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A Quick Look at the History of Cheese Making Through the Ages
The history of cheese is as rich and varied as the many types of cheese we enjoy today. Cheese-making likely began over 7,000 years ago in the Fertile Crescent, a region that spans modern-day Middle East and North Africa.
Though the exact origins remain shrouded in mystery, it is widely believed that cheese was discovered accidentally.
Early farmers stored milk in containers made from animal stomachs, which contained the enzyme rennet. This enzyme caused the milk to coagulate and separate into curds and whey, creating the first cheese.
Cheese-making quickly spread across the ancient world, becoming essential for preserving milk.
The Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans all developed their own cheese varieties and techniques, each contributing to the art and science of cheese-making. Cheese was so valued in ancient times that it was often used as a form of currency or as a tribute to the gods.
Cheese in the Roman Empire: An Age of Experimentation
The Romans were instrumental in spreading cheese-making knowledge throughout Europe. As the Roman Empire expanded, so did the diversity of cheese production.
The Romans were known for playing around and experimenting with different types of milk (including sheep, goat, and cow) and various aging techniques. They also introduced the concept of hard and soft cheeses, with more than 20 types recorded by the first century A.D.
Roman soldiers carried cheese as a portable and nutritious food, which helped further disseminate cheese-making techniques across Europe.
As Roman influence waned, these practices were absorbed and adapted by the various cultures that emerged in Europe. This led to the development of the regional cheeses we know today. Examples are Parmigiano-Reggiano in Italy and Roquefort in France.
The Middle Ages: Monastic Influence on Cheese-Making
The Middle Ages marked a significant period in cheese-making history, particularly within European monasteries. Monks were crucial in preserving and advancing cheese-making techniques during this era.
They experimented with aging processes, bacteria cultures, and various types of milk to create some of the most beloved cheeses still enjoyed today.
Monasteries became centers of cheese production, and many of the cheeses developed during this time are still produced similarly. For example, cheeses like Brie, Camembert, and Munster owe their existence to monastic ingenuity.
The strict rules and traditions of monastic life also ensured that cheese-making techniques were passed down through generations with little alteration, preserving the quality and authenticity of these cheeses.
The Renaissance and Beyond: Cheese as a Culinary Staple
The Renaissance renewed interest in gastronomy, and cheese became a key ingredient in European cuisine. As trade routes expanded, cheese was introduced to new regions and became an important part of the diet across the continent.
New varieties emerged as cheese-makers experimented with different aging processes, molds, and spices.
During this period, cheese also began to gain recognition beyond Europe. European settlers brought cheese-making techniques to the New World. This is where new types of cheese, like Cheddar and Monterey Jack, were developed.
The industrial revolution in the 19th century further transformed cheese-making. This introduced mass production techniques that made cheese more accessible to a growing population.
Modern Cheese-Making: Tradition Meets Innovation
Today, cheese-making is a global industry that blends ancient techniques with modern technology. While many cheeses are still made using traditional methods, innovations in cheese-making have created new varieties and flavors.
The rise of artisanal cheese-making has also sparked a renewed interest in traditional methods and local ingredients, leading to a resurgence of regional cheeses that were once at risk of disappearing.
Wrapping Up The History Of Cheese
We hope this article gave you more insight into the wonderful history of cheese! Don’t forget to check out our range of cheeses, meats, and jams/jellies.
An Easy Summer Quiche Recipe
Here is an easy summer quiche recipe you will keep making, full of rich and creamy flavors like bacon and blue cheese.
Once you get the hang of making a good quiche, there will be no stopping you. They are a great way to use veggies, cheeses, and meats and can be made beforehand. Quiches make the perfect summer lunch dish and look impressive as a part of your lunch spread.
For other cheesy homemade recipes, check our nachos post for a quick recipe that oozes tasty flavors.
How to make an easy summer quiche recipe
This recipe can be made simpler and quicker by using a ready-made pastry. The homemade pastry is light and delicious, though, so go ahead and give it a try!
Ingredients
For the pastry
- 250g all-purpose flour
- 125g butter, cold and cubed
- 3 TBS ice cold water
- ¼ tsp salt
For the filling
- 2 leeks, chopped
- 6 strips bacon, diced or chopped
- 120g blue cheese
- 1 sprig of thyme
- 1 clove garlic, chopped
- 6 eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup whole milk
- Salt and pepper
- 1 cup grated garlic cheese
Instructions
Pastry:
- Pulse the flour, salt, and cold butter in a food processor until the mixture resembles crumbs.
