Frederic Melton
Cheddar cheese is a popular variety of cheese that is produced in several countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. In Australia, cheddar cheese is often marketed as tasty, indicating that it has a stronger flavour than mild cheddar. The term tasty for cheddar cheese may be used to describe a maturation period of around six to twelve months, resulting in a fuller flavour compared to milder cheddars. The flavour of cheddar can vary depending on the production methods, with industrial and artisan varieties offering different taste profiles.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Flavour | Sweet, mild matured, rich, spicy, flavoured |
| Texture | Creamy, crumbly, consistent shred size, easy melting, non-clumping |
| Colour | Light yellow |
| Use cases | Melts, sauces, wraps, salads, soups, pasta, baking, toasted sandwiches, quiches, open subs, omelettes |
| Availability | In Australia, available at supermarkets and wholesale for foodservice venues |
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What You'll Learn
- Cheddar is a popular cheese made in many countries
- Tasty is a term used for cheddar that has been aged longer
- Mild, medium, and vintage are also used to describe cheddar
- Each term indicates the maturation period and flavour intensity
- Tasty cheddar is not a special kind of cheese, just a medium-to-above-average cheddar
Cheddar is a popular cheese made in many countries
In Australia, the term "Tasty Cheese" is often used to describe a type of cheddar with a slightly above-average flavour. It is more mature than mild cheddar, with a stronger taste, and is known for its creamy texture and easy melting properties. This variety is commonly shredded or sliced and used in melts, sauces, wraps, and other culinary applications.
The popularity of cheddar extends to the United States and Canada, where it is generally milder in flavour. American cheddars, such as Cracker Barrel, are not known for being particularly sharp or strong. However, there are different varieties available, including spicy or flavoured cheddars, and the cheese is widely used in cooking and enjoyed by many.
In France, while there is an abundance of renowned cheeses like Brie, Camembert, Gouda, and Emmental, cheddar is also appreciated, albeit harder to come by in supermarkets. Some French markets offer cheddar, often sold by British or English vendors, catering to those who miss the familiar taste from their home countries.
Each country has its own unique take on cheddar, with variations in flavour, texture, and ageing processes. Despite its roots in the English village of Cheddar, the cheese has become a global favourite, finding its way into kitchens and cuisines around the world.
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Tasty is a term used for cheddar that has been aged longer
The term "tasty" is used for cheddar cheese that has been aged longer. This process of ageing results in cheese with less water content and a more pronounced flavour. In Australia, for instance, where mild cheeses are unpopular and specifically marketed as "Mild", "Tasty" cheddar is considered a slightly above-average flavoured variety. It is described as a medium-to-above-average cheddar, with a vintage, crumbly, and sharp character.
Tasty cheddar is also available in a shredded form, which captures the flavour of authentic block cheddar in a convenient shred. This variety is perfect for melts, sauces, wraps, salads, soups, pasta, and baking. It is characterised by its creamy texture and consistent shred size, with an easy melting profile that does not clump within the bag.
The colour of tasty cheddar can vary, ranging from light yellow to orange. The former is often described as having a sweet, mild matured flavour, while the latter is sometimes regarded as less desirable by consumers.
The term "extra tasty" is also used to describe a variety of cheddar with an even more intense flavour. This type of cheddar is particularly missed by those who have moved away from Australia, where it is commonly available.
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Mild, medium, and vintage are also used to describe cheddar
Mild, medium, and vintage are indeed used to describe cheddar, with the terms referring to the distinct flavours and textures that arise from the aging process.
Mild cheddar is aged for a short period, typically just a couple of months, and has a creamy, subtle taste with a relatively high moisture content. This results in a smooth texture that doesn't crumble easily and melts extremely well. Medium cheddar is aged slightly longer, resulting in a more pronounced flavour, although it lacks the distinct bite of sharp cheddar. It too is good for melting and slicing.
Vintage cheddar, on the other hand, is a sharp, tangy cheese with a rich, complex flavour. It is created by aging cheddar for more than 12 months, and the aging process causes the microbes and enzymes in the cheese to break down, giving it a crystalline texture. Maintaining a consistent temperature during aging is key to achieving this desired texture.
