Andy Montoya
Balderson Cheese has been making cheddar since 1881 when dairy farmers in Lanark County, Ontario, formed a collective to pool their milk and produce cheddar cheese in a cooperative factory. Balderson is now a leading brand of cheddar in Canada, offering a range of cheddars at different stages of aging, from spreadable to their premium 5-year-old heritage. But is Balderson cheese made with Canadian milk?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Country of origin | Canada |
| Company | Balderson Cheese Company |
| Location | Winchester, Ontario |
| Year of establishment | 1881 |
| Founders | Local dairy farmers of Lanark County, near Perth |
| Type of cheese | Cheddar |
| Flavour | Full-flavoured with a crumbly, rich texture and a satisfying sharpness |
| Aging | 3 months to 5 years |
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What You'll Learn
Balderson Cheese Company's history
The Balderson Cheese Company has a long and rich history that dates back to the 19th century. Founded in 1881, the company has established itself as a respected and leading brand of cheddar cheese in Canada, known for its quality and tradition.
The story of Balderson Cheese began in Lanark County, Ontario, when local dairy farmers formed a collective to pool their excess milk production and build a factory to produce local cheddar cheese. The factory was established at Balderson Corners, named after John Balderson, a retired sergeant from the British Army who was among the first homesteaders in the area in the 1860s.
The dairy farmers constructed a small, wood-frame building to house their cheese-making operations. In the early days, each farmer contributed their milk by horse and wagon, but as the settlement grew, special milk wagons were introduced, and routes were established to collect milk from the farms. The cheese factory became a focal point for the community, with farmers and factory workers building their homes near Balderson Corners.
As the years passed, the reputation of Balderson Cheese grew steadily, and the company became known for its dedication to craftsmanship and tradition. They emphasised careful ageing, smooth flavour, pleasing sharpness, and texture in their cheese-making process. By the end of the 20th century, Balderson Cheese had spread beyond the crossroads of Canada and into the major capitals of North America and the United Kingdom.
Today, Balderson Cheese is still made with the same commitment to quality and tradition, and the company proudly offers a variety of premium aged cheddars. The company's products are distributed across Canada and can be found in grocery stores nationwide. Balderson Cheese has become a staple in many Canadian households, known for its exquisite taste and exceptional craftsmanship.
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Balderson's range of cheddars
The Balderson Cheese Company, based in Winchester, Ontario, has a long history of crafting fine aged cheddar cheese. The company was formed in 1881 when dairy farmers in Lanark County, Ontario, came together to pool their milk and produce cheddar cheese in a cooperative factory. The factory was built at Balderson Corners, named after John Balderson, a British army sergeant who was among the first homesteaders in the area in the 1860s.
Balderson is known for its commitment to quality and traditional cheese-making techniques, using 100% Canadian milk to produce its award-winning cheeses. Their range of cheddars includes options aged from three months to five years, with their premium series offering cheese aged from three months to 18 months. The company emphasizes careful ageing, smooth flavour, and pleasing sharpness in its cheeses.
The Balderson Royal Canadian Aged Two-Year Cheddar is a popular choice, known for its mild bite, depth of flavour, and smooth cheddar taste. It is versatile and can be used in various recipes, earning its spot as a staple in many homes. The two-year ageing process also ensures that the lactose in the cheese has completely broken down, making it suitable for those with lactose intolerance.
In addition to their classic cheddars, Balderson also offers a Double Smoked Cheddar, which has received rave reviews from cheese enthusiasts. They also have a Truffle Cheddar and a Gouda that are worth trying. The company's dedication to quality and tradition has made Balderson a leading brand of cheddar in Canada, with a reputation that has spread beyond its borders to North American capitals and the United Kingdom.
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Awards won by Balderson
Balderson Cheese has won several awards and has been recognised at multiple prestigious events. Balderson's cheddar cheese has a rich history, with dairy farmers in Lanark County, Canada, forming a collective in 1881 to pool their excess milk production to make a local cheddar. Over a century later, Balderson's master cheesemakers continue to impress with their dedication to crafting bold flavours and commitment to careful ageing.
