Cheese is a dairy product made from the coagulation of milk proteins, resulting in a variety of flavors, textures, and types depending on the production process and aging. Historically, cheese-making dates back to around 8000 BC, likely discovered accidentally through milk storage in animal stomachs. The cheese-making process involves steps like pasteurization, acidification, curd formation, and aging, with various types including fresh, soft, semi-hard, and hard cheeses, each with distinct characteristics and nutritional content.