Randy Chandler
Cheddar cheese is a variety of cheese that is widely consumed and recognised around the world. It is named after the village of Cheddar in Somerset, South West England, where it is believed to have originated in the 12th century. The name cheddar is not protected under European Union or UK law, and cheddar cheese is now produced internationally, with variations in style and quality.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Origin | Village of Cheddar in Somerset, South West England |
| Year of Origin | 12th Century |
| Origin Story | A milkmaid forgot about a pail of milk and returned to find a pail of cheddar |
| Popularity | Second most popular cheese in the US, most popular in the UK |
| Colour | Off-white, pale yellow or orange |
| Texture | Hard |
| Taste | Sharp and tangy |
| Minimum Ageing Period | 3 months |
| Maximum Ageing Period | 10 years |
| Countries that produce Cheddar | Australia, Argentina, Belgium, Canada, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, New Zealand, South Africa, Sweden, Finland, the United Kingdom, the United States, Uruguay |
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What You'll Learn
Cheddar cheese is named after the village of Cheddar in Somerset, England
Cheddar cheese has a long history dating back to the 12th century in Cheddar, Somerset, a small town with gorges and caves that farmers used to keep milk cool. According to legend, a milkmaid forgot about a pail of milk in one of the caves, and when she returned, she discovered that it had hardened into cheese. While this origin story is not confirmed, it is said that Cheddar cheese has been made in the village since at least the 16th century.
The cheese became popular among English nobles and royalty, with records showing that King Henry II purchased over 10,000 pounds of Cheddar cheese in 1107, declaring it the best cheese in Britain. The standardisation of the Cheddar cheese recipe in the 1800s, along with advances in dairy technology and a greater understanding of cheese-making, contributed to its widespread production and consumption.
Today, Cheddar cheese is produced all over the world, including countries like Australia, Argentina, Belgium, Canada, Germany, Ireland, and the United States. The name "Cheddar" does not have a protected designation of origin, and the style and quality of cheeses labelled as Cheddar can vary significantly. However, the name West Country Farmhouse Cheddar has been registered in the European Union and the United Kingdom, defined as Cheddar produced from local milk within Somerset, Dorset, Devon, and Cornwall using traditional methods.
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Cheddar cheese was first made in Cheddar in the 12th century
Cheddar cheese, one of the world's most widely consumed and recognized cheeses, was first made in the village of Cheddar in Somerset, England, in the 12th century. It is believed that the cheese derived its name from the Cheddar Gorge and the market town of Cheddar, where the cheeses were matured in natural caves and sold to tourists. The cheese is known for its distinct flavour, versatility, and vibrant orange colour.
The origin of Cheddar cheese is steeped in legend. According to one tale, a milkmaid forgot about a pail of milk in one of the caves and returned to find it transformed into the perfect golden cheese we now know as Cheddar. While this story remains unconfirmed, it captures the imagination and adds a layer of mystique to the cheese's history.
Cheddar cheese quickly gained popularity after its creation. It became a staple at royal banquets, with King Henry II reportedly purchasing more than 10,000 pounds of Cheddar in 1107 or 1170, declaring it the best cheese in Britain. This royal endorsement solidified Cheddar's place in the culinary world and contributed to its enduring fame.
Over time, Cheddar cheese spread beyond the boundaries of England, migrating worldwide throughout the 19th century. British colonists played a significant role in this dissemination, bringing their cheesemaking techniques with them to new lands. By 1790, they were exporting Cheddar back to their home country, further cementing its popularity. Today, Cheddar cheese is produced in various countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and many European nations.
While the production methods and variations of Cheddar cheese have evolved, the village of Cheddar remains synonymous with this beloved cheese. The caves of Cheddar continue to be a point of interest, attracting tourists who wish to explore the birthplace of Cheddar cheese and taste the local varieties.
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Cheddar cheese was matured in caves in Cheddar
Cheddar cheese, one of the world's most widely consumed and recognized cheeses, has a rich history that dates back to the 12th century. The cheese originated in the village of Cheddar in Somerset, South West England, and was crafted in the natural caves of Cheddar Gorge. These caves, in addition to providing the perfect environment for maturing the cheese, also served as a tourist attraction, with visitors flocking to witness the unique process of cheese maturation.