Balderson's cheese has won awards at the Royal Winter Fair and the British Empire Cheese Competition. The brand also wowed on the international stage, taking home grand championships at the World Championship Cheese Contest and the International Dairy Competition in London.
Balderson's 5-year-old cheddar earned first place in the category of mature cheddar aged 48 or more months (all milks) at the American Cheese Society (ACS) Judging & Competition awards ceremony. The ACS event is the largest event for American-made cheeses, showcasing talent for excellent cheesemaking and commitment to food safety. Balderson's aged spread also secured the top spot in the open category of cold pack and club cheeses (all milks).
In addition to these accolades, Balderson, as part of Lactalis Canada, was recognised with a bronze medal at the ACS Judging & Competition awards in 2023. The company's 5-year-old cheddar also received third place at the 2022 ACS competition. These awards highlight Balderson's commitment to quality and tradition in the art of cheesemaking.
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Balderson's Royal Canadian Cheddar
The Balderson story began in 1881 when dairy farmers in Lanark County, Ontario, formed a dairy collective to pool their milk and produce cheddar cheese in a cooperative factory. The factory was built at Balderson Corners, named after John Balderson, a retired sergeant from the British Army who was among the first homesteaders in the area in the 1860s.
From the beginning, Balderson's cheese makers established a tradition of careful ageing, smooth flavour, and pleasing sharpness. The company's commitment to quality and flavour has made Balderson a favourite among Canadians, with its cheddar becoming a leading brand in Canada. Balderson's cheddar has also gained international recognition, winning awards at the World Championship Cheese Contest and the International Dairy Competition in London.
Balderson offers a range of cheddars at different stages of ageing, catering to various tastes and preferences. Their premium series includes cheese aged from as little as three months to as long as 18 months. The Balderson Royal Canadian Cheddar, aged for two years, is considered a favourite by many. This variety strikes a perfect balance between the classic cheddar flavour and the secondary sharp taste that comes from ageing. With its rich body, creamy texture, and slightly acidic aroma, it pairs well with fruits and full-bodied red wines, making it a versatile choice for recipes and snacks.
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Balderson's other products
Balderson's cheddars are aged naturally and selected at their peak in flavour, taste, aroma, and texture. The company emphasizes careful aging, smooth flavour, and pleasing sharpness in their cheeses. They also use Annatto, a natural plant extract similar to ground carrot seed, as a colouring agent, which is ideal for people sensitive to artificial food colourings.
Balderson's products are available at retailers and can be found on their "Where to Buy" page. The company does not offer their cheeses online.
Balderson's story began in 1881 when dairy farmers in Lanark County, Ontario, formed a dairy collective to pool their milk and produce cheddar cheese in a cooperative factory. The factory was built at Balderson Corners, named after John Balderson, a British army sergeant who homesteaded in the area in the 1860s. Over time, the settlement grew, and the factory became a focal point for the community.
Today, Balderson is respected as a quality maker of Cheddar cheese in Canada, with its products distributed across the country and even reaching the major capitals of North America and the United Kingdom.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Balderson cheese is made with Canadian milk. The Balderson Cheese Company in Winchester, Ontario, was formed in 1881 by dairy farmers in Lanark County, Ontario, who pooled their milk to produce cheddar cheese.
Balderson cheese is made from cow's milk.
Balderson is a type of cheddar cheese. It is known for its smooth flavour and texture, and sharpness. Balderson offers its cheddar at different stages of aging, from as little as 3 months to 5 years.
Balderson cheese is known for its quality and craftsmanship. It is a leading brand of cheddar in Canada and has won awards at the Royal Winter Fair, the British Empire Cheese Competition, the World Championship Cheese Contest, and the International Dairy Competition in London.
