Cheese can be separated into two categories — fresh and ripened. Within these categories,are a multitude of subcategories, typically classified according to the texture of the cheese and how it was crafted.

The creation of cheese begins with milk - usually cow's, goat's or sheep's milk - that is allowed to thicken until it separates into a liquid (whey) and semisolids (curd). The whey is drained off and the curds are either allowed to drain or pressed into different shapes, depending on the variety. The result is fresh (unripened) cheese including cottage cheese, cream cheese, ricotta cheese. If the cheese is to be ripened, the curds are cured with heat, bacteria, soaking or other methods.

Because cheese is essentially milk that is condensed it is important to choose cheese made from organic milk, free from hormones.