Member-only story

A Seasonal Life: A Short History of Herding and the Art of Making Cheese

Beau Carter

·15.8k Followers· Follow

Published in Goat Song: A Seasonal Life A Short History Of Herding And The Art Of Making Cheese

6 min read · 2 weeks before

111 View Claps

18 Respond

Save

Listen

Herding and cheesemaking are two of the oldest human practices, dating back to the Neolithic period. The domestication of animals and the development of agriculture allowed humans to settle down in one place and begin to produce their own food. Herding was a way to manage and protect livestock, while cheesemaking was a way to preserve milk and make it more nutritious.

Goat Song: A Seasonal Life, A Short History of Herding, and the Art of Making Cheese

by Brad Kessler

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	402 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	257 pages

The Neolithic Period

The Neolithic period (10,000-4,000 BCE) was a time of great change for humans. The development of agriculture and the domestication of animals allowed humans to settle down in one place and begin to build permanent settlements. Herding was one of the most important economic activities during this time, as it provided a source of food and other resources.

The first evidence of cheesemaking dates back to the Neolithic period. Archaeologists have found cheesemaking equipment in archaeological sites from this period, indicating that cheesemaking was a widespread practice. The earliest cheeses were probably made from goat's milk or sheep's milk, and they were likely very different from the cheeses we eat today.

Ancient Greece

The ancient Greeks were some of the first people to develop a sophisticated cheesemaking tradition. The Greek philosopher Aristotle wrote about cheesemaking in his book Historia Animalium, and he described a variety of different cheeses that were made in Greece. The Greeks also developed a number of different cheesemaking techniques, including the use of rennet to coagulate milk.

The ancient Greeks believed that cheese was a healthy and nutritious food. They ate cheese with bread, fruit, and vegetables, and they also used cheese in cooking. Cheese was also an important part of Greek religious rituals.

Roman Empire

The Romans adopted the cheesemaking practices of the Greeks, and they further developed the art of cheesemaking. The Romans made a variety of different cheeses, including hard cheeses, soft cheeses, and flavored cheeses. They also developed a number of new cheesemaking techniques, including the use of salt to preserve cheese.

The Romans were also the first people to develop a system for classifying cheeses. They divided cheeses into three categories: hard cheeses, soft cheeses, and whey cheeses. Hard cheeses were made from whole milk, and they were aged for a long period of time. Soft cheeses were made from skimmed milk, and they were aged for a shorter period of time. Whey cheeses were made from the whey that was left over from cheesemaking, and they were typically used as a food for animals.

Middle Ages

During the Middle Ages, cheesemaking continued to develop. The monks in monasteries played an important role in the development of cheesemaking, as they were often the only ones who had the time and resources to experiment with new cheesemaking techniques.

The Middle Ages also saw the development of new types of cheese, including blue cheese and cheddar cheese. Blue cheese is made by introducing a mold into the cheese during the aging process. Cheddar cheese is a hard cheese that is made from whole milk. It is named after the village of Cheddar in England, where it was first made.

Renaissance

The Renaissance was a time of renewed interest in the arts and sciences. This interest also extended to cheesemaking, and a number of new cheesemaking techniques were developed during this time. The Renaissance also saw the development of new types of cheese, including Parmesan cheese and mozzarella cheese.

Parmesan cheese is a hard cheese that is made from whole milk. It is aged for a long period of time, and it has a strong, salty flavor. Mozzarella cheese is a soft cheese that is made from whole milk. It is white and creamy, and it has a mild flavor.

Modern Era

The modern era has seen the development of new cheesemaking technologies and the globalization of the cheese market. Today, cheese is produced in all parts of the world, and there are hundreds of different types of cheese available. Cheese is used in a variety of dishes, and it is an important part of the diet of many people.

The Art of Making Cheese

Cheesemaking is a complex and time-consuming process. The first step is to collect the milk from the animals. The milk is then heated and rennet is added to coagulate the milk. The curds are then cut into small pieces and cooked. The curds are then drained and pressed into molds. The cheese is then aged for a period of time, which can range from a few weeks to several years.

The type of milk used, the rennet used, the cooking temperature, the cutting size, and the aging time all affect the final flavor and texture of the cheese. Cheesemaking is a skilled craft, and it takes years of experience to master the art.

Herding and cheesemaking are two of the oldest human practices. They have played an important role in the development of human civilization, and they continue to be important today. Cheese is a delicious and nutritious food that is enjoyed by people all over the world.

The art of cheesemaking is a complex and time-consuming process, but it is also a rewarding one. Cheesemaking is a way to connect with the land and with the animals that provide us with milk. It is also a way to create something delicious and nutritious that can be enjoyed by everyone.

Goat Song: A Seasonal Life, A Short History of Herding, and the Art of Making Cheese

by Brad Kessler

4.8 out of 5