The Story of Cheese

One of the world's most ancient edibles, cheese is also one of life's simple pleasures. Hosted by Rosie Lovell, this Globe Trekker Planet Food episode featuring various correspondents travels across Europe and into Greece, Lebanon, and Turkey while telling the story of cheese (which was mentioned by Homer in The Odyssey). The Romans spread the art of cheese making (cheese can be made from the milk of cows, goats, sheep, buffalo, and even camels) among conquered peoples as they built their empire. Some of the best cheeses come from the almost accidental discovery of the role of bacteria and curdled milk in making quality cheese, which can "hit you in the gut" with its sweet or salty flavors, or its creamy or crumbly texture. Cheeses are often named after the areas in which they were produced, whether it be Roquefort, France, where cheese is stored in temperature controlled caves, or sunny Parma, Italy, dubbed the "cholesterol capitol" of the country. Interesting itinerary stops include the Netherlands, where viewers watch as colorfully dressed workers rush back and forth carrying large cheese wheels across a town plaza, engaging in inspecting, haggling, and selling, much to the delight of tourists; Switzerland, where during each spring cheese-producing cows (considered a status symbol) are led up to graze in Alpine meadows; and Italy, where in olden days, cheese was considered so valuable that it could be used to make a down payment on a house. Visiting cheese mongers and markets, correspondents learn how to prepare a cheese board ("summer on a plate"), pair cheese with other foods, mix cheese and wine, and make a cheesecake. Recommended. Aud: P. (S. Rees)