Cheese Stood Alone for 3,600 Years
Archaeologists discovered the world's oldest cheese, dating back 3,600 years, in northwestern China, found with a mummy. It was made from cow and goat milk, resembling modern kefir.
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Archaeologists have discovered what is believed to be the world's oldest cheese, dating back approximately 3,600 years, in the Tarim Basin of northwestern China. The cheese was found alongside the mummified remains of a young woman, preserved in a sealed coffin. This discovery, detailed in a study published in the journal Cell, involved genetic analysis of the dairy product, revealing that it was made from the milk of both cows and goats. The cheese was likely soft and tangy, resembling modern kefir, and was found arranged around the neck of the mummy, indicating its significance in burial practices. The research team, led by paleogeneticist Qiaomei Fu, identified specific bacteria and yeast involved in the fermentation process, which are essential for producing kefir. This ancient cheese provides insights into early human cultures, suggesting interactions between different groups in the region. While the cheese has not been tasted due to its unappealing appearance, researchers are interested in recreating it based on their findings. The study highlights the long history of cheese-making, with evidence of dairy products dating back thousands of years.
- The oldest known cheese was discovered in the Tarim Basin, China, dating back 3,600 years.
- The cheese was found with a mummified woman, indicating its cultural significance.
- Genetic analysis revealed the use of cow and goat milk in its production.
- The cheese likely resembled modern kefir and was arranged as a necklace around the mummy's neck.
- Researchers plan to recreate the ancient cheese based on their findings.
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10 commentsIt’s common enough of an archaeological find that some people have tasted thousand year old butter!
That's quite an opening sentence.
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