How many cheeses in the world?
Cheese is one of the most popular types of dairy foods on the planet. There are many varieties of cheese to choose from. There are tasty hard cheeses such as parmesan or grana-padano, soft cheeses such as mozzarella, burrata, or feta cheese, and soft-ripened cheeses such as Camembert. The list of cheeses includes popular types such as Cheddar, Gouda, and Colby that are enjoyed by millions of people every day. In our opinion cheese is probably the most recognizable and delicious food in the world. It can be both white or yellow, soft or hard, salty or sweet, and made from milk of cows, goats, sheep, and even buffalo.
Cheese was created as a means of preserving milk, as it contains lots of healthy protein and fat from animal milk. People have been making cheese for more than 8000 years and now there are more than 1800 types of cheese made worldwide.
Cheese is an ancient food whose origins predate recorded history. There is no conclusive evidence indicating where cheesemaking originated; in Europe, Central Asia, or the Middle East, but the practice had spread within Europe before Roman times.
Different types of cheese and the countries they can be found
There are many varieties of cheese in the world today, and to some extent, they can be grouped geographically by country or region, but taste and method of making vary as much as people's tastes vary. Although all varieties of cheese use common ingredients, the way cheese is processed determines the final texture, taste, and look of the cheese. Some types of cheese taste mild and buttery whereas some kinds of hard cheese have a sharp, nutty flavour.
Below is a list of some of the most popularly consumed cheese in the world:
- British Cheddar Cheese
- Gruyere from Switzerland
- Greek Feta from Greece
- Mozarella
- Brie de Meaux from France
- Cheshire Cheese from Britain
- Tallegio from Italy
- Parmigiano Reggiano from Italy
- Edam Cheese from Netherland
British cheddar cheese: The best cheese in the world
British cheese is incredibly popular as Britain boasts high farming standards and large herds of healthy cows with plenty of space. According to Science Daily - happy cows produce more nutritious milk.
Of all the aforementioned cheese it is not a surprise that British Cheddar cheese came in first. There is no doubt in our mind that British cheddar cheese is the best cheese in the world; it has great quality and a rich creamy taste.
Many people wonder about the secret behind making a perfect cheddar, also known as ‘Cheddaring’. Cheese makers in Somerset have been practicing the art of producing rich, delicious, and creamy cheeses for hundreds of years.
The process of making cheddar cheese has developed over time and although there are several different regions where it is produced across the globe. However, British cheddar is considered by experts to be the best in the world and we must admit our personal favourite.
British cheddar cheese is used in more than half of all sandwiches sold in the UK, and every year over 188,500 tonnes of cheddar are eaten here – that’s enough to cover Buckingham Palace four times over.
The best cheeses, the true stars of their age, the ones to be savoured again and again, are those that develop and improve over time. Their flavours deepen and widen, their aromas become more complex, their textures soften perhaps or sharpen.
When it comes to cheese, the English are best known for their cheddar cheese. Although there are more commonly eaten types of cheese than cheddar, none have greater reputation. It is without question the favourite of all cheeses in England and amongst the most popular in the world.
Did you know? Britain has a wider variety of cheeses than France which is often thought to be the cheese capital of the world. This means, there is certainly a British cheese for you!
If you’re wondering where you should start with British cheeses, a great place is cheddar. Cheddar cheese is rich, firm and versatile. Over 50% of cheese sales in the UK can be attributed to this variety. This cheese is often infused with different ingredients to enhance its flavour, although we think it’s pretty brilliant in its original state, too!
Check out our own Great British Trading Cheddar here, British Cheddar