Refined Tastes – All About Cheese

Sophistication comes in many shapes and sizes, and one of its forms is the art of eating. One noticeable thing about Catering in Manila is that, unless specifically instructed not to, cheese will definitely make its way into the menu.

Brief History of Cheese

Cheese is a by-product of milk; in the past, farmers would usually consume cheese in favor of meat. During that period of time, cheese was considered a “farmer’s meal” so aristocrats and nobles looked down on its consumption. Widespread consumption of cheese in the past started during the peak of the Roman Empire when the army started to conquer ancient Europe and its neighbors.

Farmers and peasants would eventually migrate to Rome bringing with them their own cheese making recipes and this formed the crux of the beginning of what some gourmands would jokingly refer to as the “cheese revolution”.

While the consumption of cheese was widespread in ancient Europe, its consumption was practically unknown in most parts of Asia, then considered the biggest Empire on the planet. Some historians would argue that the production of cheese was a late bloomer in Asia because of the humidity.

It wasn’t until the establishment of the unified Eastern trade route that the Silk Road, an ancient network of Chinese trade routes joined in and started a free trade with the western countries that Cheese and other western products were made available in the Asian market for public consumption.

Cheese as a Food

Considered a super food by some nutritionists, cheese is a nutritious food that contains nutrients like Vitamin B12, Vitamin A, phosphorous, protein, calcium and zinc. The high quality of the nutrients found in cheese delivers to the human body indispensable building blocks for stronger and healthier muscles.

Cheese is also a source of “healthy” cholesterol and while that’s a good thing, calories are still a factor so moderation in cheese consumption is highly recommended.

According to the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, it is recommended for people aged 9 above consume at least 3 servings of yogurt, cheese or milk every day. A serving of cheese is equivalent to one and a half ounces of hard cheese, one third cup of grated cheese and two ounces for processed Cheese.

Difference between Processed Cheese and ‘Real’ Cheese

‘Real’ cheeses are made with traditional recipes dating back to the Middle Ages, some even go beyond that scope. Some recipes are so important that they are actually protected by laws and regulations, especially in some European countries such as England, France and Italy.

Processed cheese, on the other hand, is usually made using cheaper materials and the entire process is mostly automated, lacking the human touch that makes cheese such as Camembert and Brie delicious and memorable.

Naturally made cheese is also considered healthier compared to processed cheese. While processed cheese conforms to various international regulations, it is still made with chemicals that make it a tad less healthier than natural cheese.

A major difference between processed cheese and ‘real’ cheese is their price. While natural cheese is more delicious and healthier, it is also more expensive due to its brand name, labor and materials used in its creation. However, the price is more than worth it and while there are many variety of cheeses available in the market, one thing is for sure, each and every one of them is a superior and unique experience as compared to consuming market ready processed cheese.

Cheese is Versatile

One of the many benefits of cheese is that it is a very versatile kind of food. It is primarily used as an ingredient in many dishes throughout the world. It can also be eaten by itself as finger food and it can also be paired with wine, breads or biscuits. There are many ways to eat cheese and there are no right ways and there are no wrong ways. Each and every cheese consumed is an experience enjoyed.

Interested in enjoying cheese and its many ways of consumption? Give Juan Carlo’s catering a try.