Cheese Production in Canada: A Cultural Perspective

This assignment explores cheese production in Canada, focusing on the cultural influences that
shape it. Cheese holds a special place in Canadian cuisine, and we'll examine how geography,
culture, ethnicity, and climate come together to create the diverse cheese landscape.

Geography & Diversity : Canada's vast geography plays a key role in cheese production. Regions
like Quebec and Ontario boast rich dairy farming traditions. This diversity gives rise to a wide
range of cheeses, from cheddar to brie. Each area's unique terroir contributes to the distinct
flavors and textures of Canadian cheese.

Cultural Heritage : Canada's multicultural fabric is woven into its cheese production. Immigrant
communities have introduced their cheese-making traditions, leading to a rich tapestry of
flavors. Italian, Dutch, and French influences, for example, have shaped the artisanal cheese
industry, creating a blend of Old World craftsmanship with Canadian innovation.

Climate & Aging : Canada's climate, marked by cold winters, influences cheese aging. Cheese
cellars across the country take advantage of the cold to mature cheeses like gouda and blue
cheese. The result is a range of award-winning aged cheeses with unique characteristics that
reflect both climate and culture.

Food System Map :

 Raw Materials
o Milk from Halal-certified sources
 o Halal-certified rennet or microbial coagulant
o Halal-certified cultures and enzymes
o Halal-compliant salt
 Milk Collection
o Collection of milk from Halal-certified dairy farms within the chosen culture or
region
 Processing
o Pasteurization: Heating milk to kill harmful bacteria while maintaining Halal
standards
o Coagulation: Addition of Halal-certified coagulant to form curds
o Curd Formation: Cutting and draining curds
o Culturing: Adding Halal-certified cultures to develop flavor
o Salting: Incorporating Halal-compliant salt for taste
 Cheese Molding
o Shaping the cheese into desired forms (blocks, wheels, etc.)
 Aging
o Placing cheese in a controlled environment for aging,
o ensuring Halal compliance in storage
 Quality Control
o Regular inspections and testing to ensure Halal and quality standards are met
 Packaging
o Packing cheese in Halal-compliant packaging materials
 Distribution
o Transporting Halal cheese to Halal-certified retailers and markets
 Retail
o Display and sale of Halal cheese in Halal-certified stores
 Consumption
o Halal cheese is used in various culinary applications within the chosen culture or
region

Conclusion : Cheese production in Canada is a testament to the harmonious interplay of

geography, culture, ethnicity, and climate. It showcases a vibrant industry that embraces diverse
traditions and innovations. Canadian cheese is not just a product but a reflection of the nation's
multicultural heritage and its ability to blend global influences into a rich and delicious tapestry.