Hakko

Cheese and Your Health: The Impact of Fermentation, Type, and Production Method

Tateki Matsuda

April 13, 2023

Last October, American food professionals visited fermented food producers to deepen their knowledge of Japanese fermentation culture during the “Hakko Tourism in Japan” tour campaign. As part of the tour, organizers held a tasting session where guests gave candid advice from the perspective of the American market to food product manufacturers looking to enter the United States market.

Cheese is a staple food in many cultures worldwide and has been enjoyed for thousands of years. It is a delicious and versatile food that can be used in various dishes, from appetizers to main courses. It is also a good source of essential nutrients, such as calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin B12. However, not all cheese is created equal, and the healthiness of cheese can vary depending on several factors, such as the type of cheese, the production method, and the individual’s dietary needs and preferences.

In this article, we will explore the importance of fermentation for cheese and the benefits of grass-fed, grass-finished cheese. We will also compare the differences between hard and soft cheese, including their texture, flavor, production method, and health benefits. Finally, we will discuss the role of carbohydrates in cheese and the potential health implications of consuming cheese, especially for people with lactose intolerance.

The process of fermentation in cheese production

Fermentation is an essential process in cheese production and has been used for thousands of years to preserve dairy products and enhance their flavor. The process involves using microorganisms, such as bacteria and yeast, to break down sugars and starches in food and produce lactic acid, alcohol, and other compounds. Fermented dairy products, including cheese, are easier to digest than non-fermented dairy products. The bacteria in fermented dairy produce lactic acid, which helps break down the lactose in dairy products and makes them easier for people with lactose intolerance to digest. Additionally, fermented dairy products contain probiotics, beneficial bacteria that can improve gut health and boost the immune system. Fermented dairy products are also a rich source of vitamins and minerals, including calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin B12, all essential for healthy bones and muscles. Furthermore, the probiotics in fermented dairy can help absorb these nutrients, making them more readily available to the body.

The health benefits of grass-fed, grass-finished cheese

Grass-fed, grass-finished cheese is a unique type of cheese that combines fermentation’s benefits with a grass-based diet. Cows fed a diet of grass, and other forages can produce milk that is higher in nutrients and healthy fatty acids than cows fed a diet of grains and other processed feed. Grass-fed cows produce milk higher in omega-3 fatty acids, essential for heart health, and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which has been shown to have anti-cancer properties. Furthermore, grass-fed cows produce milk that is higher in vitamins A and E, as well as antioxidants, which help to protect the body from oxidative stress and cellular damage. Grass-fed, grass-finished cheese is also lower in unhealthy fats, such as saturated fat and trans fat than cheese made from milk from grain-fed cows. This is because grass-fed cows produce milk higher in healthy fats, such as monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, and lower in unhealthy fats.
Wild brown horses eating grass on pasture
Finally, grass-fed, grass-finished cheese is better for the environment than cheese made from milk from grain-fed cows. Cows fed a diet of grass, and other forages produce less greenhouse gas emissions than cows fed a diet of grains and other processed feed. Additionally, grass-fed cows can live and graze on pasture, which helps protect and preserve the land and biodiversity.

Hard and soft cheese

Hard cheese and soft cheese are two different types of cheese that differ in texture, flavor, and production method. Hard cheese is characterized by its firm and dense texture, resulting from the cheese being aged for a more extended period and removing more moisture from the curd. Hard cheeses are often tangy and salty, with a sharp, nutty, or earthy taste. Examples of hard cheese include cheddar, parmesan, and manchego. Conversely, soft cheese is characterized by its creamy and spreadable texture, resulting in the cheese being aged for a shorter period and having more moisture in the curd. Soft cheeses are often milder in flavor, with a sweet, tangy, or earthy taste. Examples of soft cheese include brie, camembert, and ricotta. The production methods for hard and soft cheese also differ. Hard cheese is usually made from whole and skim milk, which is then thickened, and the curd is cut, drained, and molded. The cheese is then aged for several months to years, losing moisture and becoming firmer and denser. Soft cheese is usually made from whole milk or a combination of whole milk and cream, which is then thickened, and the curd is drained but not cut. The cheese is then aged for a shorter period, usually, a few days to a few weeks, during which time it retains more moisture and becomes creamier and softer.

Carbohydrates in Cheese Fermentation

Both hard and soft cheese contain carbohydrates, but hard cheese typically contains fewer carbohydrates than soft cheese. The number of carbohydrates in cheese can vary depending on the type of cheese and the amount consumed. Still, on average, a 1-ounce serving of hard cheese contains about 0.5 grams of carbohydrates, while a 1-ounce serving of soft cheese contains about 1 gram of carbohydrates. It’s important to note that cheese is also a source of lactose, a carbohydrate that can be difficult for some people to digest. People with lactose intolerance may experience digestive symptoms after consuming cheese, even if it contains low carbohydrates.
Production of Gruyere de Comte Cheese at the French dairy in Franche Comte, Burgundy, in France

Cheese is a delicious and versatile food that is a good source of essential nutrients, such as calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin B12. Fermentation is a crucial process in cheese production, and fermented dairy products have numerous health benefits, including improved gut health and a boosted immune system. Grass-fed, grass-finished cheese is a unique type of cheese that combines the benefits of fermentation with the help of a grass-based diet, making it a healthier and more sustainable option. Hard cheese and soft cheese are two different types of cheese that differ in texture, flavor, and production method, but both contain carbohydrates and lactose. The healthiness of cheese depends on several factors, such as the type of cheese, the production method, and the individual’s dietary needs and preferences. It’s important to choose cheese that is made from high-quality, natural ingredients and to consume cheese in moderation as part of a balanced and varied diet.

Cheese is a versatile food that has been enjoyed for centuries and provides essential nutrients for a healthy diet. Fermentation is a key process in cheese production that has numerous health benefits, including improved gut health and a boosted immune system. Grass-fed, grass-finished cheese is a unique type of cheese that combines the benefits of fermentation with the benefits of a grass-based diet, making it a healthier and more sustainable option.

When choosing cheese, it’s important to consider the type of cheese, the production method, and your personal dietary needs and preferences. Hard cheese and soft cheese are two different types of cheese that have distinct differences in texture, flavor, and production method. Hard cheese typically contains fewer carbohydrates than soft cheese, but both contain lactose, which can cause digestive issues for those with lactose intolerance.

To reap the health benefits of cheese, it’s important to choose cheese made from high-quality, natural ingredients and to consume cheese in moderation as part of a balanced and varied diet. Additionally, incorporating fermented dairy products, including cheese, into your diet can provide numerous health benefits, including improved gut health and a boosted immune system.

On a final note, cheese can be a healthy addition to a balanced and varied diet, as long as it’s consumed in moderation and made from high-quality, natural ingredients. Whether you prefer hard or soft cheese, or opt for grass-fed, grass-finished cheese, the health benefits of cheese and fermented dairy products are undeniable. So, the next time you enjoy a delicious cheese dish, remember the many health benefits that come along with it.

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Tateki Matsuda
Tateki Matsuda
Tateki "Tech" Matsuda | + posts

Tateki Matsuda is the founder of Biohacker Center Japan, holding degrees in Applied Nutrition and Sports Movement Science. As a Professional MMA fighter in the UFC and health consultant in Boston, he combines his expertise in biohacking, nutrition, and athletics to optimize performance and promote holistic wellness.