Scientists have discovered the oldest cheese ever found, dating back 3,600 years in northwestern China. The cheese was found on a young woman’s neck in a Bronze Age coffin, along with other well-preserved items such as boots and a hat. The DNA analysis of the cheese samples sheds light on the lifestyle of the Xiaohe people and the evolution of animal husbandry in East Asia.
The cheese was identified as kefir cheese, made by fermenting milk using kefir grains. Evidence of goat and cow milk was also found in the samples. The study revealed that the Xiaohe people, who were genetically lactose intolerant, consumed dairy before the era of pasteurization and refrigeration. The spread of kefir cheese was traced back from Xinjiang via Tibet, providing crucial evidence of how Bronze Age populations interacted.
The research also showed that the bacteria strains in the cheese gained resistance to antibiotics over time but also adapted to be beneficial to the immune system. The study highlighted how human activities over thousands of years influenced microbial evolution, including the divergence of bacterial subspecies due to the spread of kefir across different populations.
Despite the historical significance of the discovery, the lead scientist on the study expressed no interest in trying the cheese, stating that it was too old and would not be edible. Overall, the study provides valuable insights into the ancient origins of cheese production and its impact on human history and microbial evolution.
Photo credit
www.nbcnews.com
