Cheese is a food made from milk, usually the milk of cows, buffalo, goats, or sheep, by coagulation. The milk is acidified, typically with a bacterial culture, then the addition of the enzyme rennet or a substitute (e.g. acetic acid or vinegar) causes coagulation, to give "curds and whey". Some cheeses also have molds, either on the outer rind (similar to a fruit peel) or throughout.

Hundreds of types of cheese are produced. Their different styles, textures and flavors depend on the origin of the milk (including the animal's diet), whether it has been pasteurized, butterfat content, the species of bacteria and mold, and the processing including the length of aging. Herbs, spices, or wood smoke may be used as flavoring agents. The yellow to red color of many cheeses is a result of adding annatto. Cheeses are eaten both on their own and cooked in various dishes; most cheeses melt when heated.

For a few cheeses, the milk is curdled by adding acids such as vinegar or lemon juice. Most cheeses are acidified to a lesser degree by bacteria, which turn milk sugars into lactic acid, then the addition of rennet completes the curdling. Vegetarian alternatives to rennet are available; most are produced by fermentation of the fungus Mucor miehei , but others have been extracted from various species of the Cynara thistle family.

Cheese has served as a hedge against famine and is a good travel food. It is valuable for its portability, long life, and high content of fat, protein, calcium, and phosphorus. Cheese is more compact and has a longer shelf life than the milk from which it is made. Cheesemakers near a dairy region may benefit from fresher, lower-priced milk, and lower shipping costs. The long storage life of cheese allows selling it when markets are more favorable.

Caribbean Villas and Resorts | Last Minute travel deals to the Caribbean
5.9/8 .Save - Caribbean Villas and Resort' Last Minute travel deals to the Caribbean online 30% Discount ** BEST DEAL GOING -- BOOK NOW!! Cinnamon Ridge

Last Minute Travel Deals - Travelzoo
Search by location or find a list of the latest sales and specials for last minute travel planning.

Cheap Caribbean | Last Minute
and luxurious rooms is a mere 10 minutes from nearby Playa del Carmen..Best Overall Provider of Outstanding Travel Deals for Caribbean, Mexico and Bermuda

Last-Minute Travel Deals - SmarterTravel.com
Search for the latest last-minute airfare deals from your local airport or to Caribbean & Mexico Last-Minute Summer Deals!

Look for last-minute deals on Caribbean winter travel - SmarterTravel.com
Home > News & Advice > Tip of the Day > Look for last-minute deals on Caribbean winter travel up for our free Deal Alert newsletter.email address: HOTELS