Tillamook Cheese: How Long Does Aging Take?

Tillamook cheese is naturally aged in 40-pound blocks, with the aging process continuing even after being purchased. The length of time Tillamook cheese is aged depends on the type of cheese, with Medium Cheddar being aged for a minimum of 60 days, Sharp Cheddar for 9 months, Extra Sharp Cheddar for 15 months, and Extra Sharp White Cheddar and Maker's Reserve for 2 to 6 years. The aging process gives Tillamook cheese its bold, award-winning flavor, with the longer aging times resulting in sharper and more flavorful cheese.

Tillamook cheddars are aged in 40-pound blocks

The aging process for Tillamook Cheddar takes place in a natural environment, with the cheese being left to mature and develop its unique flavour over time. This process can take anywhere from 60 days to 2 years or more, depending on the specific type of cheddar being produced. During this time, the cheese is regularly monitored to ensure that it is aging properly and developing the desired flavour and texture.

The 40-pound blocks of cheese are cut into smaller loaves, which are then sold to customers. These loaves come in various sizes, ranging from 8-ounce to 5-pound packages. The aging process continues even after the cheese has been purchased and brought home, as long as it is stored properly in the refrigerator.

The proper storage of Tillamook Cheddar is important to ensure that the cheese remains safe to consume and maintains its optimal flavour and texture. It is recommended to keep the cheese in its original packaging, wash hands before handling, and avoid touching the cheese that will be stored in the fridge. The cheese should be stored in the coldest part of the refrigerator, at a temperature below 40° Fahrenheit, to prolong its life and maintain its quality.

The aging process for Tillamook Cheddar can be a lengthy one, with some varieties, such as the Maker's Reserve, being aged for up to 10 years. This extended aging process results in a bold, award-winning flavour that is sought after by cheese enthusiasts and foodies alike. The natural aging process allows the cheese to develop complex flavours and a sharp, distinctive taste that is beloved by many.

Medium cheddar is aged for 60 days

Medium cheddar cheese from Tillamook is aged for a minimum of 60 days. This natural process of aging is what gives Tillamook Cheddar its distinctive flavour. The longer the cheese is aged, the sharper and more flavourful it becomes.

Aged in 40-pound blocks, Tillamook Cheddar is a labour of love, with the process taking anywhere from 60 days to over 10 years. The medium cheddar, aged for 60 days, strikes the perfect balance between sharpness and creaminess, making it a versatile choice for any dish. Whether shredded, sliced, or melted, medium cheddar adds a burst of flavour to your meals.

The aging process is a delicate and precise art, with cheesemakers carefully monitoring temperature and humidity to ensure the cheese develops its signature taste. This process also results in the formation of calcium lactate crystals, those tiny white specks that indicate a well-aged cheese. These crystals are completely safe to eat and are a sign of a flavourful, mature cheddar.

To prolong the ageing process and maintain the quality of your medium cheddar, proper storage is essential. Tillamook Cheese should be kept in its original package, stored in the coldest part of the refrigerator, ideally below 40° Fahrenheit. By following these simple steps, you can enjoy your medium cheddar for a few months after opening, savouring each bite as the cheese continues to age and develop its character.

So, the next time you reach for that block of Tillamook Medium Cheddar, remember the 60-day ageing process that gives it its unique flavour. Sliced, shredded, or melted, it's a true culinary delight.

Sharp cheddar is aged for 9 months

The aging process is what gives Tillamook Cheddar its sharp flavor. The longer Tillamook Cheddar is aged, the sharper and more flavorful it becomes. While aging, the cheese is stored in 40-pound blocks in the coldest part of the refrigerator, which is maintained at a temperature of less than 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

Tillamook offers a variety of cheddar cheeses with different aging times. Sharp Cheddar, as the name suggests, is aged for 9 months. This aging duration falls within the middle range of aging times for Tillamook Cheddar cheeses.

The aging process for Medium Cheddar, for example, is much shorter at only 60 days. On the other hand, Extra Sharp Cheddar is aged for a longer period of 15 months.

For those who enjoy an even sharper flavor, Tillamook offers the Extra Sharp White Cheddar and Maker's Reserve Cheddar, which are aged for an extended period of 2 to 6 years. This extended aging process results in a cheese with a bold, complex flavor that differs from year to year.

The aging process of Tillamook Cheddar doesn't stop after the cheese is purchased. Even when stored in the refrigerator, the cheese continues to age and develop its flavor. This ongoing aging process means that the cheese can be enjoyed beyond its best-by date if stored properly. However, it's important to check for signs of spoilage, such as mold, odd odors, a slimy texture, or a sour flavor, before consuming the cheese past its printed date.

Extra sharp cheddar is aged for 15 months

Tillamook Cheddar is aged to perfection, with the length of the process determining the sharpness of the cheese. The brand's Extra Sharp Cheddar, a cut above the rest, is meticulously aged for 15 months. This lengthy aging process is a labour of love, resulting in a cheddar that's not just sharp but also exceptionally flavourful.

The magic happens in the aging room, where the cheese is left undisturbed to develop its distinctive character. The natural aging process is an art, with the cheese being transformed from mild to sharp over time. The longer it's left, the sharper and more flavourful it becomes. This gradual transformation is a testament to the craftsmanship and patience of the cheesemakers.

Tillamook's Extra Sharp Cheddar is a true masterpiece, aged to perfection for 15 months. This extended aging period is a testament to the cheesemakers' pursuit of excellence, resulting in a cheddar that's bold, intense, and packed with flavour. The aging process brings out the cheese's unique characteristics, making it stand out from milder varieties.

The aging room is where the magic happens, with the cheese carefully monitored to ensure optimal conditions. The transformation from young to mature cheese is a delicate process, requiring the right temperature, humidity, and airflow. The cheesemakers' expertise ensures that the cheese ages gracefully, developing complex flavours that delight the palate.

Tillamook's Extra Sharp Cheddar, aged for 15 months, is a testament to the brand's commitment to quality. This lengthy aging process is a labour of love, resulting in a cheddar that's not just a cut above the rest but also a true culinary delight. The cheese's sharpness is perfectly balanced by its rich, nuanced flavours, making it a favourite among cheese connoisseurs.

The aging process continues after purchase

Tillamook cheese is a natural, perishable dairy product that is aged in 40-pound blocks to develop its flavour. The aging process continues after the cheese has been purchased and brought home. The longer it is aged, the sharper and more flavourful it becomes.

To ensure the cheese continues to age successfully, it should be stored in the fridge, ideally in the coldest part (below 40° Fahrenheit). It should be kept in its original, unopened packaging, and only removed from the refrigerator for up to an hour before use. If the cheese is in an environment that is too warm, it should be returned to the fridge immediately, as the heat will change the texture and oil may develop on the outside of the cheese.

Tillamook cheese can be frozen, but this will change the texture, making it dry and crumbly. It will also stop the aging process. If freezing, the cheese should be wrapped in moisture-proof materials and placed in an airtight bag.

Before handling the cheese, it is important to wash your hands and avoid touching the cheese that you plan to put back in the fridge. To prolong its life, the original wrapper should be tightly folded back over the cheese, and then covered with foil or plastic wrap. It should then be placed in an airtight, sealed plastic bag or airtight container.

When the cheese is sliced, it is important to check for signs of spoilage, such as mould, odd odours, a slimy texture, or a sour flavour. If in doubt, it is always better to be safe and discard the cheese.

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