Randy Chandler
Cabot Seriously Sharp Cheddar Cheese is a variety of cheddar cheese with a bold flavor and a creamy texture, perfect for grilled cheese. It is produced by Cabot, a company that naturally ages its cheddar in a temperature-controlled environment and employs cheese graders to determine when the cheddar is ready for packaging. The cheese has a unique sharpness and an ultra-crumbly texture, with ingredients including fresh pasteurized milk, cheese cultures, salt, and enzymes. While some customers have complained about a change in quality, with reports of a rubbery texture and a milder flavor, others still enjoy the product.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Flavor | Bold |
| Texture | Creamy |
| Ingredients | Fresh Pasteurized Milk, Cheese Cultures, Salt, Enzymes |
| Age | Older than Mild Cheddar |
| Previous Texture | Ultra Crumbly |
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What You'll Learn
Seriously Sharp Cheddar Cheese is a Cabot product
Cabot's Seriously Sharp Cheddar Cheese is a popular product, especially among self-proclaimed cheese connoisseurs. It is described as having a tangy and nutty flavour and a moderately hard texture with a small bit of crumble. The cheese is also gluten and lactose-free.
However, in recent years, some customers have noticed changes in the taste and texture of the Seriously Sharp Cheddar Cheese. Some have described it as bland and rubbery, with a higher moisture content and a less sharp flavour. There are speculations that Cabot may have changed their recipe or process for this product, or that it has been accidentally swapped with another product in their line and mislabelled.
Despite these recent concerns, Cabot's Seriously Sharp Cheddar Cheese has won numerous awards for its taste, including being named "Best Cheddar in the World" at the 22nd Biennial World Championship Cheese Contest in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Cabot takes a unique approach to ageing their cheddar, naturally ageing it in a temperature-controlled environment and employing cheese graders to determine when it is ready for packaging.
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It has a bold flavour and creamy texture
Cabot Seriously Sharp Cheddar Cheese is known for its bold flavour and creamy texture. While the flavour profile of cheddars can vary from creamery to creamery, Cabot's offering stands out for its sharpness and tanginess. The cheese is aged naturally in a temperature-controlled environment, allowing it to develop its distinct characteristics.
The bold flavour of Seriously Sharp Cheddar is attributed to its aging process and specific ingredients, including fresh pasteurized milk, cheese cultures, salt, and enzymes. The combination of these elements gives the cheese its sharp and tangy taste, setting it apart from milder cheddars. The aging process also contributes to the cheese's texture, resulting in a creamy and, previously, crumbly consistency that melts perfectly for grilled cheese.
While the cheese has undergone some changes in recent years, with some customers noting differences in texture and flavour, it remains a unique product in the world of cheddars. The bold flavour and creamy texture of Seriously Sharp Cheddar make it a versatile ingredient, suitable for sandwiches, grilled cheese, or as an addition to various recipes. Its sharpness can enhance the flavour profile of dishes, adding a tangy and savoury note.
The creamy texture of the cheese is also noteworthy, contributing to its overall appeal. The creaminess provides a smooth and indulgent mouthfeel, balancing the bold flavour. This combination of flavour and texture has earned Seriously Sharp Cheddar a dedicated following, with many customers appreciating its distinctive characteristics.
In conclusion, Cabot Seriously Sharp Cheddar Cheese is defined by its bold flavour and creamy texture, making it a popular choice for cheese enthusiasts. While the cheese has faced some criticism for inconsistencies in quality, its unique attributes continue to attract those seeking a sharp and tangy cheddar with a smooth, creamy mouthfeel. These sensory qualities elevate the cheese's appeal and make it a sought-after ingredient for those looking to add a punch of flavour to their dishes.
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It is naturally aged in a temperature-controlled environment
The process of making Seriously Sharp Cheddar Cheese involves naturally ageing the cheese in a temperature-controlled environment. This step is crucial to developing the cheese's unique characteristics and bold flavour profile.
Temperature-controlled ageing allows cheesemakers to maintain the ideal conditions for the cheese to mature properly. The temperature range in these environments is typically kept between 10°C to 15°C (50°F to 59°F). This range is optimal for the growth of beneficial bacteria and enzymes that transform the young cheese into a mature, sharp cheddar.
During the ageing process, the cheese is carefully monitored by cheese graders, experts who assess the cheese's progress and determine when it reaches the desired level of sharpness and flavour development. This process can take several months or even years, depending on the desired sharpness and the specific cheese variety.
