Andy Montoya
Cheddar is a variety of cheese that is generally considered to be a hard cheese, although its texture can vary from semi-firm to extra firm depending on its age. Traditional English cheddar is produced in tall wheels that are wrapped in cloth and aged in open-air caves for six to ten months, resulting in a drier and more crumbly texture. The process of making cheddar involves cutting curds into smaller pieces, heating them, and removing moisture through various methods, which contributes to its firm texture. As for the kosher status of cheddar, it depends on several factors. While some sources suggest that one should refrain from consuming meat after eating hard cheese, there is debate among rabbinic commentaries, with some dismissing this as a heresy. The concern regarding the kosher status of cheese often relates to the use of non-kosher, animal-derived rennet in its production. To be certified as kosher, cheese must be made under continual, onsite rabbinic supervision, which can be challenging and costly for hard-cheese production.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Kosher Cheddar Cheese | Yes, it exists |
| Supervision | Requires special onsite rabbinical supervision |
| Availability | Available in 8 oz blocks |
| Type | Vegetarian-friendly |
| Taste | Creamy and flavourful |
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What You'll Learn
Tillamook makes a kosher medium cheddar
Cheddar cheese is often made with animal rennet, derived from calf stomachs, and is therefore not considered kosher. However, Tillamook makes a kosher medium cheddar that is suitable for vegetarians and those wanting kosher-certified cheese.
Tillamook's Kosher Medium Cheddar is made with a fermentation-produced rennet that has both Kosher and Halal certification. The cheese is produced and packaged under official rabbinical guidance, ensuring it meets kosher requirements. It has the same award-winning taste and ingredients as their traditional medium cheddar, known for its rich and creamy flavour.
The Kosher Medium Cheddar is available in various sizes, including an 8-ounce block, a 40-pound block, and deli slices. The 8-ounce block, or 'baby loaf', contains 28-gram servings with 120 calories per serving. The larger 40-pound block is ideal for foodservice providers, offering greater consistency in aging, moisture migration, and quality control compared to larger 640-pound blocks.
Tillamook's Kosher Medium Cheddar is a versatile option for crafting delicious kosher recipes. It can be used in soups, sauces, pasta, pastries, and is always a burger's best friend! The cheese has a rich history, made with a century-old recipe, and is now the #1 selling natural cheese item in the United States, aged at least 60 days.
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Kosher cheese must be made under special rabbinic supervision
There are kosher varieties of cheddar cheese available, such as Tillamook's Medium Cheddar, which is produced and packaged under official rabbinical guidance.
According to Jewish law, or Shulchan Aruch, cheese is only considered kosher when made under special onsite rabbinic supervision. This requirement is unrelated to the halacha of Chalav Akum (unsupervised milk) and applies even to those who consume milk without special rabbinical supervision.
The kosher certification for cheese products ensures that they are manufactured with the necessary onsite rabbinical oversight. Any cheese product bearing the OU-D symbol, for instance, indicates that it has been certified as Kosher Dairy by the relevant authority.
The "Super Kosher" Collection from The Cheese Guy offers over 30 varieties of premium kosher cheeses, including Vermont artisan cheddars, French and Italian cheeses, and everyday jack cheeses. These kosher cheeses provide consumers with a range of options that meet the religious dietary requirements outlined by rabbinic authorities.
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Kosher cheese will have an OU-D symbol
Kosher cheese, or any kosher product, will have a kosher symbol on its packaging. The world's largest kosher certification agency is the Orthodox Union, and their symbol is 'OU'. An "OU-D" or "OU-Dairy" symbol indicates that the product is kosher dairy. This means that the product contains a dairy ingredient or a dairy derivative, or was made using equipment used for making dairy products.
Kosher dairy products can be dairy-free by ingredients. For example, a product with an "OU-DE" symbol stands for "dairy equipment" and means that the product does not contain any ingredients with milk or milk derivatives, but it was made using dairy equipment.
