Does America have any other edible products that are recognized as a type of food? Ok, that's incredibly vague – let me explain and simultaneously introduce my topic. What’s the deal with American cheese?
Cheese. I can’t think of another food with which American has staked such a monumental claim. Sure, we have the cross-country icons of burgers, fried chicken, and tacos. We even have the foods that are staples within America’s borders: New England clam chowder, Philly cheesesteaks, San Francisco Sourdough, Louisiana Po-Boys... The thing is, not one of these items can declare “American” as its modifier.
Cheese. America loves it. There are thousands of types of cheese in the world and I know I have only ever tasted maybe a few dozen varieties. I have had American cheese, and I am not a fan.
Why does the American version of a worldwide dietary giant have to be so… gross? Unfortunately, it is just another manifestation of all American food products. The type of cheese that we have named our own is a fake, processed, “cheese” product that is a few molecules away from the plastic in which it is wrapped. Look at the label, because it truly says something similar. Scary.
Cheese. Other countries brag about the raw, natural state of their home-grown dairy pride that is better with age and prepared following traditional recipes and practices. American cheese is made in factories, overly processed, full of empty calories and concocted in such a way to be highly modifiable and versatile.
Cheese. It’s great because there are so many versions. There is a type of cheese for any cuisine, any meal, sweet or savory. Sadly, America made a generic blend of cheesiness that has no individuality, no personality and is just plain bland. It’s just not for me, even though it’s my homeland’s dairy mascot.
So what else can I say? I think I’ve successfully portrayed my feelings toward American cheese. This week, as long as a Wegman’s, Trader Joe’s, or Whole Foods is nearby, take three minutes, comb through the cheese section and try something new! There are too many varieties out there to stick with the multi-purpose cheese “cure-all” that is American. Don’t worry, it’s not a crime, it's not "unpatriotic." Grab a chunk of nutty parmigiano-reggiano, a wheel of gooey brie, or a tub of mild, smooth chevre. There’s no budget for an American Dairy Police Department (ADPD) anyway.
Vegan Police on the other hand…
No comments:
Post a Comment