The Truth About Yellow Cheese: Uncovered

Cheese is predominantly made from cow's milk, which holds a white appearance before processing. Traditionally, cows fed on grass would produce milk rich in beta carotene, giving cheese made from this milk a natural yellow hue. However, as farming practices evolved, dairy farmers began skimming the cream from whole milk for profit since butter was more lucrative than cheese. This process inadvertently removed the beta carotene responsible for cheese's yellow coloration. To counterbalance this, producers began dyeing cheese to mimic its original appearance, leading consumers to believe they were still purchasing the same wholesome product. This tactic has persisted over the years, particularly seen in commercially available cheddar cheese today. While it's now possible to find undyed varieties at grocery stores, those seeking cheese in its natural state often need to visit specialty cheese shops for authentic options, revealing an intriguing blend of agricultural history and marketing strategy.