Kamil Perry
While the idea of making cheese from breast milk may seem like an urban legend, it is indeed possible and has been done before. In 2010, New York chef and restaurateur Daniel Angerer created small batches of cheese from his wife's excess breast milk. The concept of consuming cheese made from human breast milk is often met with mixed reactions, ranging from curiosity and intrigue to disgust and condemnation. Some consider it a healthier and more ethical alternative to animal milk, while others view it as a taboo subject that borders on cannibalism. Breast milk cheese has also appeared in popular culture, such as on the reality TV show MasterChef, where a contestant served Gordon Ramsay breast milk mac and cheese.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is it possible to make cheese with breast milk? | Yes |
| Is it widely accepted? | No |
| Is it safe to consume? | Yes, if the source is safe |
| Is it vegan? | No |
| Is it healthy? | Yes, it is healthier than cow's milk |
| Is it nutritious? | Not more nutritious than cheese made from other animal milk |
| Is it tasty? | Described as bland, slightly sweet, and with an off-putting texture |
| Is it ethical? | It raises ethical questions about the use of human bodies as factories |
| Is it expensive? | Yes, the going rate for human milk is $2 an ounce |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Breast milk cheese has been made by a New York chef
Breast milk cheese is not a widely accepted appetizer option, and it is not frequently attempted. However, in 2010, a New York chef and restaurateur, Daniel Angerer, made headlines when he posted a recipe for breast milk cheese on his blog. Angerer's wife had an abundance of pumped breast milk and lacked freezer storage space, so he decided to experiment with making cheese. While Angerer's creation sparked curiosity and controversy, health regulations prevented him from serving it to diners in his New York City restaurant.
In 2011, a New York gallery named The Lady Cheese Shop, hosted by graduate student Miriam Simun, offered adventurous eaters the opportunity to sample cheese made from human breast milk. Simun collaborated with three nursing women who were willing to donate their milk for cheese-making. She screened the milk for diseases, pasteurized it, and learned the basics of cheese-making. The event sparked mixed reactions, with some people intrigued by the concept and others finding it unusual.
The idea of using breast milk in cheese-making has sparked debates and strong opinions. Some people view it as a waste of valuable breast milk, while others argue that it could lead to the exploitation of women if it became a commercial venture. There are also health considerations and concerns about the safety of consuming breast milk cheese. However, some strict vegans may appreciate culinary creations made with human breast milk as an animal-friendly alternative to other dairy products.
While the concept of breast milk cheese may be controversial, it is not merely a product of urban legends or fantasies. It has been attempted and sampled by curious individuals, sparking discussions about food ethics, health, and societal perceptions of breast milk.
Anchor Cheese: A New Zealand Original
You may want to see also
A MasterChef contestant once served Gordon Ramsay breast milk mac and cheese
Breast milk cheese is a niche market, and while some chefs have tried using it in recipes, it is not a widely accepted option. However, in 2015, a MasterChef contestant served Gordon Ramsay mac and cheese made with breast milk.
Ramsay, a judge on the show, was caught off guard by the secret ingredient. He asked the contestant how she made the dish, to which she replied, "It's my breast milk." While TV hosts James Corden and Julie Chen were shocked by the revelation, Ramsay defended the dish, saying it tasted sweet.
The idea of using breast milk in cooking is not new. In 2010, chef Daniel Angerer posted a recipe for breast milk cheese on his blog. He was inspired by his wife's abundance of pumped breast milk and lack of freezer storage. However, health regulations prevented him from serving it to diners in his New York City restaurant.
In 2011, a New York gallery offered adventurous eaters the chance to sample cheese made from human breast milk. The project, called The Lady Cheese Shop, was created by graduate student Miriam Simun to spark a discussion about food ethics. While some people were intrigued by the idea, others found it puzzling or even gag-worthy.
The Many Cheeses Made from Pasteurized Cow's Milk
You may want to see also
Breast milk cheese is not vegan
Human breast milk cheese is not vegan because it contains human and animal milk. While some vegans may appreciate culinary creations made with human milk as an alternative to other dairy products, it is not a vegan product. For example, Angerer's original recipe for breast milk cheese uses part cow's milk and rennet to achieve coagulation.
