Bushra Griffith
Cheddar cheese is one of the most widely purchased and eaten cheeses globally, and it is often aged to enhance its flavour. The ageing process can vary, with some cheddar cheeses aged for just a few months and others for several years. The length of time affects the cheese's flavour and texture, with longer-aged cheddar cheeses developing a sharper, tangier, and nuttier taste. They also tend to have a firmer, more crumbly texture with hard salt-like crystals. Cheddar cheese aged for 15 to 17 years is considered rare and almost impossible to find, but they are highly sought after for their intense, rich, and sharp flavours.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Aging Period | 4 years, 6 years, 10 years, 15 years, 17 years, 18+ months |
| Flavor | Sharp, nutty, tangy, rich, creamy, smooth |
| Texture | Firm, crumbly, crunchy, flaky, moist |
| Food Pairings | Dried fruit, fresh apples, artisan meats, summer sausage, hot pepper bacon jam, wild berry drizzle |
| Drink Pairings | Whiskey, pilsner, champagne, cognac, chardonnay |
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What You'll Learn
The longer the aging, the sharper the cheese
The sharpness of cheddar cheese is directly related to the length of time it is aged. The longer a cheddar cheese is aged, the sharper it becomes. This is because, over time, the cheese loses moisture and the flavours become more concentrated. This process also affects the texture of the cheese, making it firmer and sometimes crumbly.
Aged cheddar cheeses are often described as having a rich, intense, and complex flavour profile. The longer ageing process results in a sharper, nuttier, and tangier taste. The texture of aged cheddar can vary from creamy and smooth to firm and crumbly, sometimes with hard salt-like crystals called calcium lactate that give the cheese a slight crunch.
The length of time required to age a cheddar cheese to achieve the desired sharpness can vary. Some cheddars are aged for as little as six months to a year, while others are aged for much longer periods. For example, there are 15- and 17-year-old cheddars available that are described as being "super-sharp" and "incredibly rich". These older cheddars are rare and almost impossible to come by, showcasing the dedication and craftsmanship of the cheesemakers.
The process of ageing cheddar cheese involves curing the cheese for an extended period, during which it undergoes a gradual transformation. The cheese is monitored and graded as it matures to ensure it meets the desired specifications for sharpness and flavour. This careful tending to the cheese over many years results in a final product that is vastly different from its younger counterparts, with a unique texture and flavour profile that is sought after by cheese connoisseurs.
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Cheddar can be aged for over 15 years
Cheddar cheese is a beloved staple in many kitchens around the world. Its distinctive flavour and texture are the result of a process called ageing. The longer cheddar is aged, the sharper and more robust the flavour becomes.
Mild cheddar is aged for only a few months, while medium cheddar is aged for a few months longer. Extra sharp cheddar, on the other hand, is typically aged for 18 months or more. The extended ageing process gives extra sharp cheddar a much more complex and tangy flavour than mild or medium cheddar. The ageing process also affects the texture of the cheese, with extra sharp cheddar known for its distinct crumbly texture.
Vintage cheddar is any cheddar aged for more than 12 months. The microbes and enzymes in vintage cheddar start to break down as the cheese ages, giving it a crystalline texture. The key to achieving the desired texture is ageing the cheddar at a consistent temperature. Cheddar cheese is typically aged in vacuum-sealed bags and is rindless, making it easy to package and store.
Some cheddar cheeses are aged for even longer periods. For instance, Cheese Brothers offers several types of aged cheddar, including options aged up to 15 years. Similarly, Cheese Bros offers a 15-year-aged cheddar with a very sharp, nutty, tangy, and rich flavour. This cheese has a firm, though sometimes crumbly texture, thanks to its extended curing time. Even rarer, Gardners Wisconsin Cheese offers a 17-year-old super-sharp cheddar cheese. This cheese is incredibly rich and creamy, smooth, and impeccably sharp.
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Aged cheddars have a crumbly texture
Cheddar cheese is the most widely purchased and consumed variety of cheese. When it comes to aged cheddars, they are known for their rich and intense flavours, which develop over time. The texture of these aged cheddars is often described as crumbly, with a granular and sometimes crunchy consistency. This crumbly texture is a result of the extended curing and ageing process, which can range from a few months to several years.
For instance, the 15-year-aged cheddar from Cheesebros has a firm and crumbly texture, while still maintaining a smooth and creamy finish. Similarly, Shelburne Farms offers a 2-year-old cheddar that strikes a perfect balance between crumbly and creamy, with a unique flavour. The ageing process also contributes to the formation of hard salt-like crystals called calcium lactate, adding a slight crunch to the cheese.
