Patrick Oconnell
Cheddar cheese is one of the most famous cheeses in the world, originating from the village of Cheddar in Somerset, England. It is known for its distinct flavour and creamy texture. Cheddar cheese is made by pressing whey out of the cheese by stacking blocks of curd on top of each other. These are re-stacked until the cheese becomes acidified and stringy. It is then cut into chips, salted, and pressed into hoops. The longer cheddar cheese is aged, the more flavour and character it develops. Old cheddar is a type of aged cheddar that has a lingering flavour and a crumbly texture.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Popularity | Cheddar is the most popular cheese in the UK, the second-most popular in the US, and the most popular in Australia. |
| Origin | Cheddar cheese originated in the village of Cheddar in Somerset, England. |
| Texture | Cheddar has a creamy texture. |
| Taste | Cheddar has a sharp taste. |
| Aging | Cheddar can be aged for 12 to 24 months to make it vintage. |
| Hardness | Cheddar is a hard cheese. |
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What You'll Learn
- Old cheddar is a hard cheese because of its low moisture content
- Cheddar is England's most famous cheese
- Cheddar cheese is the most popular cheese in the UK
- Cheddar is also made in Australia, Argentina, Belgium, Canada, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, New Zealand, South Africa, Sweden, Finland, Uruguay and the United States
- Cheddar cheese is known for its distinct flavour and creamy texture
Old cheddar is a hard cheese because of its low moisture content
Cheddar is a popular type of cheese that originated in the village of Cheddar in Somerset, England. It is the most popular cheese in the UK, accounting for 51% of the country's annual cheese market. Cheddar is also the second-most popular cheese in the United States, with an average annual consumption of 10 lb (4.5 kg) per capita.
Old cheddar is a hard cheese that falls under the category of aged cheddars. Aged cheddars are known for their crumbly texture and long-lingering flavour. The process of ageing cheese involves cutting the curd very finely and then cooking it at high temperatures, maximizing moisture removal. This low moisture content is a key factor in the hardness of old cheddar.
Hard cheeses, like old cheddar, are characterized by their robust and concentrated flavours. The longer a hard cheese ages, the more flavourful and distinctive it becomes. This ageing process also contributes to the hardness of the cheese. During ageing, tiny white crystals may appear, which are calcium lactate crystals that add a zingy flavour and indicate a well-matured cheese.
The low moisture content in old cheddar also allows it to be stored for long periods. Proper storage methods, such as cloth wrapping or vacuum-sealed bags, can further extend the shelf life of cheddar cheese. Overall, the low moisture content of old cheddar contributes to its classification as a hard cheese, and influences both its texture and flavour.
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Cheddar is England's most famous cheese
Cheddar cheese has a long and interesting history, dating back to the 12th century in England. The process of making cheddar cheese was modernised and standardised by Somerset dairyman Joseph Harding in the 19th century, who introduced new equipment and techniques to the traditional craft. Harding is often referred to as "the father of cheddar" due to his significant contributions to the cheese-making process.
Cheddar cheese is known for its distinct flavour, creamy texture, and sharp taste. It is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes. The flavour of cheddar cheese can vary depending on its age, with older cheddars developing stronger and more diverse flavours over time. The colour of cheddar cheese can also vary, with some cheddars having an orange hue due to the addition of annatto extract during manufacture.
Cheddar cheese is a popular variety, accounting for a significant portion of the cheese market in the United Kingdom, the United States, and Australia. It is the most popular cheese in the UK, with 51% of the country's annual cheese market, and the second-most popular cheese in the United States, after mozzarella. Cheddar cheese is also widely produced and consumed in Australia, where it accounts for over 55% of the country's cheese market.
Cheddar cheese has become an important export for England and is recognised as one of the country's most famous and exceptional cheeses. With its rich history, unique flavour, and global popularity, Cheddar cheese has earned its place as an iconic English food product.
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Cheddar cheese is the most popular cheese in the UK
Cheddar cheese gets its name from the village of Cheddar in Somerset, southwest England, where it originated in the 12th century. The Cheddar Gorge on the edge of the village contains several caves that provided the ideal humidity and steady temperature for maturing the cheese. The process of making Cheddar, known as "Cheddaring", involves turning slabs of curd and piling them on top of each other in a controlled manner to drain the whey. This process, unique to Cheddar, also stretches the curd and creates a harder cheese with a firm body.
