January 20th is National Cheese Lover’s Day #CheeseLoversDay. I don’t know about you but almost everyday in our home we use #Cheese somewhere somehow in our home. Not only that there is only 3 of us in our house and we have different kinds of Cheese for different meals and would be lost without Cheese. How about you?
On January 20, get ready to ‘Havarti’ a ‘Gouda’ time, because it’s National Cheese Lover’s Day! I have a question for you. Have you ever wondered how the first human discovered Cheese? I’ve wondered that too, but we’ll probably never find out.
All we know is that it was love at first bite; when the first human tasted the salty, tangy, delicious goodness of Cheese, they were hooked. And we can definitively say that human history was forever changed.
Cheese might have had mysterious beginnings over 7,000 years ago, but it’s insanely popular today. In the U.S, one-third of all Milk produced in this Country goes into Cheese production. It’s a multi-billion dollar industry! We’re ready to celebrate it come and join us.
It seems like Cheese has been around forever but there aren’t any records pinpointing the exact date when Cheese was created, but the earliest record of Pasteurizing Cheese dates back to 5500 B.C. in the geographical region that’s now Poland. Did you know the earliest Cheeses were mostly Cottage Cheese churned at home, and this is likely how Cheesemaking started.
Thousands of years ago, Milk was transported by people by storing it in the stomachs of Sheep. When left for a few days, the Milk would separate into Whey and Curd. Retaining this residue and preserving it with Salt led to the formation of Cheese. Today, there are more than 1,800 types of Cheese in the world and thank the LORD it isn’t made in the stomach’s of Sheep or I wouldn’t eat it. How about you?
The rest of the history of Cheese is as extravagant and full of flavor as Cheese itself. Enjoyed by royalty, the poor, and modern-day consumers, there is something for everyone. Some parts of the world are very secretive about their Cheese heritage, keeping the ingredients and techniques private.
Did you know Cheesemaking itself is a very sensitive process? Everything from the Environment, to the temperature of the Milk will impact the taste and aroma of the Cheese. Which is why there is so many different kinds of Cheese.
Traditions for National Cheese Lovers Day
National Cheese Lovers Day is all about discovering Cheese and experimenting with it. Make things exciting by incorporating different Cheeses in different recipes, and savoring the end result. You can try to use Artisanal Cheese to prepare Macaroni and Cheese instead of using the boxed variety, or you can even try to ferment your own Cheese at home.
Cheese tasting events are quite popular today as well, giving newbies and connoisseurs the opportunity to learn about some of the finest Cheese in the world. Restaurants also offer special deals on their Cheese menu or have special dishes added to the menu for National Cheese Lovers Day.
National Cheese Lover’s Day Activities
- If you have the means and the opportunity today get to know the Cheese-monger at your grocery story, and get the slice on something new. Will today be the day you try that mysterious ‘cave-aged Gruyere’ or give yourself over to the wonders of a Danish Blue? Whatever you purchase, it’s sure to be delicious. It is Cheese, after all and you can’t go wrong!
- On National Cheese Lover’s Day, try making your own Fondue! Which is a giant vat of melted Cheese. We think you can handle that. What are you going to dip in the Cheese, you ask? You should purchase an assortment of Meats, Bread, and fresh Veggies. The Meat will cook when you dip it in the hot Fondue, and the Bread and Veggies will warm to the perfect temperature. isn’t your mouths watering?
- Take the time today to make your own Ricotta and the Indian Cheese called ‘Paneer’) you just need Whole Milk, Lemon or Vinegar, a big pot and cheesecloth for straining. Check your local stores for fancier kits that can help you try making your own Feta or Camembert. We expect you to share your concoction with us when you’re done.
Cheesy Facts About Cheese
- Did you know an expert on Cheese is called a Cheesemonger?
- Blue Cheeses are usually aged in a temperature-controlled environment such as a Cave or a Cellar.
- Did you know Lactose intolerant people can consume Cheese due to the Bacteria breaking down the Lactose.
- Cheddar is the most popular type of Cheese which isn’t surprising is it?
- The most popular Cheese recipe in the United States is Macaroni and Cheese.
Why People Love National Cheese Lover’s Day
As much as Americans love dairy-based Cheese, more and more of us are avoiding dairy. Thanks to growing amounts of Lactose Intolerance, our brains might say yes, but our stomachs are saying, “heck, no.”
Thankfully, a growing industry in non-dairy, Nut-based Cheeses is helping to fill the gaps. You can even make your own Cheese, and all you need are Cashews soaked in Water, a blender, and nutritional Yeast. When you puree them and combine them, you’ll get a gooey Cheese that you won’t be able to distinguish from the real thing. We promise.
Did you know that some of the components of Milk help Calves stay both calm and healthy? Follow-up fact: Did you know that these components get super-concentrated in Cheese? That means that, when humans eat Cheese, these same feel-good chemicals are let loose. They can create an almost euphoric feeling! That must explain why we feel so fantastic when we eat Cheese. It’s not because we’re stuffing our face.
Everything tastes better with Cheese and it’s not just hard, melty Cheeses that do all the work. A fluffy Ricotta can make Broccoli brilliant and a crumbly-fresh Feta can make almost any Salad sing. There is a huge variety to Cheese, across cultures, Making Cheese a perfect accompaniment to any dish!
So, the next time you go to the store, make sure to expand beyond the simple Mozzarellas and Cheddars. If you like strong tastes, pick up Blue Cheese or a Brie. If you like to stay mild, branch out with a Fontina or a Ricotta, If you want to go back to your childhood then try Kraft American Cheese Slices.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