- Add the cold water a little at a time. The dough will seem heavy. The mixture will not have come together yet.
- Empty the dough into a large mixing bowl. Lightly bring the dough together into a disc. Wrap it in plastic and rest it in the fridge for 30 minutes.
- Remove the pastry and allow it to come to room temperature. Roll it out on a floured surface. Roll it out into a circle – about 12 inches in diameter. Pinch together any tears or cracks as you go.
- Grease a 9-inch pie dish. Using a rolling pin, lift and lay the pastry over the dish. Tidy the pastry by sealing any cracks or gaps. Chill in the fridge for 20 minutes. Preheat the oven to 400F.
- Remove the pie dish, prick it with a fork, and line it with baking paper and baking beans or beads. Bake for 20 minutes, remove the beans, and bake for another 10 minutes. Remove and cool.
Filling:
- Add the bacon to a pan and saute gently. Once the fat has rendered out, add the leeks and cook them gently with the bacon until soft. Pull the thyme leaves off the stalk and add them to the bacon mixture.
- In a small bowl, add the blue cheese and crumble it with your hands.
- In another large mixing bowl, add 4 whole eggs and 2 egg yolks (retain the whites for an egg-white-only omelet). Lightly break up the eggs. Add the cream and milk and season with salt and pepper.
- Once the bacon mixture has cooled, add it to the egg mix.
- Turn the oven down to 325F.
- Distribute the blue cheese crumbles onto the base of the pastry dish evenly. Pour the egg and cream mixture over and top with the grated cheese.
- Bake the quiche for about 40 minutes until just set.
Other filling ideas
- Goat’s milk cheese, caramelized onion, and baby spinach
- Smoked ham, cranberries, and kale
- Tomato, smoked hot pepper, corn, and parsley
- Glacier Wildfire blue cheese, Shisler’s fig jam and red onion
Wrapping it up
Nothing is more delicious than a creamy, rich quiche with a light and bright summer salad! We hope you will give making your own homemade quiche recipe a try.
All the cheeses and meats mentioned in this post are available with us.
Build The Perfect Charcuterie Board
Build the perfect charcuterie board and cultivate confidence in entertaining.
A beautifully curated charcuterie board is a fun way to show off your meats and cheeses. Here’s how to create a real show-stopper!
Charcuterie board
What Belongs On a Charcuterie Board?
In terms of artistry and taste, creating a balance is key. You want a mix of sweet, savory, salty, and spicy flavors. Visually, create harmony by pairing various colorful and multi-textural ingredients together.
Meats
Cured meats are a key part of your board – try a mix of sliced salami, coppa, ham, or pancetta. Don’t forget to add pieces of sausage like bologna or summer sausage. Thick slices of chorizo add texture and a meaty bite. You could also pop on a pot of chicken liver pate or a terrine.
Cheeses
You want a balance of strong, creamy, tangy, and mild cheeses. Of course, camembert and gouda are popular, as is a lovely piece of blue cheese or manchego.
Don’t forget to add soft goat cheese or feta as a contrast to harder cheeses like pecorino or cheddar.
Accompaniments
Adding fresh fruits like grapes, sliced apples, figs, and berries adds sweetness and contrast to your charcuterie board.
Consider a sprinkle of nuts like toasted almonds or hazelnuts. Condiments like honey, fruit preserves, and jams are also at home on your board, as are mustard and pickles. Adding a few briney ingredients like olives or capers is lovely, too.
Choose two or 3 types of bread or crackers as the vehicles to load up all the tasty treats you’ve laid out. To cater to everyone’s tastes, consider multigrain, gluten-free, crusty, and plain white bread options.
Build The Perfect Charcuterie Board
- Choose your board: opt for a wooden or slate board, a marble slab, or even a large serving tray.
- Begin by placing small bowls on the board to hold condiments such as honey, mustard, or fruit preserves.
- Now, it’s time to arrange the meats. Do this in a way that allows easy access for guests to pick up slices without disturbing the overall presentation.
- Follow up by adding an assortment of cheeses.
