Cheese

Cheese Cheese is a broad terms used to describe the creation of milk based products. With thousands of styles found around the world, cheese consists of a wide range of flavors, textures, forms and styles. To make cheese, the milk from cows, buffalo, goats and sheep are typically used. Using raw milk, a coagulating protein, known as casein or rennet, it used to turn the liquid milk into a solid form. From here, the solids are separated from the liquid whey, which is then flavored and formed. Many cheeses are stored for long periods of time before consuming to increase the creaminess and taste of the aged cheese. Other cheeses are best served fresh.
Cheese is an ancient food which has been produced by humans before recorded history. The origin of cheese is hard to trace, but most historians agree that the first cheeses were produced in the Middle East or Turkey. Cheese making was certainly a welcome mistake, when early nomads used the internal organs of a freshly killed animal to store and transport liquids. As milk was introduced to a stomach vessel, the nomads observed the milk coagulated. From this early discover, cheese was born.

Key Nutrients

Cheese provides all the essential amino acids including Histidine, Isoleucine, Leucine, Lysine, Methionine, Phenylalanine, Threonine, Tryptophan and Valine. Cheese is also a great source of vitamin D and calcium.

Health Benefits

Vitamin D – Vitamin D helps to maintain normal blood levels of calcium and phosphorus. Vitamin D aids in the absorption of calcium, helping to form and maintain strong bones.

Essential amino acids provide the necessary building blocks for protein growth and development. This tends to promote healthy tissues and reduces the risk of certain cancers.

Calcium – Calcium is an important mineral for bone and teeth growth and maintenance. It is also an important mineral in terms of cardiovascular function.

Season

Cheese, being a dairy product, can be found year round in any supermarket or retail shop.

Nutrition Information

Per 100 grams:

Calories (cKal): 371
Protein (grams): 23.24
Total Fat (grams): 29.68
Carbohydrates (grams): 2.79
Fiber (grams): 0

Buying and Storing

When buying cheese, make sure it does not smell like ammonia. Store in your refrigerator for the suggested amount of time as observed on the packaging.

Best Way to Add to Diet

Cheese can be served with a bit of toasted bread and fresh fruit for a wonderfully simple meal or snack. Cheese makes a great addition to any sandwich or burger. Depending on the type of cheese, there are thousands of uses for cheese.