The idea of making cheese from breast milk has been explored by various people, including a New York gallery that offered cheese made from human breast milk, a MasterChef contestant who served Gordon Ramsay breast milk mac and cheese, and a New York chef who served diners at his restaurant cheese made from his wife's milk.
Breast milk cheese has received mixed reviews, with some people finding it intriguing and others finding it uncomfortable or stigmatizing. It has also raised questions about the ethics of modern biotechnologies and the use of human bodies as "factories."
While human breast milk cheese may not be vegan, there are vegan alternatives made from plant-based sources. For example, a brand called Beyond Baby offers a line of mommy cheese, yogurt, and ice cream made from breast milk sourced from women who have been vegan for at least five years. These products provide vegan alternatives to dairy while addressing the absurdity of humans consuming milk from non-human animals.
Artificial Cheese: What's It Made Of?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Breast milk cheese has been served in London
While it is possible to make cheese with breast milk, it is not a widely accepted appetizer option. In 2010, New York chef and restaurateur Daniel Angerer created cheese from excess breast milk produced by his wife. However, health regulations prevented him from serving it in his restaurant.
In 2011, an ice cream parlor in London called The Icecreamists began offering a breast milk-based dessert named "Baby Gaga" (later renamed "Baby Googoo" following a complaint from Lady Gaga's lawyers). The ice cream was priced at $24 a scoop and the breast milk was sourced from more than a dozen women who sold their milk for over $300 per gallon.
The idea of using breast milk in food has sparked controversy, with some people intrigued by the ingenuity of it, while others find it off-putting and abhorrent. Some strict vegans may appreciate culinary creations made with breast milk as an animal-friendly alternative to other dairy products. However, Angerer's original recipe for breast milk cheese uses part cow's milk and rennet to achieve coagulation, so it is not entirely vegan.
The use of breast milk in food has also raised questions about the ethics of modern biotechnologies and the various ways human bodies are used as "factories". While some may find the concept of consuming breast milk as an adult strange, it is important to note that it is not a new practice. The ancient legend of "The Roman Charity" tells of a man named Cimon who was kept alive in prison by his daughter Pero's breast milk.
The Gouda Cheese-Making Process at Castello
You may want to see also
Breast milk cheese has been described as bland and slightly sweet
Breast milk cheese is not a widely accepted appetizer option. While some chefs have tried using it in recipes, it is not a common ingredient. In 2010, New York chef and restaurateur Daniel Angerer created small amounts of cheese from excess breast milk produced by his wife. Angerer's recipe uses part cow's milk and rennet to achieve coagulation.
Breast milk cheese has been described as "quite bland and slightly sweet" by a food critic. The milk donor herself thought the cheese paired well with a Riesling. The texture was described as "off-putting", with a "strangely soft, bouncy" consistency.
In 2011, a New York gallery offered cheese made from human breast milk to adventurous eaters, receiving mixed reviews. Three varieties were available: West Side Funk, Midtown Smoke, and Wisconsin Chew. Midtown Smoke was described as "creamy and just pure heaven". The taste of Wisconsin Chew apparently reflected the vegetable-filled diet of the woman who provided the milk.
Breast milk cheese is not a new phenomenon. Archaeological evidence suggests that milk production is likely to be as old as the domestication of sheep, dating back to 5500 BC in Poland. However, the idea of consuming cheese made from human breast milk is still shocking to many people.
Rat Cheese: What's the Mystery Ingredient?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, in 2010, New York chef and restaurateur Daniel Angerer created small amounts of cheese from excess breast milk produced by his wife.
A food critic described it as "quite bland, slightly sweet. … It’s the unexpected texture that’s so off-putting. Strangely soft, bouncy, like [the pudding-like Italian dessert] panna cotta."
Yes, in 2011, a London ice cream parlor called the Icecreamists offered a breast milk-based dessert named "Baby Gaga" (later renamed "Baby Googoo" following contact from Lady Gaga's lawyers).
