Remains of what appears to be cheese are found in China on an ancient burial site. The cheese is wrapped in cowhide and found on the necks and chests of Chinese mummies. Archaeologists estimate that the cheese is more than 3000 years old. Astonishing, since dairy products decay rather quickly. The extraordinary conditions off the grave, sited in the middle of the Taklamakan desert, created an ideal preservation chamber. Due to the salty soil and dry air, human and cheese alike are preserved remarkably well.
This smelly find proofs that cheese was produced about 3600 years ago. Since it is a relative easy method of making food, it is likely most humans produced cheese in human history. This particular cheese is lactose free, and was made by combining milk with a mix of bacteria – a technique still used today for the production of kefir.
More information on: Usatoday
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