Healthy Eating

If Milk is White, Why is My Cheese Orange?

What you need to know about the cheese industry to make better choices.

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When I first began learning about the effects of food on our minds and bodies, I wanted to incorporate more natural options into my family’s diet.

One of the things I eliminated from my family’s diet was dairy. I think it was harder on me than the kids. I grew up eating Land-O-Lakes American Cheese and Muenster straight from the deli wrap. Those soft creamy slices dissolved on my tongue.

However, thanks to the Amish Cheese Gods, I later discovered the benefits of raw dairy. and joyously hopped back on the cheese train.

Raw means unpasteurized, in case you are wondering!

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I began purchasing raw dairy products from a local distributor, who illegally sold the goods to people “in the know”. You had to have an appointment, and you better not be late, or the gate would be locked, and the dogs would be loose.

That was over 20 years ago, and thankfully, you can now purchase raw dairy in some states. Be forewarned that in many states, sellers must label their raw milk. “For pet consumption ONLY”

Seems strange that the milk is safe for your doggie, but not for you? You can blame that on agricultural industries that influence laws.

So yeah, I was part of an illegal raw milk mob, and PROUD of it!

One day, while enjoying a chunk of cheddar I had ripped off the block, I thought, “Why is this white? Wait, why is the other stuff orange?

Cows don’t produce orange milk! So, what’s going on? I decided to investigate.

A Brief History of Cheese

Originally, cheese was not orange at all because it was primarily made from sheep’s milk. However, as cheesemaking shifted to cows during the Middle Ages, the color began to change. Cows that graze on fresh grass consume a significant amount of beta-carotene, the same nutrient that gives carrots their orange hue. This beta-carotene is then transferred to their milk, resulting in a light golden color in the cheese.

Cheese made from cow’s milk was creamier than sheep’s milk, so wheels with tints of yellow and orange were in high demand.

However, a challenge arose: with the production of butter. Cow’s milk separates, with the creamy fat layer rising to the top. Farmers would skim off this cream to make butter, leaving the remaining milk for cheese production. Unfortunately, beta-carotene, being fat-soluble, rose to the top as well. Therefore, the beta carotene was also removed, leaving the cheese with a dull and pale appearance compared to its golden counterpart.

The Dye Solution

In the 16th century, clever marketing strategies led to the development of a solution to this problem. Cheesemakers realized they could “fix” the pale color by dyeing the cheese. They initially used natural colorants such as marigolds and saffron to give the cheese a vibrant orange color. While this restored the desired appearance, it also drove up costs due to the expense of these color additives.

The Rise of Annatto

Eventually, cheesemakers discovered a more affordable and readily available solution: annatto. Annatto is a natural plant extract made from the seeds of the achiote tree. It provided the same rich orange color as saffron or marigold without the hefty price tag. As a result, annatto has been used ever since to give cheddar and other cheeses their familiar orange appearance.

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The Shift to Grain-Fed Cows

In the 20th century, farming practices underwent a transformation, with cows increasingly being fed grain instead of fresh grass. This dietary change led to a decline in beta-carotene levels in their milk, further diminishing the natural golden hue of cheese. Consequently, the use of annatto became even more essential to maintain the traditional orange color.

Annatto is from a seed therefore, it is considered safe and certainly better than food dyes, plus it doesn’t alter the taste of the cheese. So, why have it at all?

Well, for appeal. and to ensure cheese makers have a uniform color all year-round.

Beyond the Color

Now that you know why your cheese is orange, you might have some more questions, such as, “Does the cow’s diet have an impact on my cheese?”

Yes!

You just learned cows fed grains don’t produce high levels of beta-carotene. Plus, their feed often comes from GMO crops, like corn and soy, which are used to fatten them up quickly for market. This grain-based diet also affects the taste of the beef and milk they produce!

Cheese from grass-fed cows offers numerous nutritional advantages.

Grass-fed cheese offers higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids, providing a better balance of omega-6 to omega-3, supporting heart health and reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, obesity, and diabetes. Grass-fed cheese is also rich in fat-soluble vitamins like Vitamin E and beta carotene, which promote cell health, support vision, bone, and immune function, and may slow aging. Additionally, it contains more conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which has been linked to protection against diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers.

Grass-fed cows are treated more humanely than conventional farming. They can trot in the fields, roam the pastures, and rest in the sun, which provides ample amounts of Vitamin D

Cattle need vitamin D to help regulate calcium levels, and it also plays a crucial role in preventing milk fever, a serious condition that often occurs around calving. Milk fever is marked by dangerously low calcium levels in the blood and can lead to severe complications, including fatalities if left untreated.

Photo by Gary Ellis on Unsplash

Flavor?

Grass-fed cheese has a rich and varied taste that changes with the seasons and the region where the cows graze. Depending on the time of year and the type of cheese, it can have hints of floral, herbal, nutty, fruity, or earthy flavors.

So, what do you think? White or Orange? Grains or Grass?

If you prioritize natural and nutritious foods, white grass-fed cheese is the obvious choice.

• More Nutrients
• Healthier Fats
• No Need for Dyes

Where can you find grass-fed cheese?

Honestly, most major grocers sell it; you just have to read labels. But here is a list of some companies you may want to look for, to make your search easier:

• Kerrygold
• Organic Valley
• Rumian
• Maple Hill Creamery

You can also find all these brands online here!

Looking for a farm that produces or distributes raw, grass-fed cheeses? You can check out the U.S. map here!

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Happy Shopping, Happy Eating =Happy Smiles.

SAY “CHEESE!”

Thea- lover of all things magical