What is Cheese? (Part 1 of 3)

Cheese can be prepared in a wide variety of flavours, textures, and forms by coagulating a milk protein called casein. Cheese is usually made from the milk of buffalo, cows, sheep, and goats.

During its production, the milk is acidified and the enzymes of either rennet (It is an enzyme which is used as the first step in making cheese) or other bacterial enzymes with similar activity are added to coagulate the casein. 

The solid curds are then separated from the liquid whey and are pressed into finished cheese slabs. Some manufacturers then add flavour/aroma to the cheese that is pressed.  

After these processes, cheesemakers can adjust the basic recipe by adding other ingredients to make all of the other varieties of cheeses we know and love. 

1. https://www.usdairy.com/news-articles/what-is-cheese
2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cheese