Frederic Melton
Tillamook is a well-known brand of cheese that offers a range of cheddar varieties, including Extra Sharp White Cheddar. This particular variety is known for its bold, sharp flavour and smooth, nutty taste. While most cheese manufactured and sold in the US is pasteurized, there have been debates about whether Tillamook cheese undergoes the same process. Some sources suggest that Tillamook cheese is not pasteurized, but rather made with cultured milk and heat-shocked, which doesn't reach the same high temperatures as pasteurization. However, other sources indicate that Tillamook Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese is indeed pasteurized and safe to consume.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Pasteurized | Yes |
| Weight | 8 oz |
| Flavor | Smooth, nutty flavor with a bold, complex sharpness |
| Texture | Crumbly |
| Halal Certified | Yes |
| Ingredients | Cultured Milk, Salt, Enzymes, Annatto (Color) |
| Allergens | Contains Milk and its derivatives |
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What You'll Learn
Tillamook Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese is pasteurized
While most Tillamook Cheddars, including the Extra Sharp Cheddar, are made from heat-shocked milk, this process does not reach as high a temperature as pasteurization. Heat-shocking will kill most bad bacteria, but for pasteurization, the milk has to be heated to a higher temperature. However, it is important to note that the majority of cheese manufactured and sold in the United States is pasteurized and safe to eat.
Some people may have concerns about consuming unpasteurized cheese due to the risk of bacteria such as listeria. However, proper aging and culturing of cheese can help to eliminate unwanted bacteria. In the case of Tillamook cheese, the company has a strong reputation for food safety and is known to answer any customer questions or concerns.
When purchasing Tillamook Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese, it is important to check the packaging for information on ingredients and pasteurization. The product is halal-certified, pasteurized, and contains no artificial preservatives. It is recommended to store the cheese in the refrigerator when not in use to maintain freshness and prolong its shelf life.
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It's made from heat-shocked milk
Tillamook cheese is made from cultured milk, enzymes (rennet), salt, and annatto, a natural colouring. The annatto is only added to the yellow cheddars, as the white cheddars only contain the first three ingredients. Tillamook's Extra Sharp White Cheddar is their longest-aged cheese, with the sharpest flavour and the lowest moisture content, which leads to a crumbly texture.
Most Tillamook Cheddars, including the Extra Sharp White Cheddar, are made from heat-shocked milk. Heat-shocking is a process that kills bad bacteria in the milk. This is necessary for the creation of aged and cultured cheeses like cheddar, as the ageing process would otherwise be interrupted by unwanted bacteria. Heat-shocking does not reach as high a temperature as pasteurisation, but it is still safe to consume. In fact, Tillamook cheese is Halal-certified and contains no artificial preservatives.
Tillamook cheese is mass-produced, and most mass-produced cheeses are pasteurised. However, some people do consume unpasteurised cheese from local farms.
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It's Halal-certified
Tillamook cheese is made with cultured milk, enzymes (rennet), salt, and annatto, a natural colouring. The company uses a process called heat shocking to kill any bad bacteria, which is safe and only 9 degrees cooler than pasteurization. While it is not explicitly stated whether Tillamook cheese is pasteurized, it is safe to eat and will not give you listeria.
The majority of Tillamook cheeses are Halal-certified. The company uses fermentation-produced rennet that has Kosher and Halal certification and is vegetarian-friendly. This is common in the cheese-making industry as it helps minimize the risk of a bitter flavour profile. The Kosher Medium Cheddar Cheese has the same ingredients as the traditional Medium Cheddar Cheese but is produced and packaged under official rabbinical guidance.
Tillamook's frozen meals, yogurt, sour cream, butter, and cream cheese spreads do not have Halal certification. However, all of these products are vegetarian. The company's ice cream products are also not Halal-certified, but all flavours except Rocky Road are vegetarian and do not contain any animal-derived ingredients other than milk and eggs.
