| According to recent figures, the United States has | | | | sliced and in re-sealable bags to keep it fresh for |
| the 7th largest per capita consumption of cheese. | | | | longer. The variety of cheese and mixed cheese |
| In 2004, that position in the world rankings | | | | combinations ensure that there is bound to be a |
| equated to 31.2 pounds of cheese being eaten by | | | | cheese to suit any dish. Pizzas, hamburgers, |
| every person in America. That's a lot of pizzas! In | | | | sandwiches and pasta are just some of the foods |
| fact, if all of that cheese consumption was | | | | that cheese enhances. The use of cheese in |
| pizza-related, a person would have to eat over 80 | | | | many fast foods and take-outs has also |
| pizzas in a year. Not surprisingly, the Italians and | | | | contributed to the increase in the amount of |
| Greeks rank higher than America in the cheese | | | | cheese that Americans eat on a yearly basis. |
| consumption stakes, but the gap is closing. | | | | The rising trend for cheese consumption shows |
| There are so many different types of cheese | | | | no signs of slowing down anytime soon. Between |
| produced in America, but the most popular one | | | | 1980 and 2004, the amount of cheese eaten per |
| for the cheese eaters of the country is | | | | person rose from 17.5 pounds to 31.2 pounds. |
| Mozzarella. This pizza-topping favorite overtook | | | | That is a huge increase and the projected figure |
| cheddar to take the nation's favorite crown in | | | | for the year 2015 is 34 pounds per capita. There |
| 2002 and shows no sign of giving up the title | | | | is no doubt that the majority of Americans enjoy |
| anytime soon. This is supported by the change in | | | | cheese in one form or another on a regular basis. |
| cheese production over the 10-year period from | | | | Of course, it isn't just convenience that has led to |
| 1995 to 2005. In 1995, cheddar represented | | | | the increase of cheese consumption in America ? |
| 34.9% of the cheese production in America. | | | | health factors have also had an impact. Cheese is |
| Mozzarella was a close second, accounting for | | | | an excellent source of calcium. This essential |
| 30.7%. However, in 2005, the cheddar production | | | | nutrient helps strengthen bones and teeth. |
| had dropped to 33.4% and mozzarella had climbed | | | | Interestingly, the amount of calcium in cheese |
| to almost equal cheddar at 33.1%. The most | | | | differs by type. The best source of calcium in the |
| prolific cheese making state, not surprisingly is | | | | cheese family is parmesan. Parmesan provides |
| Wisconsin. Over a quarter of all American cheese | | | | almost twice as much calcium, by weight, as |
| is produced by the so-called 'Cheese State' ? a | | | | mozzarella. There is no doubt, if you are looking |
| name it richly deserves. | | | | for a quick and simple source of calcium, then a |
| The rise in cheese consumption in America can | | | | pizza with a mixture of cheese in the topping |
| largely be attributed to the convenience of the | | | | would be the ideal choice. |
| product. Cheese can now be bought shredded or | | | | |