World's Oldest Cheese Discovered in China

For the first time, scientists have extracted and analyzed DNA from the oldest known cheese, approximately 3,600 years old, found alongside mummies in China's Tarim Basin. This groundbreaking research reveals that the cheese, identified as kefir, was made from cow and goat milk and provides insights into ancient food production and probiotic evolution. The study, led by Qiaomei Fu from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, indicates that the kefir strains discovered have evolved over time, influenced by human domestication and preferences. The findings suggest that kefir culture has been maintained in Xinjiang since the Bronze Age, shedding light on the dietary practices of the Xiaohe people. Furthermore, the research highlights the potential for ancient DNA studies to uncover the history of food production and cultural exchanges. The study opens a new frontier in understanding how diverse microbial communities were utilized in ancient food practices.