The Power of Cheese
Americans love their cheese, and the rate and amount of cheese consumption is certainly way above average. In some estimates, roughly 8 to 40 billion pounds of cheese are consumed every year throughout the US. In terms of what food cheese is paired with, it’s not all about pizzas or sandwiches either, as cheese is also often used in pastas, sauces, or even as a snack in itself. There does not seem to be an end to the variety of cheese options Americans have either, with over 2,000 types of cheese available in stores ranging from hard to soft, grated to shredded, and even crumbled. Cheese has been around the US for a good while, so why do Americans still love it so much?
Cheese is viewed by many Americans as comfort food. Cheese often adds an extra flavor and texture to whatever dish it is added to that will often comfort the person eating it. It is also seen as a little one time treat for yourself and also brings associations of warmth, such as when someone is having a cheese pizza at a party. There is even scientific research that suggests that cheese may be one of those few food items that can trigger something in the brain that makes people experience pleasure and relaxation while eating it.
In addition to the idea of Americans enjoying cheese as comfort food there is also the nutritional aspect to consider. Cheese is packed full of minerals and vitamins and has important components such as protein, calcium, and zinc that are found in it. Cheese is also a great tool for helping people maintain a balanced diet and it is also known to help reduce the risk of many diseases most notably heart conditions. So it seems food choice is a challenge for many health-conscious Americans as they can often make use of cheese to help them out with it.
The sheer abundance of cheese found in the US surely has a part to play in the amount of its consumption. Cheese is available in most places and can come in numerous forms. With over 2000 types of cheese, it’s not hard to find a variety of cheese for any occasion. Not only that, but the US also imports cheese from other countries where cheese-making is a long-standing tradition. So be it for flavor or convenience, cheese quickly became a staple dish for Americans everywhere.
And of course, the americanized fast food diet also plays a role. Eating fast food items like burgers and hot dogs with a slice of cheese quickly became entrenched in the American way of life. The cheese helps to make these dishes even more delectable and enjoyable, and with its imperishable nature, it also helped to keep the food fresh and delicious.
Taking all this into account, it’s not surprising that cheese has become such a large part of the American way of food. Americans have come to enjoy cheese in countless ways and it has become commonplace in many foods. Cheese is almost like a universal food item in the US, appreciated by all. And while some may question if Americans eat too much cheese, it would appear that the answer to that is no as its nutritional benefits far outweigh its potential drawbacks.
Cheese Culture in America
It’s those small artisan cheese shops in the USA that offer an interesting perspective. Shops which specialize in cheese, of all things, offer a wider selection of products than supermarkets and offer customers a unique and personal experience with regards to cheese-tasting. These shops can be found in almost any city, and they act as the perfect representation of the culture surrounding cheese in the US. From various events such as cheese tastings, workshops, to even cheese-related meetups, these stores provide a complete sensory experience that is unparalleled to any.
The interest in locally produced cheeses is also growing in the US, and it acts as a way to support local makers. Not only is this a way to show support for local cheese-makers, but it’s also a way to promote the use of natural ingredients and artisanal processes in the US. This has led to many smaller artisan cheese shops gaining a wider customer base, as people are while happy to support local producers. This comes not only as a way to support these artisanal cheese makers, but also as a way to enjoy their products in their local area.
Cheese makers in the USA have also been known to add a unique twist to traditional recipes. Goat’s cheese might be flavoured with juniper berries, for example, or the famous blue cheese is often blended with other cheeses to give it a more unique flavour. These shops often offer customers the chance to taste these creations, so they can get a real feel for the quality of the cheese they are buying. As customers can see how the cheese is made it also gives them the opportunity to talk to the makers and get more information about the ingredients and processes involved, which can help customers further appreciate the work that goes into the final product.
All this points towards a culture of cheese appreciation in the US, and there doesn’t seem to be any negative impact from the high rate of cheese consumption in the country. Cheese is and will continue to be a major part of American cuisine and all the evidence suggests that Americans still enjoy their cheese despite its long history.
Benefits of Eating Cheese
The benefits of cheese consumption don’t end there either. Eating cheese has several benefits including health benefits, in which eating cheese can help reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and obesity, to name a few. Cheese is also known to contain certain fats and proteins that can help to build muscle, which is especially beneficial if you’re trying to gain weight or tone your body.
Consuming cheese is also known to help with bone health, as it contains calcium which is essential for building strong bones and teeth. In addition, cheese is believed to contain certain vitamins and minerals that helps people feel fuller for longer and rev up their metabolism to help them burn fat. It also contains B vitamins which are important for proper brain functioning. Overall, cheese is incredibly beneficial for maintaining good health.
Furthermore, cheese can also help improve a person’s mood. Eating cheese releases certain hormones that can help increase serotonin levels, the chemical responsible for feelings of happiness and calmness. Eating cheese is also known to help reduce stress and anxiety. This is important, as high levels of stress are linked to health problems such as anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbance. So as one can see, cheese consumption can help people stay happy and healthy.
Cheese’s Contribution to the Economy
The high rate of cheese consumption in the US isn’t all fun and games either. Cheese is also a major player in the US economy, with its high demand leading to a massive 9 billion dollar industry. More than just a flavorful food item, cheese also plays an important role in job creation and economic stimulus. The US cheese industry supports over 15000 jobs and contributes billions to the US economy in taxes alone. From the farmers to the retail associates, the industry is full of individuals hardworking to bring their customers the best quality cheese.
The large amount of cheese consumed in the US has also encouraged innovation within the industry. Dairy farmers have started searching for more efficient ways to produce cheese, such as using robots and automation systems to supplement their labor force. This allows farmers to create cheese more quickly and at a lower cost, and that has led to cheaper prices for customers, which helps to support cheese consumption even further.
Cheese consumption has led to the development of specialised businesses. Large-scale producers have began to use factories to mass-produce cheese more quickly and cheaply. Specialised stores have popped up to cater to customers looking for a more specialised experience. Lastly, foodservice establishments have began to feature dishes made with high-quality cheese to attract customers. All this shows how much of an influence the cheese industry has had on the US economy.
Food Trends and Cheese
Finally, the increasing number of food trends in the US has helped to increase the prominence of cheese in American cuisine. Food trends such as mac & cheese, grilled cheese sandwiches, and cheese-based desserts are all incredibly popular in today’s food scene, and the success of these dishes has certainly helped to contribute to the rise of
