“Appeared 6 thousand years BC”: 13 interesting facts about cheese that you did not know

Cheese is one of the oldest and most beloved products in the world, which has a centuries-old history, an incredible variety of tastes and types. It is made in different parts of the world, and each country is proud of its unique recipes.

Did you know that some cheeses have a history that goes back thousands of years, or that the most expensive cheese in the world is made from donkey’s milk?

UNN collected for you unusual facts about an ordinary product.

Fact 1.

There is no exact information about the origin of cheese, archaeological research has shown that cheese appeared as early as 6000 BC. Research also shows that in that era in Mesopotamia, cheese was made from cow’s and goat’s milk.

Fact 2.

There are more than 2,000 types of cheese in the world, but mozzarella is the most popular and the most common in the world.

Fact 3.

Worldwide cheese production exceeds the combined production of coffee, tobacco, tea and cocoa beans.

Fact 4.

Cheese can be made from different types of milk, including cow’s, buffalo, goat’s, horse’s and even camel’s milk.

Fact 5.

During the Roman Empire, large Roman houses had separate kitchens for making cheese, called careale.

Fact 6.

Certain types of cheese, such as mozzarella, cheddar, Swiss and American, help prevent tooth decay.

They contribute to the secretion of saliva, which leads to the removal of sugar and acids from the mouth.

Fact 7.

The world’s most expensive sandwich is Serendipity’s Quintessence of Grilled Cheese, featuring Caciocavallo Podolico, a rare Italian variety made with milk from free-range cows fed fennel grass and wild strawberries, with truffle spread and golden flakes. Retail price – $214.

Fact 8.

The most expensive cheese in the world “Pule” is made from donkey milk.

“Pule” is a Serbian cheese made from donkey’s milk. It is considered the most expensive cheese on earth, costing about $600 per pound. Only about 100 donkeys are milked for the production of pulé, and after production the cheese is smoked.

Fact 9.

In 1840, Queen Victoria received a half-ton wheel of cheddar as a wedding present.

Cheddar was a favorite of the monarchy, but in the 1800s it was highly variable and fickle. Cheesemakers were forced to throw out the wheels due to uncontrolled mold growth, a soggy texture and a rotten middle. Sad that a half ton wheel was acceptable to the queen. (For comparison, the cheese is said to have weighed over 1,000 pounds.)

Fact 10.

Wisconsin law required restaurants to serve cheese with every meal.

The law was in effect from June 1935 to March 1937 and required all restaurants to serve cheese and butter with meals.

Fact 11.

Eating cheese 30 minutes before bedtime helps you sleep better.

Tryptophan, an amino acid found in cheese, has been proven to reduce stress and help you sleep!

Fact 12.

Cheese and wine are a perfect pair. Scientists hypothesize that cheese and wine go so well together because the astringency of the wine balances the butterfat content of the cheese, creating a perfect balance in the mouth.

Fact 13.

Most cheeses are made with only three ingredients.

Milk, salt and a coagulant such as vinegar, rennet or bacteria.

Depending on the temperature, the animals used to produce the milk, the terrain and other scientific components, it’s amazing how these three ingredients can produce so many types of cheese!

We will remind

Prices for dairy products in Ukraine will continue to rise at least until the beginning of 2025 due to a significant increase in the cost of dairy raw materials.