National Cheese Day

A person holding a cheese wheel, wearing a chef's hat, surrounded by a farmers market with baskets of different cheeses.. — National cheese day illustration

Greetings, dairy enthusiasts, cheese connoisseurs and generally anyone who's been known to say 'Cheese, please!' Welcome to your deep-dive into the rich, creamy world of National Cheese Day. On this day, refrigerator doors swing open far and wide as cheese lovers unite to celebrate their shared fondness for this versatile foodstuff.

When is Cheese Day?

It's national cheese day on the 4th June.

A Brief History of National Cheese Day

Oh, National Cheese Day! Celebrated annually on June 4th, this heartwarming day lets us honor, appreciate, and of course, devour, all sorts of cheese. From Brie to Cheddar, Blue to Gorgonzola, albeit Mascarpone to Mozzarella, National Cheese Day allows room at the table for all. Back in 2018, the internet saw almost 26,000 mentions of this glorious day, topping the list of cheese-dedicated online chatter.

Not just Gouda, it's Great!

But why is there a whole day dedicated to cheese you might ask? Well, on what other day would it be societally acceptable to eat cheese for breakfast, lunch, and dinner? There also seems to be some form of ethereal joy in sharing your favorite variety of cheese with friends, or shouting from the rooftops about your love for a rather less known, obscure variety, be that the tantalizingly tangy Tomme or the notoriously pungent Stinking Bishop.

Spread the Love, Spread the Cheese

So, whether you're a self-proclaimed cheese whiz, a casual fan, or even lactose intolerant (thank goodness for alternatives), join us in celebrating National Cheese Day. Might we also suggest a cheese-themed party at your place with guests bringing along their favorite types or maybe a picnic in the park with cheese sandwiches and a triumphant fondue to end the day?

History behind the term 'Cheese'

3000 BC

Early Origins

Cheese production dates back to around 3000 BC. Archaeological evidence from ancient Egyptian tomb murals show that cheese was being made at that time. The process of making cheese involved curdling milk using animal stomachs or plant-based acids, and then allowing the curds to separate from the whey. This early cheese was likely soft and salty, similar to modern feta or cottage cheese.

1st Century AD

Roman Influence

The Romans played a significant role in the history of cheese. They expanded cheese production techniques, introducing new ingredients and refining the aging process. They also discovered that different types of milk and regions produced distinct flavors of cheese. Romans developed a passion for cheese and it became an integral part of their diet. Some of the Roman cheese varieties, like ricotta and pecorino, are still popular today.

500 AD

Monastic Cheese

During the Middle Ages, monasteries became centers of cheese production. Monks developed advanced cheese-making techniques and passed on their knowledge to future generations. They experimented with different recipes and aging processes, gradually improving the quality and variety of cheese available. Monastic cheeses, such as Gouda and Roquefort, gained popularity and became highly sought after in European markets.

17th Century

Industrial Revolution

The Industrial Revolution in the 17th century brought significant advancements in cheese production. With the invention of industrial machinery, mass-production and standardization became possible. Cheese-making expanded from monasteries to factories, enabling larger quantities of cheese to be produced and distributed more efficiently. This period saw the rise of cheese varieties like Cheddar and Swiss, which became staples in many households.

20th Century

Global Trade and Diversification

In the 20th century, cheese production and consumption reached new heights. Advances in transportation and refrigeration allowed for the global trade of cheese, leading to a diversification of cheese varieties available worldwide. Different regions developed their unique cheese specialties, with France famous for its Camembert and Brie, Italy for Parmesan and Mozzarella, and the United States for Monterey Jack and Colby. Cheese became an essential part of cuisines around the globe.

Did you know?

Did you know that the world's most expensive cheese is Pule, a Serbian cheese made from the milk of Balkan donkeys? It costs a whopping $600 per pound!