World Cheese Lovers Day (20/01)

The festival of fans of the incredibly popular dairy product is celebrated around the world on January 20 – is World Cheese Lovers Day.

Cheese – is a very healthy product. The variety of its species allowed it to gain popularity both among ordinary consumers and among real gourmets, connoisseurs of exquisite tastes.

The history of this product dates back to preliterate antiquity. Some researchers mention 8000 BC as the starting point for the development of cheese making. These figures are indicated by individual archaeological finds and their chemical analysis. As for the homeland of cheese, there is no clear answer, so this dairy product in different versions was present in the culture of many peoples, whose place of residence could be located at a considerable distance from each other. More precisely, these peoples lived in different parts of the world.

Cheese making began to experience quite rapid development during the Middle Ages. But it’s easier to figure out the place of origin of certain types of cheese that have survived safely to this day. After all, it is not for nothing that a number of countries have their own cheese-making culture, which they classify as a national treasure and rightly call a source of national pride.

In a number of countries there are even legends about the origin of this or that type of cheese. The legend about the appearance of blue cheese became widely known, saying that a shepherd once forgot cheese in a cave and returned there after some time and discovered it covered with mold. After trying a piece (either because of hunger or extreme curiosity), the shepherd found the taste of the cheese very unusual and very interesting.

Often the name of a particular type of cheese indicates its geographical area of origin. A number of countries have strict quality standards for certain types of cheese. The long and rich history of cheese making continues to develop today, multiplying ancient recipes, many of which are kept in the strictest confidence.

Cheeses are distinguished by shape, appearance, taste, fat content, hardness, composition (Photo: Krzysztof Slusarczyk, licensed by Shutterstock.com)

Cheeses are distinguished by shape, appearance, taste, fat content, hardness, composition. The process of making cheese is labor-intensive and complex, requiring strict adherence to production technology, during which both the quality and origin of milk (cow, goat, buffalo, mares, sheep) and the enzymes and additives used (rubber enzymes, brines, edible types of mold, bacteria, microorganisms and even – cheese mites and larvae). Ripening cheese also requires certain conditions, which include certain degrees of light, humidity, temperature, etc.

The variety of types and varieties of cheese can satisfy a wide variety of gastronomic preferences, including exquisite ones. According to various estimates, there are from 800 to 2000 varieties of cheese. Among the most famous varieties of cheese recognized throughout the world are Parmesan, Gorgonzola, Emmental, Dor Blue, Roquefort, Cheddar, Camembert, Brie, Feta, Mozzarella, Stilton and others.

In Russia, where there was a home technology for preparing cheeses, under Peter I they first became acquainted with the technology for producing European cheeses. Dutch cheese makers were invited as an experience, and Dutch cheese became the prototype of the varieties of Russian cheese that appeared later. The development of Russian cheese making – is a separate interesting topic.

It is worth noting those countries where the tradition of cheese making is the most developed and unique, and the production culture of this product is under strict protection of laws. Among such countries they certainly name Italy, France, Switzerland, Greece, Holland, and Germany. Each country has created its own unique varieties of cheese and made an invaluable contribution to the development of cheese making. The Baltic states and the Caucasus have their own rich traditions of cheese making.

France celebrates its own holiday dedicated to cheese in the spring. It is held on March 29. Twice a year: The International Cheese Festival in Italy is held in spring and autumn. But January 20 is celebrated as World Cheese Lovers Day, which unites fans of this product around the globe.

Traditionally, festivals, exhibitions, tastings and master classes from large manufacturers and private cheesemakers are held in this country. Restaurateurs are also joining the celebration. By the way, in addition to those who like to taste a piece of their favorite type of cheese, there are also those who are seriously interested in collecting labels from cheese heads. This hobby even has its own name: fromology.



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2027