National Cheese Lover’s Day is on January 20, so get ready for ‘havarti’ a ‘gouda’ time, because it’s National Cheese Lover’s Day! Have you ever been curious about how the first humans discovered cheese? There is no detailed info about its origination but what we know is that it was love at first bite; when the first human tasted the salty, tangy, delicious goodness of cheese, they were hooked. And we can that human history was forever changed. While cheese might have started its journey over 7,000 years ago in mysterious ways, it’s insanely popular today. U.S. use one-third of all milk to make cheese. It’s a multi-billion dollar industry! We’re all set to celebrate it.
History of National Cheese Lover’s Day
Cheese feels like it’s been around forever. Though there is no detailed info about when cheese was created, the earliest evidence of pasteurizing cheese dates back to 5500 B.C. in the geographical region that’s now Poland. The earliest cheeses were mostly cottage cheese made at home which is likely how cheesemaking started.
Thousands of years ago, people transported milk by storing it in the stomachs of sheep. After a few days, the milk would separate into whey and curd. By retaining this residue and preserving it with salt, cheese was formed. Today, there are over 1,800 types of cheese in the world.
The history of cheese is as rich and flavorful as the cheese itself. Enjoyed by royalty, the poor, and modern-day consumers, there is something for everyone. Similarly, some parts of the world keep their heritage secret and do not share ingredients and techniques.
Cheesemaking is a delicate process where factors like the environment and the temperature of the milk can significantly affect the taste and aroma of the cheese.
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Timeline of National Cheese Lover’s Day
| 100 BC (Cheesemaking in the Roman Empire) | During the Roman Empire, cheesemaking had widely become a valued practice in the Middle East and Europe. |
| 17th Century (Welcome to America) | Cheese production started in America after English dairy farmers brought their farming and cheesemaking knowledge with them to the New English colonies. |
| 1831 (Wisconsin’s First Cheese Factory) | The first farmstead cheese factory was opened in Koshkonong, Wisconsin. |
| 1913 (Long Live Cheese) | With the invention of the refrigerator, cheese preservation became better and more utilized for homes. |
Six Interesting Facts About Cheese
- Milk is heated at a high temperature before separating curds and liquid whey, and rennet (an enzyme found in the stomach of mammals) is added.
- There are several types of cheese including hard cheese, soft cheese, cream cheese, and processed cheese, all of which can be used in cooking.
- Blue cheese has a unique smell and taste and has blue veins running through it. It is because of piercing the cheese and its crust with stainless steel needles and copper wires, to allow air into the product.
- The US produces more than 4275 tonnes of cheese annually. Germany produces 1927 tonnes, whereas France produces 1884 tonnes.
- Greece consumes more than 31.1 kg of cheese a year. Similarly, France consumes 26.1 kg, whereas Iceland consumes 25.4 kg.
- Vegetarians typically eat vegetable-based cheeses, which are usually made from vegetable sources such as almond or soy.
Conclusion
National Cheese Lover’s Day on January 20 is celebrated every year. The day is celebrated to remind the rich history and flavours of cheese, enjoyed for over 7,000 years. Though its origins are unknown, early humans likely discovered cheese by storing milk in animal stomachs, leading to curds and whey. Today, cheese is a huge industry worth billions of dollars and the U.S uses one-third of its milk for production.
From ancient traditions to modern varieties, cheese has become a cherished staple in across the world. On this special day, let’s enjoy deliciousness and appreciate its remarkable journey through history!
Frequently Ask Question
How many types of cheese are there?
There are more than 1,800 varieties of cheese available across the world.
What are some popular activities for National Cheese Lover’s Day?
Some activities for National Cheese Lover’s Day include cheese-tasting events, experimenting with different cheese recipes, and making cheese at home, such as ricotta or fondue.
What is the most popular cheese in the United States?
The cheese named Cheddar is the most popular cheese consumed in the U.S.
Can lactose-intolerant individuals eat cheese?
Yes, many lactose-intolerant people can eat cheese because the bacteria used in cheesemaking help break down lactose.
What is a cheesemonger?
A cheesemonger is a cheese expert, knowledgeable about different varieties and their characteristics.
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