Frederic Melton
Rat cheese is a term that dates back to 1935-40 and is used to refer to cheese that is deemed suitable only for rat traps. However, there is also a Federation of Rodent Cheesemakers that claims to make cheese from rat milk. Rat milk has a high protein content of 8% and almost four times the fat content of cow's milk, making it a potential candidate for cheese production. While some sources claim that rat cheese is a hoax, others discuss its potential as a sustainable and environmentally-friendly alternative to traditional dairy cheese.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | An Americanism dating back to 1935-1940 |
| Presumably called so because it is deemed suitable only for rat traps | |
| Rat cheese is also referred to as cheddar cheese | |
| Production | Rat cheese is considered an internet hoax |
| The Federation of Rodent Cheesemakers is an organisation that makes cheese from rat milk | |
| 674 rats would produce 0.003% of the methane that comes from a dairy cow | |
| Taste | Rat's milk is high in protein (8%) and contains almost four times the fat by volume when compared to raw cow's milk |
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What You'll Learn
Rat cheese is an Americanism for cheddar cheese
Rat cheese is an American term dating back to 1935-40. It refers to cheddar cheese, which is not naturally orange and can be made from the milk of various animals, including cows, sheep, goats, and even buffalo, horses, camels, and donkeys.
While rat cheese is an Americanism for cheddar, there is also a hoax surrounding the idea of rat cheese made from rat milk. This hoax plays on the sympathies of foodies, promising a product from "happy animals" with various health benefits. The story goes that the first rat cheese was made by shipwrecked sailor Marcel Loussier, who longed for his native France. The Copenhagen Institute of Agriculture is then said to have revolutionized rat cheese with its invention of the Automated Rodent Milking Machine in 1996.
Despite the outlandish nature of this story, some have considered the potential benefits of rat cheese. Rat's milk is high in protein and fat, and cheese made from it could be a sustainable, environmentally-friendly product. However, the idea of consuming a product derived from rats may be off-putting to many, and the scale of production would be a significant challenge.
Ultimately, while rat cheese is an Americanism for cheddar, the idea of cheese made from rat milk has captured the imaginations of many, leading to an elaborate hoax and discussions about the potential benefits and challenges of such a product.
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It's also a hoax cheese made from rat's milk
Rat cheese is an internet hoax. However, some people believe it could be a future delicacy. The Federation of Rodent Cheese Makers (F.R.C.M.) claims that rat cheese is real and made from the milk of rats. According to their website, the first rat cheese was made by a shipwrecked sailor, Marcel Loussier, who longed for his native France. The Copenhagen Institute of Agriculture is also said to have invented the Automated Rodent Milking Machine (A.R.M.M.) in 1996, which could be used to milk rats.
The idea of rat cheese is not new. The term rat cheese was first used in American English between 1935 and 1940 to describe low-quality cheese suitable only for rat traps. The concept of making cheese from rat's milk has been discussed online, with some people even claiming to have tried it. One website claims that rat cheese is a hoax, but it could also be a delicious and sustainable future food.
Rat cheese is said to be made from the milk of rats, which has a high protein content of 8% and almost four times the fat content of cow's milk. This would make it ideal for making brie or adding to coffee. However, the main challenge of producing rat cheese on a large scale is the small amount of milk that rats produce compared to cows. It is estimated that it would take an army of 674 rats to produce the same amount of milk as one dairy cow.
While the idea of rat cheese may seem unappetizing to some, it is important to note that cheese can be made from the milk of various animals, including cows, sheep, goats, and even camels. Rats may not be the first choice for dairy animals, but they could be a good alternative for those seeking a sustainable and environmentally-friendly option. However, the idea of rat cheese remains a hoax, and it is unlikely that you will find it at your local deli counter anytime soon.
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Rat's milk is high in protein and fat
Rat cheese is not a widely known or commonly consumed type of cheese. In fact, it is often referred to as an Internet hoax. However, some sources do provide details about the hypothetical nature of rat cheese, including the composition of rat's milk. Rat's milk is said to be high in protein, containing about 8% protein, and has a high-fat content—almost four times that of raw cow's milk.
