What are the requirements for cheese to be considered kosher?

To consider cheese kosher, certain guidelines must be followed to ensure it adheres to Jewish dietary laws, known as kashrut. The correct choice highlights several critical requirements: the cheese must be made from milk sourced from kosher animals, which means the animals themselves must meet specific criteria defined by kashrut, such as being ruminants with split hooves (like cows and goats).

Additionally, the requirement for the cheese to not exceed a temperature of 120 degrees Fahrenheit during processing is important, as higher temperatures can compromise the kosher status by potentially contaminating the product with non-kosher substances. Aging cheese for a minimum of six months is also significant, as this aging process can further influence the cheese's inherent qualities and flavors, while also allowing time for the kosher characteristics to develop and stabilize in the product.

Thus, the combination of these factors ensures that cheese maintains its kosher status, aligning with the dietary laws and practices observed within the Jewish tradition.