Bushra Griffith
Cheddar cheese is a beloved food in America, ranking at the top of favourite cheese surveys. Cheddar cheese is named after the English village of Cheddar, where it was first created in the 11th century. The process of making cheddar involves a mixture of cultured milk and rennet, followed by the removal of whey (leftover liquid) to leave behind curds. These curds are then heated, pressed, and moulded into blocks, which are aged until ready to eat. Cheddar cheese is a full-fat dairy product, with a high percentage of fat, zero carbohydrates, and notable nutritional benefits. It is rich in calcium, vitamin A, phosphorus, and other minerals, contributing to a healthy diet when consumed in moderation.
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What You'll Learn
Full-fat cheddar cheese is high in saturated fat
Cheddar cheese is a beloved food in America, regularly ranking at the top of favourite cheese surveys. It is named after the English village of Cheddar, where it was first created in the 11th century. Cheddar is a calorie-dense food with a high percentage of fat, making it compatible with the keto diet.
Full-fat cheddar cheese also contains other nutrients, including protein, calcium, vitamin A, phosphorus, zinc, selenium, and riboflavin. It is a good source of calcium, providing 20% of the daily value in a 1-ounce serving. Calcium helps build strong bones and also plays a role in blood clotting and other important functions. Cheddar cheese is also relatively high in sodium, with 190mg per ounce.
Full-fat cheddar cheese should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a healthy diet. It can be served on its own with crackers or added to comfort foods and cheesy dishes. It has a melting point of about 150 degrees Fahrenheit and a high fat content that gives it plenty of stretch. When stored in the refrigerator, unopened cheddar can last up to six months, while opened packages can be kept for three to four weeks.
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It is named after the English village of Cheddar
Cheddar cheese is named after the English village of Cheddar, located in Somerset, southwest England. 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 begins with a mixture of cultured milk and rennet, followed by draining the leftover liquid (whey) to leave behind curds. Heating the curds removes moisture and melts them into large slabs, which are then pressed through a mill and into a mould. The formed blocks of cheddar are then aged until they are ready to be eaten.
Cheddar cheese has a long history, dating back to the 12th century in the village of Cheddar. According to legend, a milkmaid forgot about a pail of milk in one of the caves, and when she returned, she discovered that the milk had hardened into the perfect golden cheese we know today. English monarchs, including King Henry II, who purchased 10,240 pounds of cheddar in 1170, developed a taste for it.
Over time, cheddar cheese spread beyond England and became popular in other parts of the world. In the 19th century, British colonists brought their cheesemaking techniques to America, and by 1790, they were exporting cheddar back to their home country. The world's first cheese factory, which opened in upstate New York in 1851, specialised in cheddar production. Today, the state of Wisconsin produces the most cheddar cheese in the United States, with other centres of production including California, Idaho, New York, Vermont, Oregon, Texas, and Oklahoma.
While the name "cheddar" is not protected under European Union or UK law, the name "West Country Farmhouse Cheddar" has a protected designation of origin (PDO) and can only be produced in Somerset, Devon, Dorset, and Cornwall using milk sourced from those counties. Cheddar is typically sold based on strength, such as mild, medium, mature, extra mature, or vintage, and is a popular option for snacking and cooking.
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Cheddar is rich in calcium
Cheddar cheese, named after the English village of Cheddar, is made from cow's milk that has been matured for several months. It can be white, off-white, or yellow, and its flavour ranges from mild to extra sharp.
In addition to calcium, cheddar also contains vitamin K, which also plays a valuable role in promoting bone health. Vitamin K is important for heart health as well, as it prevents calcium from being deposited on the walls of arteries and veins, which can lead to an increased risk of blockages and heart disease.
While cheddar cheese is a good source of calcium and vitamin K, it is also high in saturated fat compared to other dairy products. Eating foods high in saturated fats can raise cholesterol levels and put you at risk of cardiovascular disease. Therefore, it is important to enjoy cheddar cheese in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
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Cheddar is low in lactose
Cheddar cheese, named after the village of Cheddar in Somerset, England, is one of the most popular types of cheese worldwide. It is a beloved snack and cooking ingredient, especially in America, where it regularly ranks at the top of favourite cheese surveys.
Cheddar is made from cow's milk and undergoes a specific production process that contributes to its unique characteristics. The cheese is typically aged for varying periods, resulting in different flavour profiles and textures. During the cheesemaking process, bacteria convert lactose into lactic acid, which gives Cheddar its distinctive flavour and texture. This process, along with the ageing period, means that Cheddar generally contains minimal amounts of lactose. On average, mature Cheddar cheese, aged for several months, can contain less than 1 mg of lactose per 100 grams.
Given its low lactose content, Cheddar is often considered suitable for individuals with lactose intolerance. Lactose intolerance is the inability to produce lactase, an enzyme that breaks down the lactose we consume into a digestible form. Consuming lactose can cause digestive discomfort, such as bloating, gas, and diarrhoea, in people with this intolerance. However, individual tolerances can vary, and while many lactose-intolerant individuals can enjoy Cheddar without issues, some may still be sensitive to even trace amounts of lactose.
Therefore, while Cheddar is generally considered lactose-friendly, it is essential to listen to your body and monitor your reactions when consuming it or any other dairy product.
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It has a semi-firm body and a smooth, sweet, nutty flavour
Full-fat cheddar cheese is a delight for the senses, boasting a semi-firm body and a smooth, sweet, nutty flavour. This cheese variety is a mild cheddar, making it a versatile option for various dishes and pairings. Its semi-firm texture allows for easy slicing, grating, or melting, adding convenience to its list of attributes.
The smooth, creamy mouthfeel of full-fat cheddar cheese is a result of its high-fat content, which also contributes to its rich, nutty flavour. While the cheese is known for its sweetness, it also offers a complex flavour profile that can include notes of grass and flower petals, depending on the specific type of cheddar.
Full-fat cheddar cheese is a popular choice for snacks and cooking due to its versatility and flavour. It is a perfect match for crackers and sandwiches, providing a creamy texture and a burst of flavour. The cheese also pairs well with fruits like apples, making it an excellent option for those who enjoy a touch of sweetness in their snacks.
In terms of cooking, full-fat cheddar cheese is a welcome addition to many dishes. Its high-fat content gives it a high melting point, making it ideal for adding a gooey, stretchy texture to recipes. Whether shredded, melted, or cubed, full-fat cheddar cheese can enhance the taste and texture of salads, sandwiches, or cheese trays.
While full-fat cheddar cheese offers a delightful sensory experience, it is important to consume it in moderation due to its high-fat content. Enjoyed in moderation, full-fat cheddar cheese can be a tasty and nutritious part of a balanced diet.
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Frequently asked questions
Full-fat cheddar cheese is a type of cheese that is made from whole milk, giving it a high-fat content. It is named after the English village of Cheddar, where it was first created in the 11th century.
Full-fat cheddar cheese has a bold, sharp flavour and a smooth, sweet, slightly nutty finish.
Full-fat cheddar cheese is a good source of calcium, vitamin A, phosphorus, zinc, selenium, and riboflavin. It also has a high protein content, at 7g per 1-ounce serving. Despite its high-fat content, new research suggests that full-fat dairy products may not have the detrimental effects on heart health as previously believed.
