Cheese Wheel

Why is Cheese Round?

We’ve all seen those massive wheels of cheese on the internet. Some of the larger rounds are known to weigh in at over 1,000 pounds! So why are they shaped in wheels? Well, there are several practical reasons that may surprise you. As you might have guessed, moving those large cheeses can be pretty hard, but rolling them is fairly easy. The wheel unsurprisingly proves a much easier shape to transport than a square or rectangular cheese. But that’s not the only reason; there are also other practical motivations. When making firm cheese like cheddar, parmesan, and other hard cheese varieties, tremendous amounts of pressure must be exerted to form the cheeses and ensure they hold their shape. Rectangular and square shapes are less sturdy than wheels, and their corners are prone to breaking and crumbling off.

From a scientific view, the round shape is also most beneficial during the aging process. As the cheese ripens and the surface flora spreads, the mold begins to break down the exterior of the cheese, causing sharp corners to break off and crack. Wheels of cheese are less vulnerable to over-ripening, the rounded exterior hardens and forms an armor that protects the tasty paste within. The rind protects the cheese from insects, bacteria, and other nasty pests while allowing the cheese to finish curing. Some of these curved cheeses can even be stored at room temperature while they remain uncut, making them ideal for storage and a necessity before the days of refrigeration.