ASHEVILLE, N.C., Sep 16, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) — Cheese is a natural product that has been made for centuries — as far back as 7500 years ago. Salt, a vital mineral, is an integral ingredient in cheese, and serves five necessary purposes in the cheese making process: slows down the development of the bacteria added to the milk; accelerates the release of the liquid (whey) from the curd; acts as a preservative; inhibits the growth of undesirable bacteria, and finally, salt acts as a flavor boost to all varieties of cheese.