Cheese enjoyment: 8,000 years of history!

Did you know that…

…cheesemaking is one of the oldest forms of food processing, dating back to the times of early civilizations?

…the Romans spread cheese throughout their empire, laying the foundation for the diverse types of cheese we enjoy today?

…modern cheese is a fusion of centuries-old tradition and avant-garde innovation that continues to create new taste experiences to this day?

…cheese has always been a symbol of conviviality and enjoyment and connects people all over the world in culinary terms?

In the first part of our blog series on cheese enjoyment, we tell you about its history, which goes back thousands of years.

If you weren't a cheese fan until now, you will be after this series. 🧀✨

Necessity and curiosity gave rise to inventiveness

When we talk about cheese, we are not just talking about a food. We are talking about a cultural asset that has accompanied and inspired humanity for thousands of years.

The history of cheese goes back a long way. Over 8,000 years ago, our ancestors in Mesopotamia discovered the art of cheese making. It was curiosity and necessity that sparked the spirit of invention. The discovery that milk can change led to the discovery of preserving milk in the form of cheese. These early cheeses were simple, robust and an important part of the diet.

It was the Romans...

Like so many things, it was during the Roman Empire that cheese began its great triumphal march around the world. It was also the Romans who began the perfection of simple cheese into a luxury item and status symbol. The Romans developed sophisticated techniques for cheese production and ripening, which laid the foundation for the variety of cheeses we know today. They experimented with different types of milk and ripening processes to create cheese with different textures and flavors.

From Monasteries to Royal Courts

In the Middle Ages, it was the monks in the monasteries who adopted the knowledge of the Romans and developed it further. Cheeses such as Roquefort, Gouda and Brie, which are now world famous, were created in the secluded monastery kitchens. These monasteries became centers of cheese refinement and innovation.

Munster, Trappist cheese, Danablu, Gouda, Roquefort, ... They all have their origins in medieval monasteries. Did you know that?

Over time, cheese also found its way to the royal courts of Europe. There, it became the epitome of luxury and sophistication. Kings and nobles competed to present the most exquisite cheeses on their tables. Cheese was no longer just food, but a sign of wealth and good taste.

The fact that cheese is a sign of good taste and a symbol of style and good hosts has remained to this day. Or have you ever seen a good buffet without a large cheese platter?

The Industrial Revolution and the Birth of the Modern Cheese Market

The Industrial Revolution eventually brought about major changes in cheese production. The introduction of pasteurized milk, the invention of the refrigerator and the mechanization of production made it possible to produce cheese in unprecedented quantities and quality. This was the beginning of the modern cheese market as we know it today.

Cheese today: A world full of taste

Today, cheese is a global phenomenon. From traditional cheesemakers in France and Italy to innovative organic dairies in New Zealand and the USA, cheese is produced with passion and dedication all over the world. Modern cheese technology has made it possible for every cheese lover to find exactly the cheese that suits their taste.

Did you know that there are an estimated 5,000 - 8,000 types of cheese around the world? These cheeses reflect the landscape, the animals and, not least, the people of the region they come from. From traditional cheeses such as the French Camembert de Normandie to more exotic varieties such as the Kyrgyz Bïshtak made from mare's milk or the Tibetan Rajya Metok - the world of cheese is rich and diverse.

Conclusion

The history of cheese is a journey through time, from the need to preserve food to today's variety of flavors and textures.

Stay tuned for the next part where we will Cheese variety: from mild to spicy Until then, enjoy a piece of cheese history – perhaps with a glass of your favorite wine. 🍷🧀

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