Kamil Perry
Cheddar cheese is one of the most popular and beloved types of cheese in the world, with a history that dates back to the 12th century. It is produced and enjoyed in various countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand. The name cheddar is not protected under European Union or UK law, and it is used internationally. However, the term West Country Farmhouse Cheddar has a protected designation of origin and can only be produced in specific regions of the United Kingdom. The versatility of cheddar cheese is remarkable, as it can be used in a wide range of dishes, from sandwiches to soups, and even as a topping for baked goods like apple pie. While some may find the combination of cheddar cheese and apple pie unusual, it has been a traditional pairing in certain regions, and its popularity continues today.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Popularity | Cheddar is one of the most popular and beloved types of cheese in the world, especially in the United Kingdom and the United States. |
| Place of Origin | Cheddar cheese originated in the village of Cheddar in Somerset, England. |
| Texture | Cheddar has a firm texture, ranging from soft and moist when young to hard and dry when aged. |
| Taste | The taste of cheddar varies from mild and buttery to sharp, tangy, and nutty when aged. |
| Colour | Cheddar can be pale yellow, white, or orange, with the colour often indicating the age and type of cheddar. |
| Uses | Cheddar is versatile and can be used in sandwiches, burgers, quesadillas, casseroles, salads, soups, baked dishes, and as a topping for apple pie. |
| Pairings | Cheddar pairs well with beer, apples, crackers, and certain spices like nutmeg and cinnamon. |
| Packaging | Traditionally, cheddar was packaged in larded cloth or black wax, but now it is commonly found in blocks or slices in grocery stores. |
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What You'll Learn
Cheddar cheese is popular in the US and UK
Cheddar cheese is a beloved favourite in the United States and the United Kingdom. In fact, it is the most popular cheese in the UK, accounting for 51% of the country's £1.9 billion annual cheese market. In the US, it is the second most popular cheese, with an average annual consumption of 10 lb (4.5 kg) per capita.
Cheddar cheese is believed to have originated in the village of Cheddar in Somerset, South West England. The caves in Cheddar Gorge, on the edge of the village, provided the ideal humidity and steady temperature for maturing the cheese. In the 19th century, Somerset dairyman Joseph Harding, known as the "father of cheddar", played a crucial role in modernising and standardising cheddar cheese production. Harding introduced new equipment, such as the "revolving breaker" for curd cutting, which reduced the manual effort required in the cheese-making process.
Cheddar cheese has a rich history in both the US and the UK. In the US, cheddar was introduced by early English settlers who brought their cheese-making traditions with them. It became the dominant cheese in the US market due to its mass production and industrialisation. The first factory-manufactured cheddar cheese was produced in Rome, New York, in 1851 by Jesse Williams. This shift in cheese culture led to the decline of regional cheese varieties and the standardisation of cheddar as the go-to cheese.
In the UK, cheddar holds a special place in the country's culinary culture. During the Second World War and the decade following it, most of the milk in Britain was used to make "government cheddar" as part of the war economy and rationing. This led to a significant impact on the cheese industry, with only a fraction of cheese producers remaining after the war. Today, the UK continues to produce high-quality cheddars, with the West Country Farmhouse Cheddar protected under EU and UK law as a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO). This designation ensures that the cheese is produced using traditional methods and local milk within Somerset, Dorset, Devon, and Cornwall.
Cheddar cheese is popular for several reasons. Firstly, it is a versatile cheese that can be mild or strong, depending on its maturity. Secondly, it has a unique flavour profile that can range from sharp and pungent to nutty and sweet. The sharpness of cheddar is associated with the levels of bitter peptides in the cheese. Cheddar also has a firm texture, and older cheddars may develop crunchy cheese crystals. Additionally, cheddar is relatively affordable compared to other cheeses, and it melts well, making it a popular choice for cooking and snacking.
