Most of the time I have been asked if Paneer and Cheese are same?

My reply is, “NO”!

However, dairy industry consider them same but I have significant reasons to say that they are different.

Cheese is a product of European origin. Rather, I should say, ‘they are’ products of European origin. There are more than 500 listed varieties of cheese. To prepare them, first, milk is cultured by some specific bacteria to raise acidity of milk with production of lactic acid. After this, rennet enzyme (an enzyme extracted from fourth stomach of calf) is added to it to give curd a thicker and particular consistency. After these steps, further steps may vary. Some cheese are further salted, waxed, sprinkled with spores or ripened. ‘Ripening’ is the key factor for specific flavour and texture of cheese. Some cheese are not ripened and they are called Fresh Cheese.