Top 5 Oldest Cheeses In The World

Cheese is a versatile and delicious food product that has been enjoyed by humans for thousands of years. It is believed to have originated in the Middle East around 7,000 years ago and has since become a staple in many cuisines around the world.

Cheese is made from milk, typically from cows, goats, or sheep, although other animals' milk such as buffalo and yak can also be used. Cheeses can be broadly categorized into several groups based on their texture and aging methods.

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Here we would like to share with you the top 5 oldest cheeses in the world.

5. Oldest Edible Cheddar (40 years)

The oldest edible Cheddar cheese refers to a particularly rare and unique variety of Cheddar that has undergone an exceptionally long aging process, resulting in a distinctive flavor profile and texture.

One well-known example is Westcombe Dairy in Somerset, England, which produced a batch of Cheddar cheese in 1966. This particular cheese was aged for a remarkable 40 years before it was sold in 2006.

It's essential to note that creating such aged Cheddar requires specific conditions and careful craftsmanship. Not all Cheddar cheeses are suitable for long aging, and cheesemakers must pay close attention to factors like temperature, humidity, and storage conditions to ensure the cheese matures safely without spoiling.

4. Ancient Egyptian Cheese (>3000 years)

Ancient Egyptian cheese holds a significant place in the culinary history of one of the world's oldest civilizations. A recent finding suggests that the world's oldest cheese has been unearthed in Egypt. While this cheese is not the oldest known globally, it stands as the oldest ever discovered from Ancient Egypt.

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The cheese was believed to have existed somewhere in the 13th century. Experts indicated that the cheese was crafted using a combination of sheep and goat milk. Although many ancient Egyptian cheeses have been lost to time, some similarities can be seen between their cheesemaking techniques and those used in modern times.

3. Ancient Chinese Cheese (>3600 Years)

Ancient Chinese cheese holds a lesser-known but intriguing place in the culinary history of China. While cheese is not as prominent in traditional Chinese cuisine as in other cultures, there is evidence to suggest that cheese production and consumption existed in ancient China.

One discovery was made as lumps of a yellowish substance were discovered alongside mummies in China's Taklamakan Desert. It is likely that the cheese was interred with the mummies, intended as a provision for the afterlife. The cheese was discovered in multiple tombs, positioned near the necks and chests of the mummified individuals.

It is worth noting that in recent years, with increased globalization and exposure to Western cuisine, cheese has gained more recognition and popularity in modern Chinese culinary practices.

2. Ancient Polish Cheese (>7000 Years)

Ancient Polish cheese holds a fascinating place in the rich culinary heritage of Poland. Cheesemaking in Poland has a long history that dates back more than 7000 years, and traditional Polish cheeses have been cherished and enjoyed for generations.

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A scientific paper was published in 2012, presenting findings that are thought to be among the earliest evidence of cheese production. An analysis was performed on pottery shards dating back 7,000 years from Poland. Remarkably, these pottery fragments exhibited perforations that closely resembled contemporary cheese strainers.

Cheese holds a special place in Polish culture and cuisine. It is often enjoyed as a standalone snack, used in traditional dishes, or incorporated into Polish desserts.

1. Ancient Mediterranean Cheese (~7200 Years)

Cheese production and consumption have been integral to the Mediterranean diet for thousands of years, leaving a lasting legacy on the gastronomy of the region.

In a September 2018 study, compelling evidence was presented for what is considered the most ancient cheese ever discovered. The research indicated that Neolithic communities residing along Croatia's Dalmatian coast potentially engaged in cheese production more than 7,200 years ago.

Ancient Mediterranean cheese-making techniques and traditions have had a lasting influence on contemporary cheesemaking practices. Many traditional cheeses from the region are still produced today, preserving the culinary heritage of these ancient civilizations.

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