How to Make Cheese at Home

Cheese is a dairy product. There are hundreds of types of cheese including mozzarella, parmesan, cheddar, paneer, and more. It was found over 4000 years ago. There are hundreds of types of cheese different in taste, texture, and appearance. Cheeses also differ based on origin. , It is made by coagulating the casein protein in milk. Coagulation gives it a variety of taste, texture, and shape. To make cheese, milk is often acidified during processing either from rennet or bacterial enzymes. Then, the solid curds are formed out of the milk which is cheese. Cheese is full of nutrients and is mostly made of curd. If milk is not consumed after boiling it, it will naturally begin to curdle starting to make the cheese.

Some cheeses contain flavorful molds throughout, on the rind, or the outer layer. The texture and flavor of cheese have differences based on the milk used and rennet or bacteria in the making process. The cheese made from cow milk tastes different from the cheese made from milk of goat, buffalo, or sheep.

Benefits of Cheese

Before discussing the types of cheeses we better know their health benefits first.

Cheese is lower in lactose so it is better digested even from milk. Cheese contains a variety of nutrients. An ounce of hard cheese, or a slice roughly the size of your thumb, has 180 mg of calcium, 8 g of protein, and 6 g of saturated fat. It also has around 120 calories.

Being a dairy product, containing high amounts of protein, phosphorus, calcium, and vitamins, cheese is good for health. It also contains fatty saturated and cholesterol. That’s why it is recommended to eat it in a balanced manner.

Some Common Types of Cheese

There are over a thousand different varieties of cheese made in different nations. The origin of the milk (including the diet of the animal) is the main factor in taste. The amount of butterfat, the bacteria, and the mold used, in the processing method, all affect the styles, textures, and tastes of cheese.

As we know, The history of cheese is very old, and that’s why certain cheeses are associated historically with specific regions. Cheese from every region has its specialty, taste texture, and appearance.

Mozeralla

The process of stretching cheese curds before rolling them into balls produces fresh mozzarella cheese. They are dipped in water to keep them fresh. With its luscious texture and creamy taste, mozzarella is a tasty and adaptable cheese. This famous mozzarella cheese has a lesser amount of sodium and calories. Mozerrala is usually used in Caprese salad,  garlic bread, and in pizzas. Italy is the origin of this famous cheese type. It is made from buffalo milk.

American Cheese

American cheese is a processed cheese that manufacturers make from cheddar. It mostly holds value in the United States. Cheddar, Colby, or other comparable cheeses are used to make this. It is smooth, having a consistent texture and mild creamy flavor. It is mostly used in grilled burgers and grilled sandwiches.

Parmesan

Renowned Italian cheese Parmesan, also known by its real Italian name Parmigiano-Reggiano, widely receives love. It is one of the most expensive cheese types in the world. Its provenance and quality are guaranteed by its PDO certification. Additionally, there are less costly substitutes like Grana Padano and Parmesan-style cheeses.

It is made from cow’s milk and follows a strict, traditional making process. This cheese is the key ingredient in many Italian dishes like pasta,  spaghetti, and risotto.

Cheddar

The Cheddar cheese was first made by a farmer in an English village Cheddar in the 12th century. Now, it is well-known and eaten cheese worldwide. Cheddar is famous for its strong flavor and creamy texture. It is made from cow’s milk. Cheddar is used in burgers, salads, soups, and sandwiches. It is also used in pizzas.

Paneer

Paneer is a type of cheese mostly used in South Asia. It is made fresh. It is moist and soft in texture. The process included in making paneer is similar to making ricotta. It is a key ingredient in many Indian curry cuisines including butter chicken.

How to make cheese at home

Although, you can buy cheese from a nearby grocery store but making it at home is a real fun. The cheese made at home has a unique taste. We are here for you to teach you the process of making cheese at home. Just note down all the ingredients and follow these simple steps.

Ingredients:

• 1 gallon of milk
• 1 quarter cup of vinegar
• 1 pinch of salt

Making

Step no 1

Heat the milk at a high temperature until 90 degrees Celsius or 195 F. Stir continuously to avoid scorching on the bottom.

Step no 2

Remove the heat and add vinegar. Leave it for 10 minutes.

Step no 3

Add a pinch of salt in milk and stain the cheese with a stainer cloth. The solid yellowish material on the cloth is cheese. Discard the liquid and collect it. Shape it like a ball. Refrigerate for an hour before using. Your cheese is then ready.