3,600 years ago, a young woman was buried in the Tarim Basin in northwestern China, and her well-preserved mummified remains were found in 2003. Along with her, archaeologists discovered what is believed to be the oldest cheese in the world, arranged like a necklace. A recent study led by Dr. Qiaomei Fu analyzed the genetic makeup of this ancient cheese, revealing it was made from a mixture of cow and goat milk fermented by specific bacteria and yeast. This discovery sheds light on ancient cheese-making practices and suggests interactions between different cultures in the region. The cheese was likely soft and tangy, similar to modern kefir. While no one has tasted the ancient cheese yet, researchers are eager to recreate it based on their findings. This archaeological find provides insight into early human cultures and their culinary practices, showcasing the significance of cheese even thousands of years ago.