The 17-year-old super-sharp cheddar from Gardners Wisconsin Cheese is another example of an aged cheese with a rich, creamy, and smooth texture, despite its extended ageing. This cheese is rare and almost impossible to find elsewhere. While some aged cheddars are praised for their crumbly texture, others like the Skellig cheese are known for their creaminess while still retaining a sharp flavour.
The ageing process plays a crucial role in developing the unique characteristics of cheddar cheese. During this time, the cheese undergoes a transformation, resulting in a more complex flavour profile and a distinctive texture. The length of ageing can vary, with some cheeses being aged for a shorter period, such as the Prarie Breeze by Milton Farms, which is less than a year old, while others are aged for much longer, like the 15-year and 17-year cheddars. These aged cheddars showcase the diverse textures that can be achieved through the ageing process, ranging from crumbly to creamy, always offering a delightful sensory experience.
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The cheese develops a rich, nutty flavour
Cheddar cheese is a widely purchased and consumed cheese variety. The sharp variety of cheddar cheese is aged to develop a rich, nutty flavour. The ageing process can range from a few months to several years, with some rare varieties aged for over a decade.
The longer ageing process results in a sharper, more intense flavour and a firmer texture. The cheese becomes more complex and full-bodied, with a rich and nutty taste. The texture can vary from crumbly to creamy, and it may develop hard salt-like crystals called calcium lactate, adding a slight crunch to the cheese.
Aged cheddar cheeses, such as the 15-year-old variety, offer a unique sensory experience with their intense flavours and granular texture. The cheese is described as having a sharp, tangy, and nutty flavour profile. The extended curing time contributes to the development of its rich and bold character.
Some popular aged sharp cheddar cheeses include the 15-Year Aged Wisconsin Cheddar, the Shelburne Farms 2-year-old cheddar, and the Snowdonia Black Bomber. These cheeses are known for their intense flavours and varied textures, ranging from creamy to crumbly.
Aged cheddar cheese is a delightful treat for cheese enthusiasts, offering a complex flavour profile and a sensory experience that is sure to impress. The rich, nutty flavour is a testament to the transformation that occurs during the ageing process, making it a sought-after delicacy.
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Longer-aged cheddars are hard to come by
Cheddar cheese is a natural cheese that is relatively hard and off-white (or orange if colourings are added). It is named after the village of Cheddar in Somerset, southwest England, where it originated. Cheddar cheese is produced all over the world and has no Protected Designation of Origin (PDO). The process of ageing cheddar affects its flavour. The longer it is aged, the more pronounced and sharp its flavour becomes. This is what distinguishes mild cheddar, which is typically aged for just a couple of months and has a smooth taste, from sharp cheddar, which is aged for up to a year or longer and has a more distinct and prominent flavour.
Extra-sharp cheddar has the most assertive flavour among these classifications, with a very pronounced sharp taste, and is likely to crumble or break when sliced. Extra-sharp cheddar is best enjoyed on its own rather than cooked. New York-style cheddar is another variety known for its lengthy ageing process, which results in a very prominent, extra-sharp taste that is often described as pungent and bitter.
While young cheddar is readily available at supermarkets, true aged cheddar is harder to come by. This is partly due to the time it takes to produce, but also because of the specialised conditions required to age the cheese. Cheddar cheese is typically aged in vacuum-sealed bags and is rindless. Some cheesemakers wrap their cheddar in a cheesecloth for ageing and to protect it from the elements. Cheddar cheese was commonly placed in caves to age because of the low and stable temperature. Some cheesemakers use wax to protect the cheddar and impart a distinct flavour.
Aged cheddars are harder to find, but they are worth seeking out for their rich, intense flavours and unique textures. For example, a 15-year-aged cheddar will have a complex, sharp, nutty, tangy, and rich flavour, and a firm, crumbly texture. An even older cheddar, aged for 17 years, is described as "super-sharp" and incredibly rich, with a creamy, smooth texture. These rare, aged cheddars are almost impossible to come by, but they offer a truly exceptional cheese experience.
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Frequently asked questions
Sharp cheddar cheese is a variety of cheddar cheese with a strong, sharp taste.
Yes, sharp cheddar cheese is aged. The longer a cheddar cheese is aged, the sharper it becomes.
There is no set aging period for sharp cheddar cheese. Different manufacturers age their cheddar for different periods, ranging from a few months to 17 years.
Aging cheddar cheese results in the development of a stronger, sharper, and more complex flavor profile. Aged cheddars are described as rich, nutty, and tangy.
Aging cheddar cheese affects its texture, making it firmer, crumbly, and sometimes crystalline. Despite this, some aged cheddars can retain a smooth and creamy finish.
