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.

Fruit Baskets and Gift Ideas for Her
Send fruit baskets and gift baskets packed with gourmet foods to the special woman in your life.Great birthday, anniversary and holiday gifts for wife, mother, sister

Last minute- experience gift shop - giftybox.com
Need it now? Your gift can still make it on time! gift, Wedding gift, Gift for him, Gift for her, Experience gift, .Home :: Last minute.Last Minute Gifts

Last Minute Women's Gifts - Last Minute Gifts for Women - Overnight ...
Last minute women's gifts at RedEnvelope, your source for last minute gifts for women and will help you find the perfect gift for her in a hurry.

Last Minute Gift Baskets: BisketBaskets.com
Cookie .Dog Gifts.Last Minute Gift Baskets Make Great Gifts For Those Special People On Your Gift List! Her.For Him.Candy Bouquets.Pet & Owner Gifts

Last Minute Gifts, Last minute gift ideas, gifts
Selection of Last Minute Gifts, gifts to make it easy to find get well, thank you, last minute ideas and more gifts flowers and gift baskets.Last Minute Gifts