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It's made from high-quality milk and expert techniques
Cheddar cheese is made from milk, and the quality of the milk is a key factor in determining the final product. Traditionally, "West Country Farmhouse Cheddar", which is a protected designation of origin (PDO) in the UK and EU, is produced using milk from Somerset, Dorset, Devon, and Cornwall. This milk is known for its high quality, sourced from grass-fed Jersey and Guernsey cows. The use of raw milk is also a traditional method in producing cheddar, as advocated by the Slow Food Movement.
The process of making cheddar cheese involves several steps that require expertise and precision. One of the critical steps is the "cheddaring" phase, where the curds are cut and stacked with a drain cloth in between. The curds are then turned at regular intervals while being kept warm, allowing whey to drain and develop a slightly acidic flavour. The curds are then broken into smaller pieces, and salt is added to control the dryness and acidity of the cheese.
The addition of certain ingredients, such as annatto, a spice extracted from the seeds of the tropical achiote tree, can enhance the quality of cheddar cheese. Annatto imparts a sweet and nutty flavour, as well as the signature orange hue associated with cheddar. Other optional ingredients may include herbs, spices, or other flavourings to enhance the overall taste of the cheese.
The history of cheddar cheese is also worth noting, with 19th-century Somerset dairyman Joseph Harding playing a pivotal role in its modernisation and standardisation. Harding introduced innovative equipment, such as the "revolving breaker" for curd cutting, which reduced manual labour. He also emphasised dairy hygiene and shared modern cheese-making techniques, earning him the title of "the father of cheddar".
In conclusion, the quality of milk and the expertise in cheese-making techniques are essential factors in producing high-quality cheddar cheese. The traditional methods, such as those used in "West Country Farmhouse Cheddar", along with the incorporation of specific ingredients and innovations in the cheese-making process, have contributed to the distinct characteristics and global popularity of cheddar cheese.
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Cheddar is produced worldwide, but originated in Somerset, England
Cheddar cheese, or simply cheddar, is a natural cheese that is relatively hard and sometimes sharp-tasting. It is produced all over the world and is the most popular cheese in the UK, accounting for 51% of the country's £1.9 billion annual cheese market. In the United States, it is the second most popular cheese, with an average annual consumption of 10 lbs per capita.
Cheddar cheese originated in the village of Cheddar in Somerset, South West England. The production of cheddar can be traced back to the 12th century in this region. Cheddar Gorge, on the edge of the village, contains several caves that provided the ideal humidity and steady temperature for maturing the cheese. Cheddar was traditionally made from the milk of local Somerset cows, known for their rich and creamy milk.
In the 19th century, Somerset dairyman Joseph Harding played a pivotal role in modernising and standardising cheddar production. Dubbed the "father of cheddar", Harding introduced new equipment, such as the "revolving breaker" for curd cutting, and shared modern cheese-making techniques. Together with his wife, he introduced cheddar in Scotland and North America, while his sons facilitated the establishment of the cheese industry in Australia and New Zealand.
Today, the name cheddar has no protected designation of origin under European Union or UK law. However, the name West Country Farmhouse Cheddar is protected and can only be produced in Somerset, Devon, Dorset, and Cornwall using milk sourced from those counties. This designation ensures the preservation of traditional methods and the unique flavour of cheddar from this region.
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It's versatile and can be used in many dishes
Cheddar cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a multitude of dishes. Its versatility stems from the fact that it comes in various forms, such as thin slices, grated, or shredded, and in different flavours, such as mild, medium, sharp, and aged. Each form and flavour of cheddar cheese has unique characteristics that make it suitable for different culinary applications.
Thin slices of cheddar cheese are ideal for providing an even coating on sandwiches, burgers, and quesadillas. Grated cheddar cheese, on the other hand, is perfect for quick melting and adding a crunchy texture to dishes like macaroni and cheese, nachos, and soups. Shredded cheddar cheese can be used as a topping on baked dishes, where it melts to form a crispy, golden layer, or it can be sprinkled over casseroles, salads, and baked potatoes for added flavour.