Kosher cheese can also be kosher for Passover, which is indicated by an "OU-P" symbol. This also means kosher pareve, which confirms that the product contains neither dairy nor meat nor any dairy or meat derivatives. However, some certifiers might certify products that are kosher for Passover but not kosher pareve. In this case, a product with just a "P" on the symbol, instead of "Pareve" spelled out, could contain dairy.
It is important to note that kosher symbols are not only related to the ingredients of a product but also to the equipment used to make the product. For example, an OU-D product should not be heated in a pot, pan, or used with dishes or cutlery that were used for meat. Doing so could make both the product and the utensil not kosher.
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Vermont makes an artisan kosher cheddar
Vermont is home to a variety of artisan kosher cheddars, including one crafted by The Cheese Guy. This particular cheddar is made from raw milk sourced exclusively from a single herd of cows on a single Vermont farm. The milk is then handcrafted to perfection, resulting in a bold, creamy flavor with a crunchy texture and tangy taste. It is aged for over a year, which gives it a subtle honey note and lush butter and fruit tones that balance out the cheddar's bite.
Another variety of kosher cheddar from Vermont is the craft beer cheddar from Grow and Behold. This cheese is made by soaking the curds in IPA and stout and then aging them for a year. The result is a nutty, medium-sharp, moderately crumbly cheddar with a hoppy ale aroma and taste.
Vermont's artisan kosher cheddars are a testament to the state's rich cheese-making tradition. The small-batch craftsmanship and attention to detail in the cheese-making process deliver an extraordinary journey of flavors that are perfect for snacking or adding depth to recipes.
The Cheese Guy's Raw Milk Vermont Artisan Cheddar, for example, can be shredded and added to twice-baked potatoes for a comforting and satisfying entrée loaded with veggies and the complex flavors of the cheddar. The tanginess of the cheese also makes it a great pairing for white wine, dessert wine, or merlot.
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Kosher cheddar tastes the same as non-kosher
Kosher laws are a strict set of rules that Jews follow regarding what they can and cannot eat. These laws are derived from the Torah, the first five books of the Hebrew Bible, and elaborated upon in the Talmud, the compilation of Jewish law. One of the primary requirements for a food to be considered kosher is that it must be prepared and consumed according to specific guidelines. This includes the exclusion of certain animals and animal products, such as pork and shellfish, as well as the separation of meat and dairy products.
When it comes to cheese, kosher laws dictate that it must be made under special onsite rabbinic supervision to be considered kosher. This requirement is based on the traditional method of making rennet, an enzyme used in cheese production, which was often derived from animals. Today, much of the rennet used in cheese production is synthetic, but the law remains in place, and any cheese product that is certified kosher will bear the OU-D symbol, indicating that it has been made under the required supervision.
Cheddar cheese, a popular variety of cheese known for its sharp, nutty flavor, can be made kosher as long as it adheres to the requirements of rabbinic supervision. Several brands offer kosher cheddar cheese, including Tillamook, which produces an award-winning medium cheddar that is just as creamy and flavorful as its traditional counterpart but is made under official rabbinical guidance. This ensures that the product is suitable for those adhering to kosher dietary laws without sacrificing taste or quality.
The taste of kosher cheddar remains the same as its non-kosher counterpart due to the identical ingredients used in both varieties. The key difference lies only in the production and packaging processes, which are tailored to meet the specific requirements of kosher certification. This includes ensuring that the cheese is made with kosher-certified ingredients and equipment, and that it is produced and handled by individuals who follow the necessary dietary restrictions.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, there are kosher varieties of cheddar cheese available, such as Tillamook Medium Cheddar.
Kosher cheese is made under special onsite rabbinic supervision and will bear the OU-D symbol ("Kosher Dairy").
Yes, there are many kosher cheeses available, including French, Italian, and Vermont artisan varieties.
Yes, kosher soft cheeses include fresh goat cheese and Italian burrata.
Yes, kosher cheese can be vegetarian-friendly, as some varieties are made with vegetarian rennet.
