Randy Chandler
Tasty cheese, also known as Farmer's Tasty, is a cheddar cheese made in Australia from Australian ingredients. It is a full-flavoured cheese with a smooth texture and is available in blocks, slices, grated, sticks, and Bar-B-Cubes®. While there is no standard definition of what constitutes tasty cheese, it is generally accepted that younger, fresher cheeses tend to melt better due to their higher moisture content. Tasty cheese, being a cheddar, should melt reasonably well and is commonly used in grilled cheese sandwiches and burgers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type | Cheddar |
| Texture | Flaky, crumbly, crunchy, smooth |
| Taste | Sharp, acidic, savoury, nutty, salty, sweet |
| Melting | Melts slowly |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Tasty cheese is a cheddar from Australia and New Zealand
Tasty cheese is a variety of cheddar from Australia and New Zealand. It is a full-bodied, aged cheddar with a sharper taste than most, resulting from the cheese being aged for up to 18 months. Tasty cheese is described as flaky, crumbly, and crunchy, with acidic and savoury notes. It is a popular variety of cheddar in these countries and is commonly used in sandwiches, on crackers, or melted on burgers.
In Australia, "tasty cheese" is a term used to refer to a sharp cheddar cheese, which is often sold under brands like Kraft or Mainland. It is considered a generic term for a hard, fatty cheddar cheese, and it is a common variety found in supermarkets. Some Australians have also compared it to the American cheese produced by Kraft, which is known for its bright orange colour.
In New Zealand, Mainland Tasty Cheese is a well-known brand of tasty cheese. This variety is crafted using a simple process, starting with farm-fresh pasteurized New Zealand milk. The curds are cooked at 40°C, chipped or milled, dry-salted, and then aged for up to 18 months to achieve maximum taste. The resulting cheese is a full-bodied, aged cheddar with a strong flavour.
While tasty cheese is known for its sharp flavour and melting properties, some manufacturers have created specific "hi-melt" varieties designed to maintain their integrity when heated. These hi-melt slices are formulated to melt slowly without leaching fat or water, making them ideal for burgers as they add a creamy flavour without becoming messy.
Mozzarella Melting Magic: Oven Techniques for Perfect Melt
You may want to see also
Younger, fresher cheese melts better
When it comes to cheese, there are two types: those that are perfect for snacking on a platter and those that are meant to be melted. If you're looking for the perfect melt, younger, fresher cheese is the way to go. Here's why.
Cheese melting is all about that creamy, stretchy, pull-apart texture. And the key to achieving this lies in the moisture content of the cheese. Younger cheeses tend to have a higher moisture content, which means they melt more easily and give you that desirable gooey, stretchy consistency. On the other hand, aged cheeses have lower moisture content as they have been dried and salted for longer periods, resulting in a harder texture that doesn't melt as smoothly.
For example, when it comes to cheddar, a younger variety is the better choice for melting. Shredded young cheddar melts extremely well and is a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches and topping chorizo chili. It also adds a slightly sharp, interesting flavour note. Similarly, young Gruyère, known for its sweet, salty, and nutty flavour, melts beautifully and is perfect for French onion soup, creating a bubbly, crispy, and browned topping.
Even within the same type of cheese, the melting capabilities can vary. For instance, "Tasty Cheese", a variety of cheddar from Australia and New Zealand, comes in both mild and tasty versions. The milder version is likely to melt better due to its younger age and higher moisture content. Additionally, the processing and additives in cheese can impact its melting properties. Hi-Melt Burger Slices, for instance, are specifically designed to maintain their integrity when heated, melting slowly without leaching fat or water.
So, the next time you're crafting a grilled cheese sandwich or topping your chilli, remember that younger, fresher cheese is the key to achieving that perfect, mouthwatering melt.
