People are obsessed with cheese, or at least most people are. There are an impressive two thousand varieties of cheese around the world, and they come in all shapes and sizes.

Most people think they understand cheese, but in truth, the stuff is more curious than one could possibly imagine; which makes sense when you consider the fact that cheese dates back as far as 7,500 years ago.

+Interesting Lesser-Known Facts about Cheese

Do you think you know everything there is to know about Cheese? A lot of people think like that. But think about it; for a substance that is so old, do you think you could possibly know everything there is to know about cheese?

At the very least, the following facts might surprise you:

1). Dreams

Eating cheese before you sleep might not cause nightmares (as some myths have suggested) but it can cause dreams. A study carried out in 2005 in Britain showed that eating cheese before sleeping can cause people to have all sorts of weird and disturbing dreams.

2). Wheels

Have you ever wondered why cheese comes in wheels? Believe it or not, the practice of making cheese in wheels began because it made transporting the stuff that much easier. That’s right; they produce cheese in wheels with the aim of rolling it.

3). Mice

Don’t let the cartoons fool you. Mice do not actually like cheese. Mice, for the most part, have an affinity for foods that are sweet and sugary. As such, there is nothing about the pungent smell of cheese that attracts them, though they will eat cheese if they have no other option.

4). Lactose intolerance

If you are lactose intolerant, then you cannot eat dairy products, right? Well, Cheese doesn’t seem to follow these rules. People that are lactose intolerant can actually enjoy cheese without facing any unfortunate health consequences. Dry cheese like cheddar and gouda, in particular, can be consumed by lactose intolerant persons without any side effects.

5). Health

Cheese isn’t just savory, it is also good for your health. Forget about all the rumors you keep hearing about the fattening aspects of cheese. As a source of calcium and vitamin D as well as nutrients like phosphorous, cheese is good for the teeth and bones.

6). De-icing

It is possible to de-ice roads by applying a combination of cheese waste and rock salt. This is what Wisconsin does. They have more cheese whey than they know what to do with.

7). Holes

Before you can sell Swiss Cheese in the U.S, you must submit it for review. The USDA is looking, not at the quality of the cheese, but the size of the holes. Yes, if you want to receive a rating from the USDA, your cheese’s holes must meet a very specific standard.

8). Turophiles

If you love cheese, then that is what you are officially called: a Turophile

9). Scent

Smelly cheese gets its pungent scent from bacteria called Brevibacterium linens. This is the same bacteria responsible for the odor of smelly feet.

10). Japan

The Japanese have a variety of cheese made with flowers

Below are some more interesting facts about cheese!

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