3 The Chase For Cheese

THE CHASE FOR CHEESE by Harriet Brundle

HOP IN THE CHEESE WHEELS Hi, I'm Coty! Welcome to my food truck, the Cheese Wheels, where I make tasty cheesy meals. Which one would you like to try? MENU Cheese pizza Macaroni and cheese Grilled cheese Chocolate cheesecake Oh no! I've run out of cheese! I need to go get some more. Hop in the Cheese Wheels and join me! The Cheese Wheels

THE CHASE FOR CHEESE Cheese is made in many places, including the Netherlands, Germany, France, and Switzerland. Cheese can be made using milk from cows, sheep, and goats. There are different kinds of cheese. Cheeses can be soft or hard. Some cheeses are super smelly, and some are even blue! GORGONZOLA CHEDDAR MOZZARELLA The Cheese Wheels

MAKING CHEESE Because most cheese is made from animal milk, the first step is to get the milk from the animals. Then, the milk is heated to kill bad bacteria. Some farmers use machines to milk cows. Next, the milk is sent to a factory, where it will be made into cheese. Good bacteria are added to the milk. They make the milk thicker and will give the cheese more flavor.

FROM MILK TO CURDS Next, something called rennet is added to the milk. The rennet makes the milk curdle. CURDLED MILK When the milk curdles, it forms some solid chunks called curds. It also has a liquid called whey. The whey is taken away, leaving just the curds. Curds Whey

TIME TO AGE The curds are salted to add flavor and to help the cheese stay fresh. Then, the curds are shaped into blocks or wheels. These shapes become cheese. Cheese being shaped Many cheeses must sit to age. They might sit for weeks or even years. They are kept in places that are not too hot and not too cold. Some cheeses age in caves.