Cheese

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For other uses, see Cheese (disambiguation).

A platter with cheese and garnishes

Cheeses in art: Still Life with Cheeses, Almonds and Pretzels, Clara Peeters, c. 1615

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Cheese is a dairy product produced in wide ranges of flavors, textures, and forms

by coagulation of the milk protein casein. It comprises proteins and fat from milk, usually
the milk of cows, buffalo, goats, or sheep. During production, milk is
usually acidified and the enzymes of either rennet or bacterial enzymes with similar
activity are added to cause the casein to coagulate. The solid curds are then separated
from the liquid whey and pressed into finished cheese.[1] Some cheeses have
aromatic molds on the rind, the outer layer, or throughout.
Over a thousand types of cheese exist and are produced in various countries. Their
styles, textures and flavors depend on the origin of the milk (including the animal's diet),
whether they have been pasteurized, the butterfat content, the bacteria and mold, the
processing, and how long they have been aged. Herbs, spices, or wood smoke may be
used as flavoring agents. The yellow to red color of many cheeses is produced by
adding annatto. Other ingredients may be added to some cheeses, such as black
pepper, garlic, chives, or cranberries. A cheesemonger, or specialist seller of cheeses,
may have expertise with selecting the cheeses, purchasing, receiving, storing and
ripening them.[2]