Thursday, June 4th, is National Cheese Day. Why June 4th? Not sure, but cheese is loved by almost everyone and can be celebrated any day of the year.
Some interesting facts about cheese. First, there are seven types of cheese: fresh, aged fresh, soft white rind, semi-soft, hard, blue and flavor added. Second, do you know what is considered the most popular cheese? Mozzarella is the winner for not only its delicious flavor, but because it is the common topping on pizza. Pizza was invented in Naples, Italy. For that reason, it is perhaps not a surprise that mozzarella was invented in Naples, as well, from the rich milk of water buffalos. Third, cheese does not just come from water buffaloes; it can also be produced from the milk of cows, goats, reindeer, moose, donkeys, horses, alpacas and camels.
The manufacture of cheese goes back to ancient times, beginning sometime around 8,000 BC. One of the oldest evidences of cheese production was discovered by archaeologists in Poland. Here, they discovered strainers covered with milk molecules. These strainers date back to 5,500 BC. Additionally, proof was discovered that milk production took place in Egypt in 2,000 BC and in China around 1,000 BC.
Thanks to modern refrigeration, cheeses from all around the world have made their way to the United States. Below you will find several popular cheese recipes. Click on the image to read the recipe of your choice, then get in touch with your Quaker Valley Foods sales representative to discover the many different times of cheese we can offer you!
Brie wrapped in Prosciutto and Brioche (bbcgoodfood.com)
Crab Mac ‘n Cheese Bake (bbcgoodfood.com)
Beer Mac ‘n Cheese (bbcgoodfood.com)