To be sure that your Tillamook cheese is Halal-certified, check the packaging for the Halal certification symbol. To prolong the life of your cheese, Tillamook recommends keeping it in its original package, washing your hands before handling, avoiding touching the cheese you plan to put back in the fridge, and storing it in the coldest part of your refrigerator.
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It has no artificial preservatives
Tillamook Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese is pasteurized and contains no artificial preservatives. The cheese is made from cultured milk, enzymes (rennet), salt, and annatto, a natural colouring extracted from the seeds of annatto trees grown in the tropics. Tillamook Cheddar Cheeses develop their flavours through the natural process of aging. The longer they age, the sharper and more flavourful they become.
The absence of artificial preservatives in Tillamook Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese is notable, as preservatives are commonly used in food products to extend shelf life and prevent spoilage. Artificial preservatives can include various chemical compounds that inhibit the growth of microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi, which can cause food deterioration. By excluding these additives, Tillamook prioritises a more natural product, relying on proper storage conditions and the cheese's inherent characteristics to maintain its quality and freshness.
The natural aging process of Tillamook Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese plays a crucial role in preserving the product. During aging, the cheese develops a sharper flavour and lower moisture content, creating an environment less conducive to bacterial growth. This natural preservation method is further enhanced by the cheese's packaging and storage conditions. Tillamook Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese is typically sold in sealed packages, and once purchased, it is recommended to store the cheese in a refrigerator, maintaining a temperature below 40°F (4.4°C). These factors collectively contribute to slowing down the spoilage process and extending the shelf life of the cheese.
The absence of artificial preservatives in Tillamook Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese aligns with the company's commitment to quality and natural ingredients. By avoiding artificial additives, Tillamook ensures that the flavour and texture of the cheese come solely from its natural constituents and aging process. This approach not only appeals to health-conscious consumers who prefer minimally processed foods but also distinguishes Tillamook's products in the market. The company's dedication to using high-quality, natural ingredients has helped establish its reputation for producing great-tasting, premium cheese products.
It's important to note that while Tillamook Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese does not contain artificial preservatives, it may still have a relatively long shelf life due to its natural aging and proper storage. However, consumers should always refer to the best-by date printed on the package and follow recommended storage practices to ensure the cheese remains safe and enjoyable.
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It's aged for 2-6 years (and continues to age in your fridge)
Tillamook's Extra Sharp Cheddar cheese is aged for 2-6 years and continues to age in your fridge. The cheese is made from cultured milk, enzymes (rennet), salt, and annatto, a natural colouring extracted from the seeds of annatto trees in the tropics. The longer Tillamook cheddars are aged, the sharper and more flavourful they become. The cheese is aged in 40-pound blocks, with the Extra Sharp White Cheddar and Maker's Reserve being aged the longest, for 2-6 years.
The ageing process of Tillamook cheddar cheese continues even after being purchased and stored in the fridge, as long as it is stored properly in an unopened package below 40°F. The cheese will continue to age and sharpen in the fridge due to its low moisture content. However, it is always recommended to eat Tillamook products before the best-by date printed on the package.
The Extra Sharp White Cheddar is Tillamook's longest-aged cheese offered in a shredded cut. It has the sharpest flavour and the lowest moisture content, resulting in a crumblier texture compared to their other shredded cheeses. The cheese is halal-certified, pasteurized, and made from high-quality milk with no artificial preservatives.
To ensure the best quality and freshness, it is important to store the cheese in the refrigerator when not in use. As a Certified B Corp, Tillamook is committed to stewardship and sustainability in their cheese production. The ageing process of their cheddar cheese is a natural one, and it contributes to the development of the distinct sharp flavour that Tillamook cheese is known for.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Tillamook Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese is pasteurized. It is Halal Certified and contains no artificial preservatives.
Tillamook Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese has a bold, complex sharpness with a smooth, nutty flavor. It is the company's longest-aged cheese and has the sharpest flavor of all their cheeses.
The ingredients of Tillamook Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese are cultured milk, salt, enzymes, and annatto (a natural coloring).
