What is a piece of cheese made of?

Cheese is made from milk, specifically the proteins and fats found in milk. Here's a breakdown:

* Milk proteins: These are primarily casein and whey. Casein is the main protein that forms the structure of the cheese, while whey is the liquid portion that is often separated out during the cheesemaking process.

* Milk fats: These contribute to the texture, flavor, and richness of the cheese.

* Other ingredients: Depending on the type of cheese, additional ingredients like cultures (bacteria), rennet (an enzyme), salt, and sometimes herbs or spices are added.

The cheesemaking process involves a series of steps where the milk is heated, the milk proteins are coagulated, and the resulting curd is separated from the whey. This process results in different types of cheeses with varying textures, flavors, and moisture levels.