The story of cheese, a beloved staple in diets worldwide, stretches back to the earliest chapters of human civilization. Though its exact origins remain shrouded in mystery, scholars trace the birth of cheese to around 7000 BCE, in the fertile cradle of civilization between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. It was here, amidst the dawn of animal domestication, that cheese began its illustrious journey.
Legend has it that the invention of cheese was a happy accident. A nomad, voyaging through the desert, stored milk in a pouch made from a sheep’s stomach. The combination of the milk, the rennin from the stomach lining, the heat of the sun, and the movement from the journey, led to the discovery of curds and whey – the elemental components of cheese.
The earliest documented cheese production is depicted on a frieze in Mesopotamia, dating back to 3000 BCE. These initial cheeses were likely similar in taste and texture to what we recognize today as feta or cottage cheese.
By the time of ancient Greece, cheese had secured its place at the table of daily life. It featured in Homer's epics and was a staple of the diet. Greek wine and sheep's milk cheese, particularly Feta, became a classic pairing—a tradition that resonates to this day.
The Roman Empire played a significant role in cheese's history, spreading the art of cheesemaking throughout Europe. By the late Middle Ages, many cheeses familiar to us now were first produced, including Cheddar, Parmigiano-Reggiano, Gouda, and Camembert.
Despite upheavals, such as the closure of monasteries by Henry VIII – which impacted cheesemaking in Britain – the tradition persisted. By the 19th century, the first cheese factory arose in Switzerland, marking the beginning of large-scale industrial production. The U.S. wasn't far behind, with dairy farmer Jesse Williams pioneering assembly-line cheesemaking in the mid-1800s.
The 20th century saw a dominance of factory-made cheese, a shift that some thought might spell the end for traditional cheesemaking. However, the past few decades have witnessed a renaissance, a return to the art of crafting gourmet cheeses in small batches. This revival has been significantly influenced by pioneering American women cheesemakers like Mary Keehn and Cindy Major, who reintroduced the value of handcrafted, quality produce.
Celebrate the enduring legacy of cheesemaking and the simple pleasure of a perfectly paired bite! Whether you're indulging in the sharp tang of a vintage Cheddar or the creamy richness of Brie, our crackers provide the ideal canvas for these flavors to shine. Shop online today!
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