The name "Cheddar" is derived from its place of origin, the village of Cheddar, which is nestled in a small town with gorges and caves. The caves offered an ideal environment for maturing cheese, as they provided a cool and consistent temperature, essential for the aging process. The cheesemakers of Cheddar took advantage of these natural caves, aging their cheese to perfection and contributing to the distinct flavor that has made Cheddar a household name today.
The process of maturing Cheddar cheese in the caves of Cheddar is believed to have begun in the 16th century, if not earlier. References to King Henry II's fondness for the cheese date back to 1170, when he declared it the best in Britain. The maturation process in the caves allowed the cheese to develop its characteristic sharpness and tangy flavor, with the cool and stable environment contributing to the formation of its distinct taste and texture.
Today, Cheddar cheese is produced worldwide, with variations in flavor, color, and quality. However, the original and most well-known version, matured in the caves of Cheddar, remains a favorite. The village of Cheddar still holds the distinction of being the hometown of Cheddar cheese, with the Cheddar Gorge Cheese Co. as the sole producer of this iconic cheese in its namesake village. The caves of Cheddar continue to be a testament to the rich history of Cheddar cheese, attracting cheese enthusiasts and tourists alike.
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Cheddar cheese was popular in English royal banquets
Cheddar cheese, which originated in the village of Cheddar in Somerset, South West England, was popular in English royal banquets. It is one of the world's most widely consumed and recognized cheeses. The cheese is known for its distinct flavour, versatility, and vibrant orange colour. The name "cheddar" comes from Cheddar Gorge and the market town of Cheddar, where the cheese was matured in natural caves and sold to tourists.
Cheddar cheese has a long history dating back to the 12th century in the village of Cheddar, Somerset. The cheese is said to have been made there since at least the 16th century, although some references date back to the 12th century. The myth behind the birth of cheddar is that a milkmaid forgot about a pail of milk in one of the caves and returned to find that it had turned into cheese. While this origin story is not confirmed, it is clear that once cheddar cheese was created, it quickly became popular.
English nobles and monarchs developed a taste for cheddar cheese, and it became a necessity at many royal banquets. King Henry II was particularly fond of the cheese, purchasing more than 10,000 pounds of cheddar in 1107 or 1170 and declaring it the best cheese in Britain. This endorsement by the king likely contributed to the popularity of cheddar cheese in English royal banquets.
Over time, cheddar cheese spread beyond England and became popular in other parts of the world. British colonists brought their cheesemaking techniques to America, and by 1790, they were exporting cheddar back to their home country. In the 19th century, advances in dairy technology and a greater understanding of cheese-making led to a more standardized recipe for cheddar, resulting in cheese of a consistent quality. This standardization, along with large-scale production and export, contributed to the global popularity of cheddar cheese.
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Cheddar cheese is now produced all over the world
Cheddar is usually sold according to strength or maturation period, with labels such as mild, medium, mature, extra mature, vintage, sharp, or extra sharp. The longer the cheese is aged, the sharper and more complex its taste becomes. The style and quality of cheeses labeled as cheddar vary greatly, with some processed cheeses packaged as "cheddar".
Cheddar is typically made from cow's milk, although variations using goat's or sheep's milk also exist. The process of making cheddar cheese involves several steps. First, the milk is heated, and rennet is added to thicken it. Then, the curds are cut into small pieces and cooked further to expel more whey, which is the liquid component of milk. The curds are then salted and pressed into molds to remove any remaining moisture. Finally, the cheese is aged for varying periods, which contributes to its flavor and texture.
The name "cheddar" is not protected under European Union or UK law, and the cheese has no Protected Designation of Origin (PDO). However, the name West Country Farmhouse Cheddar has an EU and UK PDO registration, and may only be produced in Somerset, Devon, Dorset, and Cornwall, using milk sourced from these regions. In 2013, Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar was registered as a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) in the EU and under UK law.
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Frequently asked questions
Cheddar cheese is named after the village of Cheddar in Somerset, South West England, where it was first created and sold.
Cheddar is a small town with gorges and caves that farmers once used to keep milk cool.
Cheddar cheese dates back to the 12th century, but the name may be older, as there are references to King Henry II being fond of the cheese in 1170.
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