Green cheese

Green cheese is a term used in various cultures to refer to certain types of cheese that have a greenish color. The term has also been used metaphorically in various contexts, such as in the phrase "the moon is made of green cheese," which is used to illustrate the idea that some people will believe anything, no matter how absurd.

Origin of the term

The term "green cheese" originally referred to cheese that was new or not yet mature. This usage dates back to at least the 14th century, as seen in the English poet John Gower's work Confessio Amantis, where he mentions "grene cheese" in a list of foods. The term "green" in this context is derived from the Old English grēne, which could mean both "green" in the modern sense and "fresh" or "new."

Green cheese in different cultures

In some cultures, green cheese refers to cheese that has been colored green. For example, in the United States, green cheese is sometimes made for Saint Patrick's Day. In other cultures, green cheese may refer to cheese that has been flavored with herbs or other green ingredients. For example, in France, herb cheese is sometimes referred to as green cheese.

The moon is made of green cheese

The phrase "the moon is made of green cheese" is a common example of a folk belief used to illustrate the idea that some people are gullible enough to believe anything. The phrase is believed to have originated in the 16th or 17th century, although the exact origin is unclear. Despite the absurdity of the idea, the phrase has been used in various forms in literature and popular culture.

See also

• List of cheeses
• Cheese making
• Folklore