While some people may not enjoy cheese or can’t eat it due to health reasons, most would agree that it’s one of the best ingredients ever created for recipes. Its versatility makes it a favorite in kitchens around the world. With so many different varieties of cheese available, there are endless ways to enjoy it. Whether it’s a toasted cheese sandwich, pizza, or mixed into pasta and sauces, cheese enhances countless dishes with its flavor and texture.
For true cheese lovers, National Cheese Day is the perfect opportunity to indulge. This day allows fans of cheese to savor it in any form they desire, celebrating all the delicious possibilities that cheese offers.
History of National Cheese Day: The Origins of a Beloved Food
Cheese making is one of the oldest culinary crafts in the world, so ancient that it predates recorded history. It is believed that cheese production began around 8000 BCE, shortly after the domestication of animals. Archaeological evidence of early cheese making has been discovered worldwide, including milkfat coated strainers in Kuyavia, Poland, dating back to 5500 BCE, ancient murals in Egypt from 2000 BCE, and 3,000yearold preserved cheese artifacts found in Xinjiang, China.
Cheese Spreads Across the World: A Journey Through History
As European explorers and imperialists traveled the globe, they brought their cheesemaking traditions to Asia, SubSaharan Africa, and eventually to the Americas. Over time, cheese evolved into a beloved staple enjoyed across the world.
The Rise of Mozzarella: A Global Favorite
Among the many varieties of cheese, mozzarella reigns supreme. Originally crafted near Naples, Italy, mozzarella was made from the rich milk of water buffalos. Initially, it had a short shelf life due to the lack of refrigeration and pasteurization. However, with advancements in refrigeration and cheesemaking techniques, mozzarella was able to spread beyond southern Italy and became a global favorite, particularly as a pizza topping.
Types of Mozzarella in the United States
In the United States, mozzarella is produced in two main forms: lowmoisture and highmoisture. Lowmoisture mozzarella contains less than 50% moisture, making it ideal for mass production and transportation due to its longer shelf life. Highmoisture mozzarella, on the other hand, has a moisture content of over 52%, providing a fresher, more delicate flavor.
Cheese Today: A Global Culinary Staple
Today, cheese is a universal ingredient enjoyed on every continent. From savory and sweet dishes to melted, deepfried, or even cheeseflavored ice cream, this ancient food continues to satisfy cravings worldwide. After thousands of years, cheese remains a versatile, cherished part of our diets.
Explore Unique and Fascinating Types of Cheese
Cheese is an integral part of many cultures, and there are countless varieties to explore. From the familiar favorites like brie and cheddar to the more unusual options like burrata and Lancashire cheese, the world of cheese is diverse and exciting. In fact, there’s even a rumor about human milk cheese being sold in New York!
Here are some unique and interesting cheeses worth discovering:
Olomouc Cheese from the Czech Republic
This cheese is infamous for its strong odor—some might even call it “stinky.” When entering a shop that sells it, the smell is unmistakable. Named after the city of Olomouc in Moravia, this ripened soft cheese has been made for over 600 years. Its robust flavor and history make it a distinctive choice for adventurous cheese lovers.
Drunken Goat Cheese from Spain
Known as Murcia al Vino, this cheese is made by curing unpasteurized goat cheese in red wine for about 4872 hours. The result is a semifirm cheese with a slight purple rind due to the wine bath. This flavorful cheese hails from the region of Murcia in Spain and is made from the milk of Murcia goats.
Gjetost Cheese from Norway
Pronounced “yaytoast,” Gjetost cheese is a blend of cow’s milk and goat’s milk. It has a distinctive dark orange to brownish color, resembling chocolate, and a slight sweetness that tastes like caramel fudge. This unique flavor makes it an ideal pairing with a cup of coffee, offering a delightful twist on traditional cheese.
National Cheese Day Activities: Fun Ways to Celebrate
Create a Charcuterie Board
Celebrate National Cheese Day by crafting a delicious charcuterie board featuring your favorite cheeses. Expand your palate by incorporating new and international varieties you’ve never tried before. For inspiration on pairing cheeses with meats, wines, and veggies, check out ideas on Pinterest to make your board extra special for solo enjoyment or sharing with friends.
Take a CheeseThemed Cooking Class
You might be surprised by the number of cheesethemed cooking classes available. Learn how to make your own cheese at home, discover ideal food and drink pairings, or experiment with a new cheesy dish. There are many options, from inperson workshops to online tutorials, allowing you to enjoy this ancient food in new and exciting ways.
Cook a CheeseInspired Dish
Try your hand at cooking a cheesebased dish. Whether it’s the comfort of mac and cheese, the tangy sweetness of cheesecake, or something modern like stuffed pullapart bread, there are countless recipes to explore. You can even give a family recipe a cheesy twist or search the internet for the latest cheese trends. Start simple with an easy fiveingredient ricotta cheese recipe to get inspired.
5 MindBlowing Facts About Cheese
1. It’s (Almost) Vegan!
While traditional cheese isn’t vegan, dairyfree cheese alternatives are gaining popularity. Thanks to advancements in food experimentation, you can now find many plantbased cheese options at major grocery stores and even specialty vegan butcher shops, if you’re lucky enough to have one nearby.
2. The U.S. Leads in Cheese Production
Surprisingly, the United States is the largest producer of cheese in the world, making up 29% of the global market. This puts the U.S. ahead of traditional cheeseproducing countries like Germany, France, and Italy.
3. The Role of Rennet in Cheese Making
Rennet, a mix of curdled milk and complex enzymes from the fourth stomach of unweaned calves, is often added during the cheesemaking process. This ingredient is used to create richer, bolder flavors in certain cheeses.
4. Medieval Origins of Popular Cheeses
Many of the most popular cheeses we enjoy today, such as gouda, cheddar, parmesan, and camembert, rose to prominence during or after the Middle Ages.
5. The Myth of the Cheese Moon
The longstanding myth that the moon is made of cheese might have originated from a phrase in “The Proverbs of John Heywood” from 1546. The saying, “the moon is made of a green cheese,” was metaphorical, with “green” meaning fresh or unaged, rather than actual cheese.
Why We Love National Cheese Day
1. Expanding Our Palate
National Cheese Day is the perfect opportunity to take our taste buds on a culinary adventure. It’s not just about sampling new cheeses, but also pairing them with wine, beer, meats, vegetables, and even desserts. The possibilities are endless, and we can’t wait to explore them all!
2. Discovering New Cultural Experiences
Cheese is an international food staple, and National Cheese Day allows us to dive into new cultural experiences. It’s a chance to explore diverse dishes, traditions, and culinary customs from around the world, making it a truly global celebration.
3. Sharing and Bonding
One of the best parts of National Cheese Day is the opportunity to share food and create new memories with loved ones. Whether it’s a cheese board or a homemade dish, bonding over cheese brings people together and makes for unforgettable experiences.
National Cheese Day FAQs
Is there an International Cheese Day?
National Cheese Day is celebrated annually on June 4. However, there is no officially recognized International Cheese Day at this time.
What are the seven types of cheese?
The seven main categories of cheese are:
Fresh
Aged Fresh
Soft White Rind
SemiSoft
Hard
Blue
FlavorAdded
Is today National Cheddar Day?
No, National Cheddar Day is observed on February 13 each year.
