Andy Montoya
Irish cheddar cheese is a type of cheese made from the milk of cows that graze on the green grass of Ireland's coastline and pastures. It is aged for at least 9 months to over a year, resulting in a full-bodied, rich, and smooth texture. The term cheddar refers to both a style of cheese and the process used to make it, which involves cutting the curd into small pieces to drain the whey. Irish cheddar is known for its sweet, creamy, and buttery flavour with hints of grassiness and fruitiness. It is often coated in a thick layer of green wax to protect it from bacteria and maintain its texture and flavour.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Texture | Moist, crumbly, flaky, smooth |
| Taste | Sweet, buttery, nutty, fruity, salty, creamy, sharp |
| Appearance | Green wax rind, straw-coloured paste, white calcium lactate deposits |
| Aroma | Grassy |
| Curing Time | Minimum 12 months |
| Type of Milk | Cow |
| Diet | Milk from cows that graze on grass |
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What You'll Learn
Taste and texture
Irish cheddar cheese is known for its buttery, grassy flavour with hints of sweetness and full fruit flavours. It is often described as nutty, with a slightly gritty and flaky texture, making it perfect for shredding or using as an ingredient. The cheese is aged for at least 12 months, resulting in a rich and creamy texture that melts in your mouth. The colour of Irish cheddar can range from straw yellow to a deeper gold, depending on the beta-carotene content in the milk used.
The unique flavour and texture of Irish cheddar are influenced by the lush, green pastures of Ireland where the cows graze. The milk used in cheesemaking is rich in beta-carotene, which gives the cheese its distinct colour. The traditional "cheddaring" technique, where the curd is cut into small pieces to drain the whey, also contributes to the characteristic texture of Irish cheddar.
One popular variety of Irish cheddar is Murray's Irish Cheddar, which is coated in a thick layer of bright green wax. This wax not only protects the cheese from bacteria but also helps to create a smooth texture and evenly distributed flavour. Murray's Irish Cheddar is known for its sweet, creamy, and light texture, with fruity undertones. It pairs well with crackers, pickles, and of course, an Irish stout.
Another well-known Irish cheddar is Kerrygold's Aged Irish Cheddar, which is also made with milk from cows that graze in lush pastures. This cheese is aged for a year, resulting in a full-bodied, rich, and smooth flavour. The long ageing process contributes to the creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture that is desired in a good cheddar cheese.
Overall, Irish cheddar cheese is characterised by its buttery and nutty flavours, with a hint of sweetness and a rich, creamy texture. The ageing process and the use of high-quality milk from grass-fed cows contribute to the unique taste and texture that has made Irish cheddar a favourite among cheese lovers worldwide.
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Ingredients and nutrition
Irish cheddar cheese is made with milk from cows that graze on the lush, green grass of Ireland's coastline and pastures. The milk is rich in beta-carotene, which gives the cheese a rich yellow or straw colour. The cheese is aged for at least 9 months to over a year, resulting in a full-bodied, rich, and smooth texture.
The term "cheddar" refers to both a style of cheese and the process used to make it. The "cheddaring" technique involves cutting the curd into small pieces to drain the whey and create the desired texture. During this process, the curds are cooked, piled together, cut into long slabs, and turned and stacked until they become firmer and the rest of the whey drains.
Irish cheddar is known for its sweet, grassy, and buttery flavour, with hints of fruitiness. It has a moist and crumbly texture, surrounded by a thick coating of bright green wax, which protects the cheese from bacteria and slows the aging process.
Nutritionally, Irish cheddar is a good source of protein and calcium. It also contains other essential nutrients such as vitamins A and B12, zinc, and phosphorus. However, it is high in fat and sodium, so it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Overall, Irish cheddar cheese offers a unique combination of flavour and texture, making it a popular choice for snacks, grilled cheese sandwiches, dips, and melts.
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Manufacturing process
Irish cheddar cheese is a semi-hard cow's milk cheese that varies in taste from mild to extra sharp. It is made with milk from cows that graze on the lush green grass of Ireland's coastline. The manufacturing process for cheddar cheese involves several steps and begins with milk being mixed with cultures and rennet to form curds. The curds are then gently heated, cubed, and drained, causing them to mat up. This draining process is what distinguishes cheddar from other cheeses and is known as "cheddaring". During cheddaring, the mat is cut into loose blocks of cheese that are turned periodically to allow for further draining. The curds may also be stacked to create a more moist cheese.
Next, the cheddared curds are cut, salted, and packed into moulds to age. The moulds give the cheese its final shape, usually circular or rectangular. The cheese is then left to mature or ripen for several weeks or months, during which time the salt moves through the cheese, adding to the flavour and preventing the excess growth of bacteria.