Cheddar cheese comes in various forms, from mild to extra mature or vintage, with different brands and ages offering diverse flavour profiles. Mild Cheddar, aged for about three months, is popular as an everyday cheese due to its gentle, creamy flavour and easy sliceability. On the other hand, extra mature and vintage Cheddars, aged for 15 months or more, develop a characteristic sweet and nutty flavour with a long finish.
The popularity of Cheddar in the UK is evident in a survey conducted by Cartwright & Butler, where 46% of respondents overall chose it as their favourite cheese. Cheddar topped the list in every city surveyed, and it was found to be more popular among women (54%) than men (37%).
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Cheddar is also made in Australia, Argentina, Belgium, Canada, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, New Zealand, South Africa, Sweden, Finland, Uruguay and the United States
Cheddar cheese is a popular variety of cheese that originated in the village of Cheddar in Somerset, England. It is known for its distinct flavour and creamy texture. The name "cheddar cheese" is used internationally, and the cheese is produced in many countries besides the United Kingdom, including:
- Australia
- Argentina
- Belgium
- Canada
- Germany
- Ireland
- The Netherlands
- New Zealand
- South Africa
- Sweden
- Finland
- Uruguay
- The United States
In the United States, the state of Wisconsin produces the most cheddar cheese, with other production centres including California, Idaho, New York, Vermont, Oregon, Texas, and Oklahoma. In 2014, the US produced approximately 1,300,000 tonnes of cheddar, and it is the second most popular cheese in the country. Cheddar is also extremely popular in the UK, accounting for 51% of the country's annual cheese market.
Cheddar can be either industrial or artisan cheese. Industrial cheddar's flavour, colour, and quality can vary significantly, and food packaging usually indicates strength, such as mild, medium, strong, tasty, sharp, extra sharp, mature, old, or vintage. Artisan varieties develop strong and diverse flavours over time.
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Cheddar cheese is known for its distinct flavour and creamy texture
Cheddar cheese is one of the most famous cheeses in England and perhaps the most well-known cheese in the Western world. It is also Australia's most popular cheese and the second-most popular in the United States. Cheddar cheese is known for its distinct flavour and creamy texture. The cheese gets its name from the village of Cheddar in Somerset, England, where it originated. The Cheddar Gorge on the edge of the village provided the ideal humidity and steady temperature for maturing the cheese.
Cheddar cheese has a rich history and is known for its sharp taste and global variations. The flavour, colour, and quality of industrial cheddar vary significantly, and food packaging usually indicates strength, such as mild, medium, strong, tasty, sharp, extra sharp, mature, old, or vintage. The distinct flavour of cheddar cheese comes from the combination of curds made on three different days. As the curds ripen at different times within the cheese, a mottled texture and three-dimensional flavour result. The texture of cheddar cheese is light and crumbly as the cheese is only lightly pressed.
Cheddar cheese is also known for its creamy texture, which is achieved through a traditional process of pressing whey out of the cheese by stacking blocks of curd on top of each other. These are re-stacked until the cheese becomes acidified and stringy. It is then cut into chips, salted, and pressed into hoops. Different types of cheddar cheese are aged for various lengths of time, with vintage cheddar maturing for 12 to 24 months. An aged cheddar will crumble in the mouth and have a long-lingering flavour, while a mild cheddar slices well for sandwich-making.
Cheddar cheese is a versatile and popular ingredient, often paired with wines and crackers. It is a living product, and as long as it is sealed and stored properly, it can be safe to consume even after the expiration date. Cheddar cheese is also used in sauces and processed cheese products. Overall, cheddar cheese is a beloved and well-known variety of cheese that is enjoyed worldwide for its distinct flavour and creamy texture.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, old cheddar is a hard cheese. Cheddar is one of England's most famous cheeses and is the most well-known cheese in the Western world. It is known for its distinct flavour and creamy texture.
Hard cheese has distinctive robust, concentrated flavours and keeps very well due to its lack of moisture. The longer hard cheese is aged, the more flavour and character it develops.
To make hard cheese, the curd is cut very finely and then cooked at temperatures as high as 55°C to remove moisture. The curd is then placed in hoops, soaked in brine, turned regularly and left to mature for six to 36 months.
Examples of hard cheese include Romano, Parmigiano Reggiano, Pecorino, and old cheddar.
Old cheddar is an aged cheddar that crumbles in the mouth and has a long-lingering flavour.
