7 important facts about cheese every foodie needs to know

11/2/2020

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Culture Story: 7 important facts about cheese every foodie needs to know

What makes cheese so addictive? How can it help us protect our teeth? Let's find out with these amazing cheese facts, and be careful if you're hungry – you're going to see some very tasty pictures.

#1 Today, more than 2000 types of cheese are produced worldwide

The most popular varieties of cheese come form Europe: mozzarella (Italy), gouda (Netherlands), cheddar (UK), feta (Greece) and ricotta (Italy).

#2 Cheese is older than written language

The first writing system invented in Mesopotamia dates back to ca. 3200 BC.
The Neolithic cheese strainers discovered in Poland suggest that Europeans knew how to make cheese at least 7000 years ago.

Many foods we eat today are incredibly old – check how much you actually know about such products with this fun article.

#3 Cheese can trigger the same brain receptors as drugs do

Many people who love cheese crave it more than other foods, which can actually be scientifically explained. As it turns out, cheese contains a chemical called casein which can trigger our brain's opioid receptors, just like many drugs do. It actually makes cheese more addictive than other products (but not to a dangerous extent).

#4 Cheese is safe for lactose-intolerant people

Many types of cheese are very low in lactose, as most of it is lost with the whey during the process. Hard and aged cheeses contain the least amount of lactose.

#5 Cheese is the most stolen food item in the world

And I guess #3 explains it...

#6 When eaten straight out of the fridge, cheese loses some of its unique flavor and texture

If you want to enjoy your good cheese the right way, take it out of the fridge a couple of hours before eating. All sorts of cheese flavor better at the temperature of approximately 20–22 °C (68–72 °F).

#7 Eating cheese in moderation can prevent tooth decay

As eating cheese promotes the flow of saliva, it helps the self-cleaning function of our mouth. When you eat a piece a cheese at the end of the meal, you satisfy your taste buds and protect your teeth at the same time.

Are you a cheese lover? Did you like these facts about cheese? Which one surprised you the most?

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What are your thoughts on this subject?

22 Comments

Eve

My mom called me a mouse because I'd take a bite out of the block of cheese in the fridge and put it back. I was 4 and not allowed to use a knife so...lol. Still love cheese but I can use a knife now...

ine eilander

Addicted to cheese. But then, I’m a kaaskop. (Dutch)

Ilias Tsiabardas

I love Cheese but not the Creamy ones

lls

bina sarmah, Me, too--it's my fave! :)

Judi Hanan

I love cheese!

Pierre Poirier

All foods can trigger the same pleasure receptors in the brain that drugs can. Not just cheese

Ralph A. Caya

I cut the cheese in a crowded elevator

Shoshana Katz

Unfortunately I am allergic to caesin so all milk products are forbidden to me.

Adriana Zuliani

I like cheese, but I try to eat it in moderation. A very interesting information. Thank you.

M Renz

Love almost all cheeses! I’ve made my own soft cheeses for years. So good when fresh! My favorite is Jarlsburg Swiss cheese, second, a good Roquefort!

Cheryl McMeekin

Love a good cheddar cheese

bina sarmah

I love brie cheese.

Angeles Pena

Panela cheese yumi

Karyn Mauro Rexelle

I was going to post a question asking if anyone got migraines when they eat cheese. I get them when I eat cheddar cheese, even only one bite. Other cheeses don’t bother me. That one took a long time to figure out!