Before the moulding stage, the curds and whey are heated and stirred gradually, driving the release of whey (syneresis) and increasing the activity of the starter bacteria. When the curds reach the desired acidity and moisture, the whey is drained off. The handling of the curds after whey drainage varies depending on the type of cheese being made. For cheddar, the curds are salted directly in the vat, while for other types of cheese, such as Gouda, the curds are salted after pressing.
To ensure the safety of the final product for consumption, it is critical to adhere to hygiene principles throughout the manufacturing process. Anyone considering cheese-making should ideally undertake basic food hygiene training.
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Serving suggestions
Irish cheddar cheese is a gourmet cheese with a rich, full-bodied, and smooth texture. It is made from the milk of cows that graze on the lush, green grass of Ireland's coastline and pastures. The cheese is aged for at least 12 months, resulting in a nutty, gritty, and flaky texture that is perfect for shredding or using as an ingredient.
When it comes to serving suggestions, Irish cheddar cheese is a versatile option that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas to consider:
- Cheese Board: Irish cheddar can be a delicious addition to a cheese board or platter. Pair it with hearty crackers, crunchy pickles, and a variety of meats, such as salami, prosciutto, or bacon. For a touch of sweetness, include some apple slices or chutney on the side.
- Melting: Irish cheddar has a wonderful melting quality, making it ideal for grilled cheese sandwiches, dips, and spreads. Try melting it over vegetables, potatoes, or using it as a topping for a burger.
- Shredding: Due to its flaky texture, Irish cheddar shreds beautifully. Sprinkle it over a salad, use it as a pizza topping, or mix it into pasta dishes for a creamy and cheesy touch.
- Snacking: Irish cheddar is a tasty snack on its own, but you can also pair it with crackers, bread, or even some Irish stout for a classic combination.
- Cooking and Baking: Irish cheddar can be used in a variety of cooked dishes. It can add flavour to quiches, frittatas, and savoury tarts. It can also be baked into cheesy bread, scones, or biscuits for a savoury treat.
- Cheese Crisps: For a unique snack, try making cheese crisps with Irish cheddar. Shave the cheese into thin slices, bake them in the oven, and enjoy as a crispy, crunchy snack.
These are just a few suggestions, but feel free to get creative and experiment with your own serving ideas. Irish cheddar is a versatile and delicious cheese that can enhance a variety of dishes.
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Buying options
Irish cheddar cheese is a sweet, creamy, and light cheese with fruity undertones. It is a buttery, grassy cheese with a smooth texture and a hint of sweetness. The term "`cheddar`" refers to both a style of cheese and the process used to make it. Cheddaring is a technique where the curd is cut into small pieces to drain the whey and create the final product.
There are several options for purchasing Irish cheddar cheese. One option is to buy it from a specialty cheese shop or a deli. For example, Boar's Head offers a mature, smooth Irish cheddar made with milk from cows that graze on Ireland's coastline. Their cheese is aged for 9 months, delivering a rich flavour with a hint of sweetness. It is available sliced fresh in delis. Another option is Murray's Irish Cheddar, which is surrounded by a thick coating of bright green wax, which is said to protect the cheese from bacteria and stop the aging process. Murray's offers a grassy, sweet, and buttery cheese, with fruity notes and a slight sour cream tang. It is described as milder and more buttery than traditional English cheddar.
Another option is to purchase Irish cheddar cheese online. Several websites, such as igourmet.com, offer a wide variety of gourmet cheeses from different countries, including Ireland. Amazon.com also offers Irish cheddar cheese for purchase. Additionally, some websites like curedandcultivated.com offer unique varieties of Irish cheddar, such as Irish Cheddar with Porter. This variety is a creamy Irish cheddar marbled with rich porter beer, combining the traditional Irish flavours of cheese and beer.
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Frequently asked questions
Irish cheddar cheese is a type of cheese made from the milk of cows that graze on the green grass of Ireland's coastline and pastures.
Irish cheddar cheese is often described as buttery, nutty, and sweet, with fruity undertones.
Irish cheddar cheese is usually straw-coloured or rich yellow due to the presence of beta-carotene in the milk. It is often coated in a thick layer of green wax to protect it from bacteria and stop the aging process.
Irish cheddar cheese is made using a process called "cheddaring", where the curd is cut into small pieces to drain the whey. The curd is then cooked, drained, piled together, and cut into long slabs, which are turned and stacked until they become firmer.
Most Irish cheddar cheese is aged for at least 12 months, with some varieties being aged for up to 9 months or 1 year.
