Final answer:
Cheese gets its distinctive yellow color from carotenoids, which are naturally present in the milk used to make the cheese. Some cheeses also have molds, such as Penicillium, which contribute to their unique appearance and flavor.
Step-by-step explanation:
Cheese gets its distinctive yellow color from a pigment called carotenoids, which are naturally present in the milk used to make the cheese. Carotenoids are yellow-orange compounds that are also found in fruits and vegetables. During the cheese-making process, the carotenoids are concentrated in the cheese, giving it a yellow color.
Additionally, some cheeses are made with fungal spores, such as Penicillium, which can contribute to the coloration of the cheese. For example, blue cheese has blue or greenish-blue molds growing in it, giving it a unique appearance and flavor.