Around the World: Cheeses of Different Cultures

Cheese is something that just about every country in the world has experienced or has created at least once. With a wide range of flavors and textures, cheese can satisfy almost anyone if they can find the right variety! Not surprisingly, it has been found in many different cultures all around the world. Some countries use different methods to achieve interesting flavors and aromas, but they all create cheese, nonetheless.

For starters, India has some of the most aromatic cheese ever created. Bandal, one of India's signature cows milk cheeses, is one of those aromatic cheeses. It is made by separating the curds using lemon juice and draining the mixture into baskets where, shortly thereafter, it is smoked. It is very soft in texture and it rather resembles a small, crusted bread from a distance.

Mexico also some great examples of cheese that has been impacted by the cultures in the country. Anejo Enchilado is one example of a cheese that is certainly out of the ordinary. It is easily grated and shredded, sort of like Parmesan, and is made from Goat's milk. It has a
mild, yet slightly spicy, flavor and is surrounded by a red, spicy rind. With it's hard and dry texture, it melts but does not lose its shape when exposed to heat.

In Tibet, only one cheese that is native to that area is made but it sure is an interesting one! Made from yak milk, (yes, yak milk!) it is molded and wind-and-sun dried to create a hard block of cheese that boasts a strong flavor and creamy texture.

In Italy, one of the most famous and popular cheeses is Mozzarella di Bufala. A smooth textured cheese with a very mild and creamy flavor. Although Mozzarella di Bufala is very difficult to find in the United States, Mozzarella made from the milk of cows is one of the most popular cheeses in the states. A startling fact that may interest you about Mozzarella cheese is that it has been said that almost every American has tasted Mozzarella cheese at some point in his/her life.

Cheese is something that certainly molds to cultures and traditions in countries around the world and it will never become obsolete so long as the cultures stay prominent in their areas.

-Written by Caitlyn Grisham