Say Cheese!

Cheese is one of the most widely consumed foods around the world and considered a staple in many cultures, particularly throughout Europe and the Middle East. This much-loved dairy product dates back to ancient times and adds fl avour and texture to meals, while also providing some important nutrients.

- Lisa Guy

Cheese is an incredibly popular food, and when eaten in moderation it can make a nutritious addition to a wholesome well-balanced diet. However, with so many different varieties available it can be confusing for consumers to know what types of cheese are the best for their health. There are certain things you need to look out for when choosing a healthy good-quality cheese for you and your family.

Making cheese

Historically cheesemaking involves a fermentation technique that was used to prolong the life of fresh milk. The word cheese is derived from the Latin word “caseus” from an older word that means “to ferment”. Many cultures used different types of milk to make cheese, including goat, sheep, camel, yak, horse, buffalo and bison milk.

To make cheese, a starter culture of bacteria is first added to the milk which digests the lactose (milk sugars) and turns it into lactic acid. An enzyme called rennet is then added to curdle the milk. Rennet is found in the stomachs of young cows, sheep and goats. You can also find vegetarian alternatives now. The watery whey is then removed, leaving clumps of casein. Salt is added and the product is pressed into moulds and left to dry (or age) for varying amounts of time. The ageing process is a form of fermentation which can take weeks to years, depending on the type of cheese.

The nutritional content, taste and texture of a particular cheese is largely dependent on the type of milk and bacteria used, and how the cheese was produced.