While it may seem far-fetched, the idea of rat cheese has been explored by some, including the fictional Federation of Rodent Cheese Makers. This organization claims that rat cheese is a delicacy, with the milk of the Siberian Udder Rat being used to create a blue cheese that sells for $139 per kilogram.
The process of milking rats and producing rat cheese on a large scale would indeed be challenging. Rats produce a much smaller volume of milk compared to other dairy animals, and the labor-intensive process of milking them could be a significant hurdle. For example, it would take an army of 674 rats to produce the same amount of milk as a single dairy cow in a day.
Despite these challenges, there may be some potential benefits to rat cheese. Rat's milk has a high protein and fat content, which could make it ideal for creating rich, creamy cheeses. Additionally, a rodent dairy farm would have a significantly lower environmental impact than traditional dairy farms, as rats produce far less methane.
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Rats would make good dairy animals
Secondly, there are environmental benefits to consider. Rats produce a minuscule amount of methane compared to dairy cows. Specifically, 674 rats would produce only 0.003% of the methane emitted by a single dairy cow. This makes rat cheese an environmentally sustainable option, which could appeal to the growing market for eco-friendly, high-end products.
However, there are some challenges and concerns to address. One practical challenge is the scale of production. Rats produce significantly less milk than cows, and even goats and sheep are more prolific milk producers. To obtain the same amount of milk as a single dairy cow, one would need a sizable rat dairy farm with hundreds of rats. This could increase the cost and complexity of production.
Another hurdle to overcome is the "ick factor." As unusual as it may seem, the idea of consuming rat milk or rat cheese might be off-putting to many people. It could be a difficult product to market and sell to consumers who are accustomed to more traditional dairy sources.
Despite these obstacles, the concept of rat cheese is not merely hypothetical. There have been reports of organizations such as the Federation of Rodent Cheese Makers, which purportedly makes cheese from rat milk. Stories and hoaxes have circulated, such as the tale of Marcel Loussier, a shipwrecked sailor who longed for his native France and supposedly made the first rat cheese. There is even a fictionalized account of Springfield's school milk being filled with the milk of lactating rats in "The Simpsons."
In conclusion, while the idea of rats as dairy animals may initially evoke skepticism or even disgust, there are valid arguments supporting their potential as a good option for dairy production. Rats could provide milk with unique nutritional qualities, and their environmental impact is significantly lower than that of cows. However, the challenges of small-scale production and consumer acceptance cannot be overlooked. Ultimately, whether rat cheese becomes a widely accepted delicacy or remains a niche curiosity, it is an intriguing concept that challenges our preconceived notions about dairy sources.
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Rat cheese would be environmentally friendly
Rat cheese, or cheese made from rat's milk, would be environmentally friendly. While it may seem like an internet hoax, rat cheese could be a more sustainable alternative to cow's milk cheese.
First and foremost, rats produce a significantly lower volume of milk than cows. To put it into perspective, it would take an army of 674 rats to produce the same amount of milk as a single dairy cow. This means that a rat dairy farm would require a much smaller physical footprint than a traditional cow dairy farm.
Additionally, rats produce a fraction of the methane emitted by cows. Specifically, 674 rats would only produce 0.003% of the methane emitted by a dairy cow. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, so reducing methane emissions from dairy farms could have a significant impact on mitigating climate change.
The high-fat content of rat's milk also makes it ideal for making rich and creamy cheeses. This means that less milk would be needed to produce the same amount of cheese, further reducing the environmental impact of dairy farming.
While there may be an "ick factor" associated with rat cheese, it is important to consider the environmental benefits of this alternative dairy source. With the invention of the Automated Rodent Milking Machine (A.R.M.M.) in 1996, it may only be a matter of time before rat cheese becomes a reality.
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Frequently asked questions
Rat cheese is a term used to refer to cheddar cheese. The term is an Americanism dating back to 1935-40.
Rat cheese is made from rat's milk.
Rat cheese is believed to be an Internet hoax. However, there is mention of a Federation of Rodent Cheesemakers that is said to make cheese from rat milk.
Rat cheese is said to be similar to brie.
Rat's milk is high in protein and contains almost four times the fat by volume when compared to raw cow’s milk. Additionally, a rodent dairy farm would produce significantly less methane than a traditional dairy farm.
