World's Oldest Cheese Discovered in China

a { color: #880000 !important; background: #ffeeee !important; } World's Oldest Cheese Discovered in ChinaArchaeology > ScienceResearchers have identified the world's oldest known cheese, dating back approximately 3,600 years, found in mummies at the Xiaohe Cemetery in Xinjiang, China. The cheese, made from goat and cow's milk, provides insights into ancient dairy practices and human interactions during the Bronze Age.

What's happened

Researchers have identified the world's oldest known cheese, dating back approximately 3,600 years, found in mummies at the Xiaohe Cemetery in Xinjiang, China. The cheese, made from goat and cow's milk, provides insights into ancient dairy practices and human interactions during the Bronze Age.

Why it matters

What the papers say

According to the New York Times, Qiaomei Fu, a paleogeneticist, described the cheese as the 'oldest cheese in the world,' emphasizing its significance in understanding ancient human life. The Independent highlighted that the cheese was likely buried with mummies for afterlife consumption, indicating its cultural importance. Sky News noted that the cheese's dry, dense state differs from modern soft cheeses, showcasing the preservation conditions in the Tarim Basin. Metro reported that the study's findings, published in the journal Cell, reveal the presence of Lactobacillus kefiranofaciens, linking ancient practices to modern kefir production. The South China Morning Post emphasized the cultural exchange reflected in the Xiaohe population's adoption of animal husbandry from steppe cultures.

How we got here

The cheese was discovered in 2003 during excavations at the Xiaohe Cemetery, where mummies were found with substances believed to be dairy products. Recent advancements in DNA analysis have allowed researchers to identify these substances as kefir cheese, shedding light on ancient dietary practices.

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Common question

What is the significance of the world's oldest cheese discovered in China?
The recent discovery of the world's oldest cheese, dating back 3,600 years, has sparked interest in ancient dairy practices and cultural insights from the Bronze Age. Found in mummies at the Xiaohe Cemetery in Xinjiang, China, this cheese not only reveals dietary habits but also hints at the social interactions of ancient civilizations. Below are some common questions people have about this fascinating find.
What Does the Discovery of the World's Oldest Cheese Reveal About Bronze Age Diets?
The recent discovery of the world's oldest cheese, dating back 3,600 years, has sparked interest in ancient dietary practices and cultural significance. Found in mummies at the Xiaohe Cemetery in Xinjiang, China, this cheese offers a unique glimpse into the lives of people during the Bronze Age. What can we learn from this find about their diets, customs, and interactions with other cultures? Below are some common questions that arise from this fascinating discovery.
What Does the Discovery of the World's Oldest Cheese Reveal About Ancient Diets?
The recent discovery of the world's oldest cheese, dating back around 3,600 years, has opened a fascinating window into ancient dietary practices. Found in mummies at the Xiaohe Cemetery in Xinjiang, China, this cheese not only highlights the significance of dairy in ancient diets but also raises questions about how these early civilizations interacted with their environment and each other. Below, we explore some common questions surrounding this remarkable find.
What Does the Discovery of the World's Oldest Cheese Reveal About Ancient Diets?
The recent discovery of the world's oldest cheese, dating back around 3,600 years, has opened a fascinating window into ancient dietary practices and cultural significance. Found in mummies at the Xiaohe Cemetery in Xinjiang, China, this cheese not only highlights the importance of dairy in ancient diets but also raises questions about how these early civilizations interacted with their environment and each other. Below, we explore some common questions surrounding this remarkable find.