Worlds Oldest cheese found next to Mummies

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Scientists have found the world’s oldest cheese, made over 3,500 years ago, buried with mummies in China’s Tarim Basin.

This ancient cheese was discovered by archaeologists around 20 years ago and has now been identified as kefir cheese, a fermented dairy product made from cow and goat milk. Kefir cheese is similar to thick yogurt, created using special bacteria and yeast.

Researchers say this discovery provides a rare glimpse into the diet of people from the Bronze Age.

Remarkably, the same microorganisms used to make this cheese are still in use today! The study of the cheese gives experts valuable insights into the foods and culture of ancient societies. One researcher, Qiaomei Fu, explained that it’s difficult to preserve foods like cheese for thousands of years, making this an exciting and important find.

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