Student Article
Why Cheese Tastes So Good ... and Smells So Strange!
Microbes (noun): Tiny living things like bacteria and fungi.
Curds (noun): The soft, thick clumps that form when milk turns into cheese.
Whey (noun): The liquid left over after curds are made from milk.
Fat (noun): A part of food that gives it a rich taste and gives our bodies energy.
Let’s learn why cheese is so yummy and fun to eat!
Tiny helpers make it happen
Cheese comes from milk, but it turns into something special thanks to tiny living things called microbes. These microbes help change the milk into cheese and give it amazing flavors and smells. That’s why there are so many kinds of cheese, like stringy mozzarella, creamy Brie, or sharp cheddar.
How cheese is made
When cheese is made, the milk is warmed and special stuff is added to make it clump together. These clumps are called curds, and the leftover liquid is called whey. The curds are shaped into blocks or wheels and left to rest. During this time, more microbes get to work. They break down the cheese and create strong smells and tasty flavors.
Why some cheese smells funny
Some cheeses smell like socks or feet because they share the same types of bacteria. But even if they smell funny, many people love them!
Why we keep coming back for more
Cheese also has fat, which makes it taste rich and creamy. Our brains enjoy this flavor so much, we often want more. That’s why cheese can feel a little addictive — but it’s mostly because it’s just that delicious!
© Dr. Stuart Farrimond / Our Media
Microbes (noun): Tiny living things like bacteria and fungi.
Curds (noun): The soft, thick clumps that form when milk turns into cheese.
Whey (noun): The liquid left over after curds are made from milk.
Fat (noun): A part of food that gives it a rich taste and gives our bodies energy.