We all love cheese. Simply because we can eat it with practically any dish of the world and at any given time. It can make any taste better. Try it out with veggies and you will love the taste. Cheese has been around for a very long time now. It is believed that cheese originated almost 10,000 years back. Greeks and Romans had been in love with their cheese and even now the current generation is all the more obsessed with cheese. There are various kinds of cheese available out there. Such as cheddar, feta, mozzarella, Swiss cheese and Parmigiano-Reggiano. Though eating excessive cheese has its own disadvantages but still people can’t let go of their cheese. Cheese is made in big industrial units and it is so easy that anyone can make it. But there are a few countries which produce cheese and also export it to the international market.
Leading Cheese Producer Countries
Mentioned below are the Top 10 largest Cheese Producer Countries in the World.
10. Canada – 408825 metric tons
At number 10, we have Canada as the 10th largest cheese producing country in the world. The commonly found varieties of cheese in Canada are Cheese curds, Oka and Cheddar Cheese. Most of the cheese is produced in Quebec and Ontario. These cheese can be stored for a minimum of 3 months.
9. Argentina – 580375 metric tons
The South American country which produces the most cheese of the world is Argentina. The famously found varieties of cheese in this country are Cremoso, Criolla, Goya, Reggianito and Sardo. Argentina has a great influence of Europeans maybe that is the reason why the cheese is preferred there. Mostly it is prepared by the Italian immigrants residing in Argentina.
8. Russia – 604753 metric tons
The production of cheese has fallen down in the past few years due to the low investment in cattle. Due to which the production of cheese has hampered and also has resulted in increase in the prices of cheese. Belarus is the main place which is the primary source of imports related to milk items. The competition between the domestic producers is also declined and then further restrictions have made the production of cheese very difficult in Russia. Commonly found varieties of Cheese in Russia are Bryndza, Korall, Circassian cheese and Tvorog.
7. Egypt – 644564 metric tons
Egypt ranks at number 7 in terms of cheese production in the world. The Egyptian cheese is a very important constituent of the modern day Egyptian diet. The cheese production in Egypt began 5000 years ago and is known to originate in Middle East. The commonly known cheese varieties in Egypt are Istanboly Cheese, Arish, Mish, Shanklish and Ras. In some of these varieties, toppings such as Black Pepper is added so as to give a burning taste. Qatayef is a sweet filled with nuts and cheese and is usually made in the Ramadan month. In Cairo, the cheese sandwich with pickles is considered as a great delicacy.
6. Poland – 651316 metric tons
Producing cheese in Poland dates back to 5500 BC. This country is the 6th largest producer of cheese. The famous varieties of cheese found in Poland are Bałtycki, Bryndza, Golka, Bundz, Farmer cheese and Rokpol etc. In Poland, Cheese and cream form a major ingredient of the dishes. The hard cheese is eaten in sandwiches and salads but the soft cheese is usually the most popular. The tourists and the residents love it.
5. Netherlands – 746263 metric tons
If you ever get a chance to visit Netherlands, make it a point to visit the cheese markets which are nothing less than a feast for the cheese lovers. The major cheese markets in Netherlands are Gouda Cheese market in the western part of Netherlands or you may try Edam Cheese market in the northern part of the country. The Alkmaar Cheese market it pretty old – maybe some 400 years old – but visit there and enjoy the place with cheese delicacies and of course the Dutch Cheese Museum. Famous cheese varieties of Netherlands are Edam, Gouda, Leidse and Limburger.
4. Italy – 1133756 metric tons
Italy ranks on number 4 in terms of cheese production. The world’s best cheese is found in Italy such as Asiago Cheese, Fontina Cheese, Gorgonzola Cheese, Ricota, Mozzarella and Parmigiano Reggiano cheese. Some of the traditional and the contemporary dishes use cheese as a major ingredient and it surely is lipsmackingly yummy. These cheese are mainly from the cow’s milk and have a soft texture and a milder taste. Emilia Romagna is known as the birthplace of King of the cheese – Parmigiano Reggiano. You would surely love Italy for its multiple varieties of cheese.
3. France – 1942375 metric tons
On number 3, we have France as the 3rd largest cheese producing country in the world. There are more than 450 different types of French cheese which is further divided into other varieties of cheese. On the whole, you can get up to 1000 varieties of cheese in France. Cheese producing regions in France are Northern France, Pas-de-Calais, Normandy, Champagne, Burgundy, Rhone-Alps, Pays-Basque and Alsace.
2. Germany – 2047453 metric tons
German Wine and Cheese are very famous. Cheese play a very major part in a number of German dishes and cuisines. Rauchkase is the most popular cheese type in Germany. The other varieties of cheese found in Germany are Allgäuer Bergkäse, Butterkase, Cambozola, Tilsit and Zeigel. Most of the cheese in Germany comes from Bavaria, parts of Mecklenburg-West Pomerania, Schleswig-Holstein, and in the northern Germany Saxony-Anhalt produces some of famous cheese varieties such as Wilstermarsch.
1. United States – 5163564 metric tons
Holding the number 1 in the top 10 largest cheese producing countries of the world, we have United States. Top state producing cheese in US is Wisconsin which is also known as “America’s Dairyland”. California follows Wisconsin in the cheese production. The number of cows in these two states are also higher resulting in good quantity of milk and production of cheese thereafter. Cheese is primarily used in all food items in western countries and it is one of the basic food items. Many farmers rely on the cheese production as a means of livelihood. The most commonly consumed cheese in US is the Parmesan and Mozzarella.
Conclusion
Though cheese provides nutrition to the body and makes the eyes and bones healthy by providing essential nutrients such as protein, calcium and phosphorus. But eating cheese brings a lot of health complications such as making a person lactose intolerant, gastric issues, constipation, diarrhea and obesity. The goodness of the cheese can only be enjoyed if it is consumed in less quantity and on an occasional basis.
I’m Hina Khan, working as a writer at Worldblaze.in blog. I love dancing and listening punjabi music. Here I’m sharing all the interesting stuffs that will definitely entertain you.