Making American cheese to debunk a conspiracy

Summary

In this engaging video, the host explores the intriguing world of American cheese, revealing that it's a processed cheese product, not classified as real cheese by the FDA. The process involves shredding cheddar, mixing it with emulsifying agents, and heating it to create a gooey texture. With the addition of butter and powdered milk, the flavor is enhanced. Ultimately, the host discovers that American cheese is simply cheddar diluted with water and processing, making it an interesting culinary creation. The video wraps up with a sponsorship message from Brilliant, promoting interactive learning in math and science.

Takeaways

• 😀 American cheese is a processed cheese product and not legally classified as cheese by the FDA.
• 🧀 It originated in the 1910s from real cheeses like cheddar and Colby.
• 🔬 The manufacturing process involves mixing cheese with emulsifying agents and other ingredients to create a homogeneous mixture.
• 💧 Sodium citrate and sodium hexametaphosphate are key chemicals used to achieve the desired texture and consistency.
• 🍽️ The presenter demonstrates how to make American cheese at home using shredded cheddar and emulsifiers.
• 🔥 The heating process transforms the mixture into a thick, gooey cheese sauce.
• 🧈 Adding butter and whole milk powder enhances the flavor and smoothness of the cheese.
• 🧊 The cheese sets in the fridge, taking on a texture similar to store-bought American cheese.
• 🔍 The video highlights the legal and regulatory reasons why processed cheese differs from traditional cheese.
• 📚 The video is sponsored by Brilliant, an interactive learning platform offering courses in various subjects.

Q & A

What is American cheese, and how is it different from regular cheese?

American cheese is a processed cheese product that is soft, gooey, and melts easily. Unlike regular cheese, it is not legally classified as cheese by the FDA due to its processing and additional ingredients.

What are the main ingredients used to make American cheese?

The primary ingredients for American cheese include real cheese (such as cheddar and Colby), emulsifying agents like sodium citrate and sodium hexametaphosphate, and water. Additional ingredients like butter and whole milk powder may also be added for flavor.

What role do emulsifying agents play in making American cheese?

Emulsifying agents help to combine the fats in the cheese with water, creating a smooth and homogeneous mixture that improves meltability and prevents separation during cooking.

How is American cheese produced in the video?

In the video, the process involves shredding real cheddar cheese, mixing it with water and emulsifying agents, heating the mixture, and finally adding butter and milk powder before pouring it into a tray to solidify.

Why do the creators of the video feel uneasy about using chemical ingredients?

The creators express discomfort with the idea of adding white powders and chemicals to alter the cheese, as it feels unnatural to them. However, they acknowledge that cooking often involves altering food in various ways.

What changes were made to improve the flavor of the cheese during the process?

To enhance the flavor, butter and whole milk powder were added. The butter adds richness, while the milk powder contributes to a more rounded taste.

What is the final texture and appearance of the homemade American cheese?

The final product closely resembles store-bought American cheese, featuring a soft, plasticky texture and a solidified form that can be sliced.

What did the creators learn about American cheese by the end of the video?

They learned that American cheese is essentially a combination of cheddar cheese with added water and emulsifying agents. It is not a horrific product but a legal derivative of cheese that is safe to consume.

What educational platform is promoted in the video, and what does it offer?

The video promotes Brilliant, an interactive learning platform that offers lessons in math, data science, and computer science, designed to be engaging and manageable for users.

How can viewers try Brilliant for free?

Viewers can try everything that Brilliant offers for free for a full 30 days by visiting the provided link in the video description.