Cheese: an essential food in history
Cheese making has been a historical craft that has played a fundamental role in feeding families. Transforming milk into a solid product to feed people has been a task carried out mainly by women throughout time. While the men took care of other agricultural tasks, the women were in charge of milking and making cheese.
The role of women in cheese making
Since the beginning of agriculture and livestock, women have played a fundamental role in cheese making. While the men were in charge of herding the animals, the women were in charge of milking and transforming the milk into cheese. This work allowed the surplus milk to be preserved and used, preventing it from being wasted.
Throughout history, women have been in charge of making a wide variety of cheeses. In many regions, such as northern Spain, the cheese-making tradition has been closely linked to women. Recipes such as Queixo do País in Galicia or Cabrales in Spain have been made mainly by women, both in the management of livestock and in the production and marketing of cheese.
The change of roles with industrialization
With the advent of industrialisation, many people left rural areas to work in factories and growing cities. This led to a change in traditional roles, including cheese making. However, throughout history, the role of women in cheese production has remained, especially in regions where the cheesemaking tradition has endured.
The legacy of women cheesemakers
The work of women cheesemakers has left an important legacy in history. In different parts of the world, such as England, Spain and other countries, women have been recognized for their contribution to the production of emblematic cheeses. Their knowledge and skills have been fundamental for the creation of world-renowned cheeses.
Conclusions
Cheese making has been a historical craft carried out mainly by women. Their work has been essential for feeding families and preserving milk. Throughout history, women have left an important legacy in cheese production, contributing to the creation of emblematic cheeses in different regions of the world.