The different flavours of cheddar cheese also lend themselves to various dishes. Mild cheddar, with its young and smooth texture, pairs well with crackers, sandwiches, and baked potatoes. Medium cheddar has a slightly stronger flavour that can enhance the taste of casseroles and pastas. Sharp cheddar, with its tangy and robust flavour, is a perfect match for bold-flavoured dishes like chilli and apple pie. Aged cheddar, with its crumbly texture and intense flavour, can be used to add a punch to salads and soups.
Cheddar cheese is also a popular ingredient in many regional dishes. For example, in the United States, sharp cheddar is often paired with apple pie, especially in New England. In the United Kingdom, cheddar cheese is commonly served with Christmas cake and mince pies, as mentioned in the book series, "The Box Car Children". In addition, the English enjoy pairing their cheddar cheese with beer, specifically English Pale Ale, to complement the cheese's sharpness.
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Cheddar has many varieties and flavours
Cheddar cheese is one of the most popular cheeses in the world. It is a natural cheese made from cow's milk, with a relatively hard texture and a sharp, pungent flavour. The cheese originates from the village of Cheddar in Somerset, South West England, and has since become a global phenomenon, with many varieties and flavours available.
One of the most common ways to differentiate between the subtypes of cheddar cheese is by how long it has been aged. Mild cheddar, also known as young cheddar, is typically aged between 1 to 3 months and has a soft, smooth, and creamy texture. It is perfect for melting and has a very mild, buttery flavour. Semi-sharp cheddar, aged between 3 to 6 months, starts to develop the characteristic tang of cheddar while remaining on the smoother side. Matured cheddar, or sharp cheddar, is the most popular type of cheddar and is typically aged between 6 to 12 months. At this stage, the cheese acquires a classic, relatively hard, and crumbly texture, along with its renowned robust, tangy, nutty, and slightly earthy flavour.
Vintage cheddar, also known as aged cheddar, is any cheddar cheese aged for over 12 months, with some varieties aged up to 60 months. This type of cheddar has a complex and robust flavour that is very sharp and savoury. Strong, extra-mature cheddar, sometimes called vintage, is matured for 15 months or more and is known for its sharp and pungent flavour. In addition to aging, cheddar cheese can also vary in colour, from deep to pale yellow, or even yellow-orange when certain plant extracts or food-safe colourings are added. One commonly added spice is annatto, which can impart a sweet, nutty flavour to the cheese.
Cheddar cheese is produced all over the world, and different regions have developed their own unique varieties. For example, Irish cheddars tend to be sharper and are usually white, while Vermont cheddars may be more pungent, and Wisconsin cheddars milder. The brand Cabot offers a range of flavoured cheddars, such as garlic herb, horseradish, and habanero. With so many options available, it's no wonder that cheddar cheese is a favourite for many cheese lovers!
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Frequently asked questions
Cheddar cheese is a beloved favorite in the United States and the United Kingdom, where many award-winning cheddars are produced. It is one of the most popular and versatile types of cheese in the world, with a firm texture and a sharp, pungent flavor.
The practice of pairing cheddar cheese with apple pie is believed to have originated in New England. In a Reddit post, a user mentions reading about farmers in Yorkshire serving pie with cheese in one of James Herriot's vet books. Another user mentions growing up in an area of Maryland that was very German and not encountering the cheese combo until later.
Cheddar cheese is a popular topping for dishes such as sandwiches, burgers, quesadillas, casseroles, baked potatoes, soups, and salads. When used as a topping for baked dishes, the cheese turns crispy and golden in the oven, while exposing it to heat creates a soft and stringy consistency.
When shopping for cheddar cheese, it is essential to consider how you plan to use it and your personal flavor preferences. The age of the cheese also significantly impacts its flavor, texture, and appearance, with younger cheddars being mild, creamy, and smooth, while older cheddars are sharper, complex, and nuttier.
