International Raw Milk Cheese Appreciation Day

International Raw Milk Cheese Appreciation Day celebrates the diversity, flavor, and history of cheeses made with milk that has not been pasteurized. Raw milk cheeses retain more of the fungi spores, yeasts, and microorganisms that can contribute to a cheese’s distinctive character and complexity. The holiday also recognizes the producers who continue making these traditional cheeses.

The Oldways Cheese Coalition created the Annual International Raw Milk Cheese Appreciation Day in 2015, also known as #RawCheeseDay. It was observed on the third Saturday in April from 2015 through 2019, including a worldwide celebration on April 20, 2019. From 2020 onward, it has taken place on the third Saturday in October. According to Oldways’ celebration page, the organization and a group of producers, importers, retailers, and cheese lovers have advocated for preserving raw milk cheese traditions around the world since 1999.

Raw milk cheeses can offer a wide range of flavors, and some enthusiasts appreciate their connection to artisanal cheesemaking and place. However, raw milk cheese is also subject to safety regulations and debate. Some doctors advise pregnant people and those with compromised immune systems to avoid it because of the potential presence of harmful bacteria.

How to Observe International Raw Milk Cheese Appreciation Day

Celebrate by trying a raw milk cheese, learning how it was made, and comparing its flavor with a pasteurized cheese. Visit a local cheese shop or ask a cheesemonger for guidance; Oldways’ Cheese Directory can help you find a cheese store near you. Share your discovery with fellow cheese lovers using #RawCheeseDay. If you are pregnant or immunocompromised, consider the health guidance around raw milk cheese before sampling it.

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