National Cheese Day

National Cheese Day History

National Cheese Day celebrates one of the most beloved food items worldwide - cheese. It aims to highlight cheese in all its delicious diversity with over a thousand different varieties to discover and enjoy. Besides acknowledging the delight that cheese brings to our tables, it also emphasizes the immense skill and tradition embedded in cheese-making. This observance gives credence to the dedication of all the artisans, craftsmen, and dairy farmers whose knowledge and practice are pivotal in creating this much-loved food product.

Having origins undefined, National Cheese Day celebrates the US's significant contributions to the cheese world. America boasts a variety of homegrown cheeses, their quality and depth of flavor attesting to the rich heritage and practice of cheese-making in the country. Cheeses such as Monterey Jack, Colby, and Cream cheese are American originals, each having an interesting backstory rooted in the culinary history of the United States. The celebration holds a special resonance for all American cheese lovers, from devoted gourmands to casual snackers.

In the United States, National Cheese Day is observed in several ways. It's a day when cheese lovers express their appreciation by consuming cheese in its many forms - whether as a sumptuous ingredient in gourmet meals, a comforting addition to everyday dinners, or a standalone snack. Event-themed parties, cheese tastings, recipe swaps, and restaurant specials also mark the celebration, spreading cheese cheer throughout the nation. National Cheese Day is observed on June 4th, emphasizing the American passion for cheese.

National Cheese Day facts

• According to data from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the countries with the highest per capita cheese consumption are France, Iceland, and Finland.
• The world's most expensive cheese is called Pule and is made from donkey milk. It is produced in Serbia and can cost up to $600 per pound.
• According to the International Dairy Foods Association, the first cheese is believed to have been created accidentally more than 4,000 years ago. Supposedly, an Arabian merchant had put his supply of milk into a pouch made from a sheep's stomach. Leaving it all day, an enzyme from the stomach called rennet had caused the milk to separate into liquid (whey) and solids (curd).
• According to a 2021 YouGov poll, America’s favorite cheeses are:
  1) Cheddar (19%)
  2) American (13%)
  3) Mozzarella (9%)
  4) Swiss (8%)
• There are about 1833 known varieties of cheese.

In the News and Trending in the US for National Cheese Day

Top things to do in the US for National Cheese Day

• Visit a gourmet or artisan cheese shop. You can view a variety of different cheeses. They may even be offering specials or deals to celebrate the day.
• Host a wine and cheese night. Have friends bring their favorite wines while you soppy the cheeses. If you need ideas check out what wines pair well with cheese.
• Watch a video explaining how cheese is made.