Bushra Griffith
Irish cheddar cheese is a variety of cheddar cheese produced in Ireland. While cheddar is not as popular in Ireland as it is in southwestern England, Ireland is the third-largest producer of cheese per capita, thanks to its lush grasslands and moderate climate, which allow for plenty of milk production. Irish cheddars tend to be milder, sweeter, and flakier than their English counterparts, and are often made with milk from grass-fed cows, giving them a rich, creamy texture.
Characteristics of Irish Cheddar Cheese:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Taste | Sweeter, milder, less tangy, less sharp, grassy, buttery, fruity, creamy, rich, complex, strong, smoky |
| Texture | Smooth, silky, crumbly, creamy, firm |
| Colour | Orange, red |
| Wax Coating | Thick, bright green |
| Milk Source | Grass-fed cows |
| Ageing | 2-24 months |
| Type | Pressed, crushed curd |
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What You'll Learn
Irish cheddar is aged for a minimum of 12 months
The ageing process of Irish cheddar is carefully controlled to ensure the development of its characteristic qualities. The cheese is typically made with grass-fed cow's milk, which gives the cheese its distinctive pale yellow colour and grassy notes. By ageing the cheese for at least 12 months, the grassy flavour becomes more pronounced, resulting in a product that truly embodies the flavours of Ireland's rolling pastures.
The ageing process also allows for the rigorous grading of the cheese, ensuring only the best-tasting cheddar makes it to market. This grading process assesses the cheese's flavour, texture, and overall quality, ensuring that Irish cheddar consistently meets high standards. The lengthy ageing process also contributes to the cheese's longevity, making it a versatile ingredient that can be enjoyed on its own or incorporated into various recipes.
The minimum ageing period of 12 months sets a standard for Irish cheddar, ensuring that consumers can expect a consistent and high-quality product. This ageing process is a testament to the cheesemakers' dedication to their craft, as they patiently wait for the cheese to reach its optimal state. As a result, Irish cheddar has gained a reputation for its rich, full-bodied flavour and smooth finish, making it a favourite among cheese connoisseurs and enthusiasts worldwide.
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It has a buttery, grassy flavour
Irish cheddar has a distinct flavour profile that sets it apart from other varieties of cheddar cheese. It is known for its buttery, grassy flavour, which is influenced by the unique Irish terroir. The cheese is made from Irish milk, produced by cows that graze on Irish grass and drink Irish water. This environment imparts a unique character to the cheese, resulting in a product that is both buttery and grassy in taste.
Murray's Irish Cheddar, for example, is renowned for its buttery and grassy attributes. It is described as having a thick coating of bright green wax, which not only protects the cheese from bacteria but also halts the ageing process by sealing in the whey and butterfat. This variety of Irish cheddar is a favourite among cheese enthusiasts, who appreciate its creamy and crumbly texture, along with its subtle fruity and sweet notes, balanced by a slight tang of sour cream.
The grassy flavour of Irish cheddar is a result of the cows' diet, which consists of grass and herbs found in Irish pastures. This natural diet imparts a fresh and herbaceous quality to the milk, which is then reflected in the flavour of the cheese. The buttery characteristic, on the other hand, is achieved through the traditional cheddaring process, where the curds are cooked, drained, and then piled together. This method helps to retain moisture and fat, contributing to the creamy and buttery mouthfeel of the final product.
In comparison to other cheddars, such as the traditional English cheddar, Irish cheddar tends to be milder and less earthy in flavour. It lacks the sharp tang of horseradish and onion flavours commonly associated with English cheddars. Instead, Irish cheddar offers a more delicate and buttery taste experience, making it a versatile ingredient in dishes like grilled cheese sandwiches, dips, and spreads. Its flaky texture also makes it perfect for shredding or using as an ingredient in recipes.
The distinct flavour of Irish cheddar, characterised by its buttery and grassy notes, is a testament to the impact of terroir on cheese production. The natural environment, including the grass, water, and climate of Ireland, influences the milk and, ultimately, the cheese produced in the region. This results in a unique flavour profile that sets Irish cheddar apart from its counterparts in other regions, showcasing the importance of place in the world of cheese.
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It has a rich, creamy texture
Irish cheddar cheese is renowned for its rich, creamy texture and distinctive flavour. This unique characteristic is a result of Ireland's grass-fed dairy, where cows graze on lush, natural grass. Ireland's temperate climate and ample rainfall provide ideal conditions for grass growth, ensuring a constant supply of nutrient-rich milk.