- To complete the charcuterie board, add accompaniments that complement the flavors and textures of the meats and cheeses.
- Finally, fill any remaining empty spaces on the board with bread and crackers.
Be creative and use what is in season. Combine trendy ingredients with classic favorites, and everyone will want to tuck in.
Tips To The Best Charcuterie Board
- Adding color: fruits, flowers, and veggies all add pretty pops of color
- Vary the textures and shapes: arrange your meats and cheese in different shapes. Roll the slices, fold pieces, or cut cubes out.
- Choose complimentary pairings, for example:
- Sweet, sour, savory: try this Sour Cherry Bourbon Goat’s Cheese
- Tangy and creamy: pickles and olives with creamy cheeses
Remember, the key to taking your board to the next level is to think beyond the basics and incorporate elements that enhance both the visual appeal and taste experience.
Wrapping It Up
Take a look at our Products Page where you will find loads of options to choose from to build the perfect charcuterie board.
Sweet Fire Goat Cheese (4.5 oz)
Sweet Fire Goat Cheese
This original flavor brings the concept of pepper jam & cheese to this fresh chèvre. While habanero brings the heat, this creamy goat cheese calms it down – all in one bite. Simply open and unmold the cup upside down to let the blackberry habanero syrup coat the goat cheese. Mackenzie Creamery, a local business right here in Ohio continues to win awards and has been cited in The New York Times, Town and Country Magazine, and Cleveland Magazine as one of the best goat cheses in the country. 
Bread Cheese (8-10 oz)
Bread Cheese
Bread Cheese, also known as “baked cheese” is baked to give the cheese a toasted crispy crust. Keto friendly! You could make it less keto friendly by dipping in syrup, slathering it in jam, or alongside your favorite chocolate.
National Cheese Lovers’ Day
Did you know that tomorrow, January 20, is National Cheese Lovers’ Day? Although this “national holiday” may not be decreed by Congress or have much of a historical background, we know that many of you are Lovers’ of Cheese and always looking for a way to celebrate that love. So, let’s take a look at some fun facts and new cheesy things to try out in celebration!
A Delicious Holiday Brunch Buffet for Everyone
The holidays are upon us, which hopefully means lots of family sleepovers! If everyone is up and at ’em at different times of the morning, it’s tough to make the perfect hot and made-to-order breakfast for everyone. Take a look at some of these ideas for a five-star brunch experience for your guests in the comfort of your home.
Kiflis: An Eastern European Holiday Staple
Last week we posted some pictures of some AMAZING Hungarian Cookies that have been a huge hit. Both the online response and in store sales have been overwhelming. So, we wanted to take a few minutes to give you a little info on the history of these cookies and the bakery that makes them!
Celebrating National Hot Breakfast Month
Can you believe February is actually National Hot Breakfast Month?
With that in mind, we’ve got some ideas for hot breakfasts to energize you in the morning!
Chocolate Croissants
Take some crescent rolls and roll them up with pieces of chocolate inside. Bake in the oven until the rolls are golden brown and the chocolate is melted. These make a great breakfast that will surprise your family any day of the week!
Crepes
Crepes are simply a delicious thin pancake that can be filled with toppings both sweet and savory.
You will need:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon sugar
0.25 teaspoon salt
1.5 cups of milk
3 tablespoons of unsalted butter, melted
How to make the crepes:
- Mix all ingredients in a blender. This will create a puree and will ensure that all of the ingredients are mixed well. If you don’t have a blender you can do this by hand, but ensure that you mix thoroughly.
- Bubbles will form on the top when the batter is ready. Allow it to sit at room temperature for 15 minutes. If you are preparing ahead for a dinner party, it can be kept in the fridge for 1 day.
- Heat a non-stick 12inch skillet over medium heat. Add a little butter and allow this to melt and coat the pan.
- Add 1/3 of a cup of batter, swirl it to evenly cover the pan, and cook until golden brown. This should take 2 to 3 minutes.
- Carefully flip the crepe using a silicone spatula. Cook for another minute and remove from the pan.
- Continue with the remaining batter, adding butter before each crepe.
