Why is Cottage Cheese Called That and Who Invented It?

TL;DR

Cottage cheese, a type of cheese that predates recorded history, was likely accidentally invented through the process of storing liquids in animal stomachs.

Transcript

The ancient Mesopotamians made a type of salty, sour cheese very similar to cottage cheese that dates back to at least 3000 B.C. A common legend is that it was invented when a desert traveler filled his sheep stomach saddle bags with milk prior to beginning his journey. As the traveler and his camel traversed the hot environment, between the sloshi... Read More

Key Insights

• 🧀 Cottage cheese, similar to its precursor made by the ancient Mesopotamians, predates recorded history.
• 🧀 Various cultures and figures have been credited with the discovery of cheese and cheese making.
• 🧀 The invention of cottage cheese likely involved the accidental curdling of milk stored in animal stomachs.
• 😫 Cottage cheese was made by setting out milk near warmth, allowing natural bacteria to transform it into a curd.
• 👪 The term "cottage cheese" may refer to its common production in homes in rural areas.
• 👶 The name "cottage cheese" likely appeared relatively recently in the 1830s, indicating it may have been a new or regional term.
• 🍼 Theories on the origin of the term "cottage cheese" include references to small country residences and the use of leftover milk or poor-quality milk.

Questions & Answers

Q: How was cottage cheese likely invented?

Cottage cheese was likely accidentally invented through the process of storing liquids in animal stomachs, which contained rennet enzymes that curdled the milk.

Q: When did cheese making become a firmly established enterprise?

Cheese making was already established by the time of the Roman Empire, and various cultures, including the ancient Greeks and Egyptians, practiced it.

Q: How did European and American cooks make cottage cheese?

European and American cooks made cottage cheese by setting out milk near a warm place, allowing naturally occurring bacteria to transform the milk into a curd. Some further treated the curd by cooking it and washing it, while others added cream for richness.

Q: Why is cottage cheese called "cottage cheese"?

The exact origin of the name is uncertain, but it likely refers to the fact that cottage cheese was commonly made in homes in the countryside where milk was readily available. It is also relatively easy to make compared to other cheeses.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The ancient Mesopotamians made a type of cheese similar to cottage cheese, dating back to at least 3000 B.C.

• Cheese making was already established by the time of the Roman Empire, and various cultures throughout history have credited different figures with its discovery.

• The name "cottage cheese" appeared in a 1831 publication, suggesting it was a relatively new or regional term.