In the case of Cabot Seriously Sharp Cheddar Cheese, the natural ageing process in a temperature-controlled environment contributes to its distinct sharpness and creamy texture. This variety of cheddar cheese is known for its bold flavour, which can be attributed to the careful ageing process that enhances the cheese's overall sensory experience.
The temperature-controlled environment ensures consistent conditions, allowing the cheese to age evenly and develop its signature characteristics. This process sets Seriously Sharp Cheddar Cheese apart from milder varieties, as the ageing process intensifies the flavour and creates a unique texture that enthusiasts seek.
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The cheese has changed in recent years, with some customers complaining
Devoted cheese enthusiasts have expressed their dissatisfaction with the altered state of Cabot Seriously Sharp Cheddar. Previously, the cheese was celebrated for its perfect balance of sharpness and crumbly texture. However, recent reviews describe the cheese as "rubbery" and "mild," lacking the signature sharpness that once defined it. The change in texture and taste has prompted customers to switch to other brands, such as Kerrygold Reserve cheddar, in search of the quality they once cherished in Cabot's offering.
One particular aspect that has drawn criticism is the presence of salt crystals in the cheese, which can affect the overall flavour and texture. Customers have reported experiencing bites of salt crystals, which can be off-putting and significantly alter the sensory experience of the cheese. This inconsistency in the product has left a negative impression on those who valued the distinct characteristics of Cabot Seriously Sharp Cheddar.
In their defence, Cabot has maintained that their ingredients remain unchanged. However, customers refute this claim, insisting that the taste and texture of the cheese have noticeably deteriorated. The change has sparked a sense of betrayal among loyal patrons, who have invested in the product for years, only to be met with a subpar version of their once-beloved cheese. This has led to a loss of trust in the brand, with some customers vowing never to purchase Cabot Seriously Sharp Cheddar again.
The decline in quality has also raised concerns about the cheese's affordability and value for money. With some blocks priced at over $5, customers expect a certain standard of quality and flavour that matches the product's description and their previous experiences. The perceived decline in quality has prompted customers to explore alternative options, even if it means spending more, as they seek to satisfy their taste for a truly sharp cheddar cheese.
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It is made with fresh pasteurized milk, cheese cultures, salt, and enzymes
Cabot Seriously Sharp Cheddar Cheese is made with fresh pasteurized milk, cheese cultures, salt, and enzymes. The process of making cheddar cheese involves combining these ingredients and allowing them to age and develop their distinct sharp flavour and texture.
The sharpness of cheddar cheese is influenced by several factors, including the aging process and the specific combination of ingredients and their proportions. Cabot is known for naturally ageing their cheddar in a temperature-controlled environment, allowing the cheese to develop its unique flavour and texture.
Fresh pasteurized milk is a key ingredient in Seriously Sharp Cheddar. Pasteurization is a process that involves heating milk to a specific temperature to kill harmful bacteria, ensuring the safety and longevity of the milk. This step is crucial in cheese-making as it provides a sterile base for the cheese cultures to grow and transform the milk into cheese.
Cheese cultures, also known as starter cultures, are carefully selected strains of bacteria that are added to the pasteurized milk. These cultures initiate the cheese-making process by fermenting the milk and breaking down its sugars and proteins. Each type of cheese has its own specific combination of cheese cultures that contribute to its unique flavour and texture.
Salt is added to cheese to enhance flavour and improve texture. In cheddar cheese, salt plays a crucial role in controlling moisture levels, influencing the growth of bacteria, and facilitating the formation of a firm texture. It also enhances the overall flavour profile of the cheese, balancing the sharpness and tanginess.
Enzymes, particularly rennet, are essential in the cheese-making process. Rennet is a natural mixture of enzymes that coagulate milk, causing it to thicken and separate into solid curds and liquid whey. This step is critical in forming the structure and texture of the cheese. The enzymes also contribute to the development of flavour compounds during the aging process.
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Frequently asked questions
Seriously Sharp Cheddar Cheese is a type of cheddar cheese with a bold flavor and a creamy texture, perfect for grilled cheese. It is naturally aged in a temperature-controlled environment and has a unique sharpness that sets it apart.
Cabot Creamery makes Seriously Sharp Cheddar Cheese.
The ingredients include fresh pasteurized milk, cheese cultures, salt, and enzymes.
Seriously Sharp Cheddar Cheese has a bold, tangy taste and a gritty texture. It is known for its unique sharpness and creamy mouthfeel.
You can buy Seriously Sharp Cheddar Cheese at various retailers, including Dakin Farm, Sam's Club, Walmart, and Morse Farm.
