What is cheese?

Cheese is a food product that is made from dairy. It comes from the curdled milk of animals including cows, goats, and sheep. No matter what animal produces the dairy, it then goes through a process of coagulating the milk, separating the whey and curds, and finally aging the curds. Aging the curds is ultimately what gives the cheese it’s flavor and texture.

How should cheese be stored?

Cheese is most commonly stored in the refrigerator. Soft cheeses can be stored safely in airtight containers or in their product packaging. Hard cheeses should be wrapped in parchment paper and placed in an airtight container or plastic bag.

When does cheese go bad?

All cheese will eventually go bad. But the timeline for cheese going bad will vary, depending on the type. When cheese begins to go bad, you will see obvious signs including a poor smell, slimer texture and mold growing on the cheese. However, it’s important to note that some cheeses, such as blue cheeses contain mold and remain safe to consume.

Is cheese healthy?

While there are some health benefits to eating cheese, there are also some downsides. That’s why cheese should be consumed in moderation. On the plus side, cheese is a good source of protein, vitamins A and B12, minerals Zinc and phosphorus, and probiotics. On the flip side, most cheeses contain a high amount of saturated fat, sodium, and calories.

Are there any lactose-free cheeses?

While we’re not aware of any cheeses that are completely lactose-free, there are many cheeses that are low in lactose. The most common low-lactose cheeses include parmesan, cheddar, Swiss and gouda. Cheeses that are aged for several months or longer tend to have lower amounts of lactose.

How can I use cheese in cooking?

Cheese is a versatile food that is used in all types of dishes and cuisines. We see it in appetizers, breakfasts, main dishes, and desserts. And we see it in virtually every cuisine from around the world. Most commonly, cheese is used on pizzas, pastas, sandwiches and nowadays served on charcuterie boards. However, the use of cheese is seemingly endless.

What is the best way to melt cheese?

When it comes to melting cheese, the key is to use enough heat to melt the cheese without using so much heat that the cheese is burnt. Usually, cheese is grated then melted on low to medium heat. To produce a creamy cheese, you can add cornstarch and lemon juice or cooking wine to create cheese sauces.

Can cheese be frozen?

Yes, but results may vary depending on the cheese. Hard cheeses such as cheddar tend to freeze better than soft cheeses like ricotta. Soft cheeses tend to become watery and crumble after they’re frozen while hard cheeses are better adept to keep their texture.

What is the origin of cheese?

Although it’s not known exactly when cheese-making started, it is believed to be at least 7,000 years old. There is some evidence suggesting cheese-making first began in the Middle East or Asia. From there, cheese-making became popular in Europe and then throughout the rest of the world.

What are some famous cheese-producing regions?

Cheese is produced around the world with some of the most well-known places being France, Italy, Switzerland, and the U.S. Different regions are known for producing different types of cheeses. France is known for producing brie, camembert, and Roquefort cheese. Italy is known for producing Parmesan, mozzarella, and gorgonzola cheese. Switzerland is known for producing Emmental and Gruyère cheese. And the U.S. is known for producing cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese.

What is the difference between pasteurized and unpasteurized cheese?

Unpasteurized cheese is raw cheese that hasn’t been heated to kill potentially harmful bacteria. Whereas pasteurized cheese has. While some believe unpasteurized cheese has more flavor that pasteurized cheese, it also carries a much higher risk of causing illness.