Day, a day to appreciate and taste this amazing food that has been part of human culture for thousands of years.
The origin of cheese is a mystery as it predates recorded history. Some historians believe that cheese was discovered by chance, when the ancients stored milk in animal skins or stomachs, which contained rennet, an enzyme that makes milk clot. Others believe that cheese was deliberately invented to preserve it by adding acid or salt to milk. The earliest evidence of cheese making dates back to 8000 BC, when sheep were first domesticated in the Middle East. The Sumerians who inhabited present-day Iraq were among the first civilizations to make and write about cheese.
Cheese making spread around the world with the development of different cultures, which developed their own methods and styles of cheese making. The ancient Egyptians depicted cheese making in their frescoes and tombs. The ancient Greeks attributed credit for the discovery of feta cheese to the mythical hero Aristaeus, which is still widely used in Greek cuisine⁷. The ancient Romans improved the art of cheesemaking and introduced cheese presses, molds, and aging techniques. They also traded cheese with other regions, such as Gaul (France), where they encountered new types of cheese, such as Roquefort.
Cheese continued to evolve and diversify during the Middle Ages and Renaissance, with monks, farmers and artisans experimenting with different milk sources, coagulants, bacteria, molds, herbs, spices and aging conditions. Some of the world's most famous cheeses were created during this period, such as Brie, Camembert, Cheddar, Gouda, Parmesan and Swiss. Cheese has also become a staple food for many people, especially the poor, who rely on it as a source of protein and nutrients.
The Industrial Revolution brought major changes to the cheese industry, with mechanization, standardization and mass production replacing traditional methods of cheese making. The first large-scale industrial cheese factory was established in Switzerland in 1815. In 1851, Jesse Williams, a farmer from New York, was credited with being the first person in the United States to have a cheese production line. Factory-made cheese exceeded the amount of cheese produced on the farm during World War II. However, some artisanal cheesemakers retain their skills and continue to produce high-quality cheeses with unique flavors and characteristics.
Today, cheese is produced and consumed all over the world. According to the International Dairy Federation (IDF), global cheese production reached 24.9 million tonnes in 2019. The United States is the world's largest cheese producer (6.1 million tons), followed by Germany (3.4 million tons) and France (2 million tons). The most popular cheese in the world is mozzarella (22% of total consumption), followed by cheddar (13%) and Gouda (7%). Cheese is also celebrated at various festivals and events around the world. One of the oldest and largest cheese festivals is Cheese Days in Monroe, Wisconsin. It was first held in 1914 and is held every two years. It attracts more than 100,000 visitors who enjoy cheese tastings, parades, music, crafts, rides and more.
International Cheese Day is a great opportunity to learn about this fascinating food, which has been part of human history for thousands of years. Whether you prefer mild or strong cheese; soft or hard cheese; fresh or aged cheese; Milk or cheese made from goat's milk; You can find a cheese that suits your taste buds and mood. You can also try some new cheeses that you have never tasted before, or use different recipes to make dishes with cheese as the primary or secondary ingredient. You can also share your love of cheese with your friends and family by throwing a cheese tasting party or sending them funny or humorous words.
No matter how you choose to celebrate International Cheese Day on June 4th, remember to have fun and enjoy this delicious food that brings joy and nutrition to people. #Sama Village People Micro Observation#