History of cheese

History of Cheese

A variety of cheeses

The history of cheese dates back thousands of years and is believed to have originated in the Middle East. Cheese is a dairy product derived from milk that is produced in a wide range of flavors, textures, and forms by coagulation of the milk protein casein.

Origins

File:Cheese making in Ancient Egypt.jpg

Cheese making in Ancient Egypt

The exact origins of cheese are unknown, but it is believed to have been discovered accidentally by nomadic tribes in the Middle East who stored milk in animal skins. The heat and movement during travel would have caused the milk to separate into curds and whey, a basic cheese-making process.

Ancient Times

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Roman cheese press

Cheese was known to the ancient Sumerians four thousand years ago. In Ancient Greece, cheese was a common food and cheesemaking an established art. The Romans further developed the art of cheesemaking and spread it across their vast empire.

Middle Ages

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Medieval cheese market

During the Middle Ages, monasteries became important centers for cheesemaking. Different regions began to develop their own distinctive types of cheese, many of which are still produced today.

Modern Times

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Modern cheese factory

The industrial revolution brought mass production and standardization of cheese. Today, cheese is a versatile food item used in a variety of dishes around the world.

See Also

• Cheese
• Cheesemaking
• List of cheeses

External Links

• History of Cheese - Cheese.com