National Cheese Day was started by cheese-lovers who wanted to show their appreciation for this beloved food. Cheese has been around since ancient times and is enjoyed in many cultures around the world.

The history of cheese dates back thousands of years and is closely intertwined with the history of agriculture and animal husbandry. Cheese is thought to have first been produced in the Middle East around 8000 B.C.E. By 1000 B.C.E., cheese was widely consumed in Europe and by the 5th century C.E., it had spread to North Africa, the Mediterranean, and the British Isles. Cheese was an important part of the diet of many cultures, providing valuable protein and fat. Cheese production was also a great way to preserve and store milk, which was often in short supply.

Is estimated that there are around 1,800 varieties of cheese worldwide. These include soft and hard cheeses, as well as blue, washed rind, and processed cheeses. Cheese can be made from the milk of cows, goats, sheep, and buffalo, and it is used in a variety of dishes, from mac and cheese to lasagna to grilled cheese sandwiches.

5 Fun Facts About Cheese

1. The most expensive cheese in the world is pule, made from Balkan donkey milk. A single pound of pule cheese can cost up to $600!
2. The biggest cheese ever made weighed an impressive 56,850 pounds! It was created in Wisconsin in 1864.
3. In France, it is illegal to name a cheese after a region if it is not made there.
4. The ancient Greeks believed that cheese was a gift from the gods.
5. Cheese can be made from the milk of cows, goats, sheep, and even water buffalo!

The oldest known recipe for cheese is from around 1550 B.C. and was found in an ancient Egyptian tomb. The recipe included the use of rennet, a substance that helps coagulate the milk, and salt to preserve the cheese. The recipe also called for the cheese to be stored in an earthenware pot. Here is the recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 gallon of milk
• 1/2 teaspoon of rennet
• 1 teaspoon of salt

Instructions:

1. Heat the milk in a pot over low to medium heat until it reaches a temperature of 90-95 degrees F.
2. Remove the pot from the heat and add the rennet. Allow to sit for 10 minutes.
3. After 10 minutes, the milk should have coagulated, and the curds should be separated from the whey.
4. Line a colander with a cheesecloth and place it over a large bowl. Pour the curds and whey into the cheesecloth. Gather the edges of the cheesecloth and twist them up tightly. Place a weight on top of the cheesecloth and allow to sit for 15 minutes to drain.
5. Once the cheese has drained, sprinkle the salt over the cheese and knead it in.
6. Remove the cheese from the cheesecloth and shape it into a ball or log.
7. Place the cheese in an earthenware pot. Cover the cheese with a cloth and store in a cool, dry place.

Today, cheese is produced all over the world and is a popular food enjoyed in many different dishes. In the United States, Americans consume an average of 34 pounds of cheese per person per year. Worldwide, it is estimated that around 35 million metric tons of cheese is consumed annually.

Cheese is so popular, there are even festivals dedicated to it! National Cheese Day is a great way to celebrate this delicious food and all the different ways it can be enjoyed. What’s your favorite cheese? Let us know in the comments.