Melting Cheese in Soups: Tips and Tricks
You may want to see also
Tasty cheese is similar to American cheese
"Tasty cheese" is a term used to refer to cheddar cheese that is slightly above average in flavour. It is a term commonly used in Australia and New Zealand. In Australia, mild cheeses are unpopular and specifically marketed as "Mild", while "tasty" cheese is considered a medium-to-above-average cheddar.
Tasty cheese is also available in a Hi-Melt variety, which is specifically formulated to maintain its shape when heated and has a high melting point. This variety is often used in burgers as it melts slowly and adds a creamy flavour without leaching fat or water.
Overall, while tasty cheese and American cheese are both types of cheddar, they may differ in terms of colour and melting properties, with tasty cheese offering a more natural cheese experience.
Mozzarella Cheese Sticks: Melting Mystery Solved!
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Shredded cheddar melts extremely well
"Tasty cheese" is a term that seems to be used in Australia and New Zealand to refer to a type of cheddar cheese. In Australia, it appears that "tasty cheese" is a generic term for cheddar, while in New Zealand, it is the name of an award-winning Mainland cheese. This cheese is described as a full-bodied aged cheddar with a sharper taste than most.
Now, when it comes to melting cheese, several factors come into play, such as the type of cheese, its moisture content, and its texture. In general, mild and sharp cheddars tend to have a higher moisture content and a smoother, creamier texture, making them easier to melt compared to extra sharp or seriously sharp cheddars.
This is where shredded cheddar comes in. Shredded cheese, with its thin and uniform shape, will melt more quickly, easily, and evenly than a block of cheese. So, if you're looking for a cheddar that melts extremely well, shredded cheddar is the way to go. In particular, shredded mild cheddar is an excellent choice as it melts more smoothly than sharper cheddars due to its higher moisture content.
Additionally, bringing the cheese to room temperature before melting it can also improve the melting process. Cold cheese may melt slowly or unevenly, so letting it come to room temperature first is important. Furthermore, when melting shredded cheddar in recipes like grilled cheese or quesadillas, using low to medium heat will ensure that the cheese melts evenly and thoroughly.
By following these tips and choosing shredded mild cheddar, you can be confident that your cheese will melt extremely well, creating delicious, cheesy dishes that everyone will enjoy.
The Melting Point: Caerphilly Cheese's Secret Superpower
You may want to see also
Deli-sliced provolone is great for melting over sandwiches
Deli-sliced provolone is a great option for melting over sandwiches. Provolone is a unique-tasting Italian cheese that goes well with many other ingredients, such as peppers, onions, parsley, oregano, and black pepper. It is also commonly used in sandwiches like the Philly cheesesteak, stromboli, and pasta salads.
There are two types of provolone cheese: dolce (sweet) and piccante (spicy). Dolce provolone is a milder, softer cheese that has been aged for a few months, while piccante has a stronger taste and harder texture and is aged for a few years. When making a provolone grilled cheese sandwich, it is recommended to use a lower temperature than you would for a regular grilled cheese sandwich to achieve the ideal result, as provolone takes longer to melt than some other cheeses.
Deli-sliced provolone is a convenient option for sandwiches as it is already thinly sliced and ready to use. It can be used to make a classic grilled cheese sandwich with two slices of crusty bread, or it can be paired with other cheeses such as mozzarella, Swiss, or cheddar. Provolone is a versatile cheese that can be shredded or sliced, depending on your preference.
When melting provolone over sandwiches, it is important to cook the sandwich at a low to medium heat to ensure the cheese melts evenly and doesn't burn. The sandwich should be cooked for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until both sides are a crispy golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Cheese Ball Conundrum: Melt or Not to Melt?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, tasty cheese melts. It is a cheddar cheese that is full-flavored with a smooth texture and is available in blocks, slices, grated, and sticks.
Tasty cheese is a cheddar cheese that is considered a full-flavored cheese with a smooth texture. It is made in Australia with at least 96% Australian ingredients.
Other good melting cheeses include shredded cheddar, provolone, and taleggio.