The different ageing times and resulting flavours and textures lend themselves to different uses. Mild cheddar, with its high moisture content and smooth texture, is excellent for shredding or adding to casseroles. Medium cheddar, with its more pronounced flavour, is a good choice for melting and slicing. Vintage cheddar is a standout on a charcuterie platter and can be used for cooking to add a rich flavour, although it is best enjoyed on its own.
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Each term indicates the maturation period and flavour intensity
The term "tasty cheese" is used to refer to cheddar cheese, particularly in Australia. Cheddar cheese is a popular variety of cheese that is known for its distinct flavour and texture. While the exact maturation period can vary, the term "tasty" generally indicates that the cheese has been aged for a longer period of time, resulting in a more intense flavour and a crumbly texture.
In Australia, cheddar cheese is often marketed as "tasty" to differentiate it from milder varieties of cheese. The maturation process of cheddar cheese involves allowing the cheese to age and ripen, which concentrates the flavours and results in a stronger taste. The longer maturation period also reduces the water content in the cheese, contributing to its crumbly texture.
Compared to other types of cheese, such as mild or medium cheddars, tasty cheddar has a more intense and pronounced flavour. This is due to the extended maturation period, which allows the flavours to develop and intensify. The specific maturation time can vary depending on the cheesemaker and the desired flavour profile, but it generally ranges from a few months to a year or more.
The flavour of tasty cheddar is often described as sharp, rich, and buttery, with a creamy texture. It is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes, including grilled cheese sandwiches, soups, salads, and pasta. The maturation process not only enhances the flavour but also affects the melting properties of the cheese, making it ideal for melting and cooking.
Overall, the term "tasty" when applied to cheddar cheese indicates a longer maturation period, a more intense flavour, and a unique texture. The maturation process is crucial in developing the distinct characteristics of tasty cheddar, making it a popular and versatile ingredient in various culinary applications.
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Tasty cheddar is not a special kind of cheese, just a medium-to-above-average cheddar
Cheddar cheese is a beloved variety of cheese that is a favourite for many around the world. However, the availability and variety of cheddar can differ from country to country. For instance, in the US and Canada, cheddar is typically very mild, while in Australia, mild cheddar is specifically marketed as "Mild". This is where the term "Tasty" cheddar comes in.
"Tasty" cheddar is a term used to describe a slightly above-average flavoured cheddar cheese. It is not a special kind of cheese but rather a medium-to-above-average variety of cheddar. In Australia, "Tasty" cheddar is simply a step up from the milder varieties, offering a more pronounced flavour. This is in contrast to the generally milder cheddars found in North America, which can leave some Australians craving something different.
The term "Tasty" for cheddar can be a bit confusing, especially for those visiting or moving to Australia. It's important to note that "Tasty" doesn't refer to a specific brand or type of cheddar, but rather a category of cheddar with a stronger flavour profile. This variety of cheddar is aged longer, resulting in lower moisture content and a more intense flavour.
While "Tasty" cheddar may not be considered a special kind of cheese, it certainly has its fans. Some enthusiasts praise its rich, melty texture and distinctively delicious flavour. It is a popular choice for culinary applications, as its creamy texture and easy-melting properties make it ideal for cheese toasties, sandwiches, soups, and various baked dishes.
In summary, "Tasty" cheddar is simply a medium-to-above-average variety of cheddar cheese, offering a more pronounced flavour for those who enjoy their cheese with a bit of extra character. While it may not be a unique or exotic type of cheese, it certainly has its place in the hearts (and stomachs) of those who appreciate a good, reliable cheddar with a bit more bite.
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Frequently asked questions
"Tasty" is a term used to describe cheddar cheese that has been aged longer, giving it less water content and more flavour.
Tasty or matured cheddar matures for 6 to 12 months.
Cheddar can be mild, semi-matured, matured/tasty, vintage, sharp, extra sharp, New York style, white, or Vermont.
Mild cheddar is not as popular in Australia compared to other types. It has a milder flavour and matures for a shorter period of 1 to 3 months.
Cheddar cheese is sometimes labelled as "tasty" to indicate its maturation period and stronger flavour profile.