Oatmeal
It’s a classic for a reason! If you need fueling up for a full morning then oatmeal is nearly always the one to go for. You’ll have your own favorite way of making it, whether it’s with water or milk, and that’s one of the best things about it. Why not try a new topping? Peanut butter, jams, fresh fruit, seeds, you name it and it can be popped on top of a bowl of oatmeal!
Shakshuka
Shakshuka is a Mediterranean breakfast dish.
Preheat your oven to 350F. Start by cooking down one chopped clove of garlic, a sliced onion and a sliced red pepper in an ovenproof frying pan. You want them to be cooked until they are really soft. Add a tin of chopped tomatoes and a teaspoon each of ground cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
When ready, make 4 small wells in the sauce and crack an egg into each one. Pop the whole pan into the oven for around 10 minutes. Watch closely so that the eggs are cooked how you like them. Once removed from the oven, a sprinkle of fresh coriander can add freshness. Simply serve with fresh bread for dipping in the delicious sauce.
What’s your favorite hot breakfast? Let us know in the comments!
Discover Our Amazing Gift Boxes
Did you know that we have such a huge range of gift boxes? Read on to find out what’s in each one.
Gift Box #1: Baby Swiss Cheese
Having the whole family around during the holiday season? Grab this gift box that contains a whole 4Lb. Baby Swiss Cheese Wheel. Our Baby Swiss is made in Charm Ohio, by the original producer Guggisberg Cheese. It is a young, semi-soft whole milk cheese with small holes and a mild flavor. It also comes with chocolates for those with a sweet tooth!
Gift Box #2: Troyer’s Trail Bologna and Cheese
In this gift box, you’ll receive a 1Lb. Troyer’s Trail Bologna Ring. This is a chunky, all-beef bologna with a smoky taste, created by the fourth generation of the Troyer family. You’ll also find a 3/4Lb. wheel of Farmer’s cheese and a 3/4Lb. wheel of Colby cheese. Farmer’s Cheese is a mild, unripened white cheese made by adding rennet to cow’s milk. It’s a firm and crumbly cheese; the perfect accompaniment to smoked meats. The Colby cheese provides a lovely contrast, as it is a semi-hard cow’s milk cheese with a mild and creamy taste. We always pop in some assorted chocolates for those after-dinner cravings.
As the name suggests, this really is a cheesy box! You’ll receive a 3/4Lb. wheel each of Cheddar, Cojack (Marble), Farmer’s Cheese and Pepper Jack. Marble Cheese is made from both Colby and Monterey Jack cheese, which is why it is sometimes called “Cojack”. Pepper Jack is a cow’s milk cheese that has been given a spicy intensity through the use of jalapeno, serrano, and habanero peppers. Along with the classics Cheddar and Farmer’s Cheese, you’re sure to have the best cheese board in the neighborhood.
Gift Box #4: Amish Cheese and Goodies
This is the perfect box for a party, or to give to someone who really deserves a treat during this season. Inside you will find a 1Lb. Baby Swiss Cheese Wheel, 1 Summer Sausage Link, a 3/4Lb. wheel each of Colby and Pepper Jack cheese, Shisler’s Private Label Mustard, Home Style Amish Jam, Carr’s Crackers, Assorted Chocolates, and 6oz. of REACH Coffee.
Gift Box #5: Baby Swiss Cheese and Troyer’s Trail Bologna
A classic Amish Country combination. This box contains a 4Lb. Baby Swiss Cheese Wheel, a large Troyer’s Trail Bologna Ring, Shisler’s Private Label Mustard, Carr’s Crackers, Assorted Chocolates and 6oz. of REACH coffee.
REACH coffee is a specialty grade coffee from the region of Chanchamayo, Peru, which is then roasted in Cleveland, Ohio. Perfect for those after dinner pick-me-ups.
Gift Box #6: Amish Country Sampler Gift Box
This box is the King of gift boxes. You’ll need help to carry this one! It contains a Large Troyer’s Trail Bologna Ring, a box of Heggy’s Chocolates, Home Style Amish Jam, Shisler’s Private Label Hot Jalapeno Mustard, a 3/4Lb. wheel each of Cheddar, Cojack (Marble), Farmer’s Cheese and Pepper Jack, a Baby Swiss Cheese Wedge, a Summer Sausage Link, Townhouse Crackers and 6oz. of REACH Coffee.
Which one of these would you love to open? Let us know in the comments!