The process of making Irish cheddar involves traditional methods, with many cheesemakers using milk from their own herds of Holstein-Friesians, Friesians, and Jerseys cows. This milk is then crafted into cheese, resulting in a product that is not only delicious but also a true representation of Ireland's dairy industry.
One of the defining features of Irish cheddar is its lengthy ageing process, which contributes to its complex flavour and flaky texture. Typically, Irish cheddars are aged for a minimum of 12 months, during which the cheese develops a slightly gritty texture that makes it perfect for shredding or using as an ingredient. The ageing process also results in the formation of calcium lactate deposits, visible as white spots on the surface of the cheese.
The creamy texture of Irish cheddar makes it a versatile cheese, perfect for melting or shredding. Its rich flavour pairs exceptionally well with beverages like oaky chardonnay, full-bodied cabernet, or a Californian Zinfandel. For a more traditional Irish experience, one might opt for a glass of whiskey or ale, especially Guinness, to accompany their cheddar.
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It's coated in a thick layer of green wax
Irish cheddar cheese is often coated in a thick layer of green wax, a distinctive feature that sets it apart from other cheddars. This coating not only adds to its visual appeal, but also serves a functional purpose. Produced by the Wexford Creamery in southeast Ireland, this variety of cheddar is crafted with care and expertise, utilising milk from cows that graze on lush, green pastures. The Atlantic winds and abundant rainfall create ideal conditions for producing flavorful milk, which contributes to the distinct flavour of this cheese.
The green wax coating is more than just a nod to its Irish heritage. It plays a crucial role in preserving the freshness and flavour of the cheese. By sealing the cheese in wax, each bite remains as delightful as the first, locking in the bold, smooth taste that Irish cheddar is known for. This variety of cheddar is aged for a minimum of 12 months before being cut into blocks and coated in the iconic green wax.
The colour green is strongly associated with Ireland, and the wax coating on their cheddar cheese reinforces this connection. It is a symbol of the rolling hills and lush, vibrant landscape of the island. The green wax not only preserves the cheese but also makes it instantly recognisable, setting it apart from other varieties of cheddar on any cheese board or in gourmet food selections.
The Wexford Creamery's Irish Green Wax Mature Cheddar Cheese is a true delicacy, offering a taste of Ireland in every bite. Its coating in green wax ensures that the cheese not only stands out visually but also maintains its freshness and flavour, making it a versatile gourmet option for cheese enthusiasts worldwide.
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It's made with milk from cows that graze in lush, green pastures
Ireland's temperate climate and ample rainfall create the perfect environment for lush, green pastures that are ideal for grazing cows. This natural diet of healthy grass contributes to the distinct flavour of Irish cheddar cheese.
Ireland is known for having one of the longest grass-growing seasons in the world, allowing cows to feed on fresh grass for a large part of the year. This results in milk that is rich and flavourful, which is then transformed into the country's renowned cheddar cheese.
The Holstein-Friesian, Friesian, and Jersey breeds make up the majority of Ireland's dairy cows, and their milk is of exceptional quality. The grass-fed cow's milk used in Irish cheddar production sets it apart from other varieties, as it imparts a unique taste and texture to the final product.
The grass-fed milk used in Irish cheddars contributes to the cheese's characteristic nutty flavour and slightly gritty texture. This variety of cheddar is typically aged for a minimum of 12 months, resulting in a flaky texture that makes it perfect for shredding or using as an ingredient.
The white substance sometimes found on the surface of Irish cheddar is not mould but rather calcium lactate deposits, a natural byproduct of the ageing process. These deposits are safe to consume and add to the unique character of Irish cheddar cheese.
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Frequently asked questions
Cheddar is a type of cheese that originated from the village of Cheddar in Somerset, England. However, due to its popularity, it is now made all over the world, including Ireland.
Irish cheddars tend to be milder in taste compared to their English counterparts. Irish cheddars are also known for their nutty and slightly gritty flavour, and are perfect for shredding due to their flaky texture.
The traditional beverage pairing with Irish Cheddar is whiskey and ale, especially Guinness. However, most people tend to default to wine, such as oaky chardonnay, full-bodied cabernet, or a Californian Zinfandel.
Some popular Irish cheddars include Kerrygold Skellig, Maple Leaf Irish Harp Cheddar, and Tipperary Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese.
