Bushra Griffith
Cheddar cheese is a beloved staple, but with so many varieties, it can be hard to choose the best one. The flavour of cheddar varies depending on its age, colour, and shape. Mild cheddars are often excluded in favour of sharper varieties with more character. Some well-known cheddar brands include Kerrygold, Beecher's Flagship, Old Croc, and Boar's Head. When it comes to age, some cheddars are aged in wax, like Boar's Head, which loses moisture during the ageing process, resulting in a savoury sharpness. Clothbound cheddars lose even more moisture, leading to a crumbly texture. For those seeking an extra sharp cheddar, the 17-year-old Super-Sharp Wisconsin Aged Cheddar is a rare and rich option. However, for a more well-rounded cheddar, Tillamook's 10-year-aged Cheddar, awarded the Best Cheddar in the World title, offers nutty, sweet, and buttery flavours.
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What You'll Learn
Best nationally available cheddar cheese
Cheddar is the most popular cheese in the United Kingdom and is a close second to mozzarella in the United States. It is made from cow's milk and its curing process, called "cheddaring", is what sets it apart from other cheeses. The longer cheddar is aged, the sharper, tangier, and more pleasantly sour it tastes.
When it comes to choosing the best nationally available cheddar cheese, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it is important to know how you plan to use the cheese and what your personal flavor preferences are. For example, if you are using the cheese in a recipe, a mild to medium meltable cheddar is a good option. Older cheddars have a more robust flavor profile and are better suited for salads, sandwiches, and cheese boards. Secondly, it is worth considering the ingredients and whether the cheese contains any artificial additives or colors.
- Cabot's Cheddar Cheese: This cheese is made with four simple ingredients: milk, cheese cultures, salt, and enzymes. It has a standard level of saturated fat and sodium and no added sugar, making it a top-quality product. Cabot's Seriously Sharp cheddar is a popular choice, known for its crunchy crystals. They also offer a Vermont Extra Sharp variety and a waxed 5-year cheddar.
- Kerrygold: Kerrygold is an Irish brand that offers a range of cheddar cheeses, including Skellig, Dubliner, and Reserve. Their aged cheddar is a pale yellow, hearty cheese with a bold flavor, perfect for serving on a cheese board.
- Beecher's Flagship: This aged, sharp cheddar is a milder option with a deep, savory, and complex flavor. It is a versatile choice that can be used in recipes or enjoyed on its own.
- Old Croc Extra Sharp: This Australian cheddar can be found in some US stores and is known for its sharp flavor and crunchy texture.
- Trader Joe's Coastal English Cheddar: This cheddar is quite sharp and has the lactic acid crystals that indicate a well-aged cheese.
- Organic Valley's Grassmilk Raw Cheddar: This cheese is USDA-certified organic and is made with milk from 100% grass-fed cows, giving it a robust taste. It is aged for a minimum of 60 days and won the 2017 Los Angeles International Dairy Competition.
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Wax-aged cheddar
Boar's Head's wax-aged cheddar has a luxurious finish, with a robust and savory sharpness that lingers on the palate. It has a "roasty, toasty" flavour that pairs well with grilled cheese, adding a distinct character to the dish. The cheese's ability to stand out amidst other flavours makes it a versatile option for snack boards and recipes like hash brown breakfast casserole.
Beecher's Flagship cheese is another noteworthy wax-aged cheddar. While it does not explicitly label itself as a cheddar cheese, its sharp and salty flavour profile aligns with the characteristics sought after in aged cheddars. Its complex, yet relaxed, savouriness makes it a versatile ingredient, particularly excelling in mac and cheese.
When considering the best wax-aged cheddars, it's worth noting that Prairie Breeze by Milton Farms offers a unique take on cheddar. Although it is not heavily aged, with less than a year of maturation, its flaky and moist texture, along with a fruity and complex flavour, sets it apart. This cheddar is an excellent choice for those seeking an unconventional yet delightful pure eating cheese.
In conclusion, when selecting the best wax-aged cheddar, factors such as flavour, texture, and versatility come into play. While Boar's Head, Beecher's Flagship, and Prairie Breeze by Milton Farms stand out for their distinct characteristics, personal preferences play a significant role in determining the "best" choice.
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Cloth-aged cheddar
Maffra Cloth Ashed Cheddar has received numerous accolades, including gold medals at the Australian Specialist Cheesemakers Association Awards from 2001 to 2007, Melbourne in 2009 and 2010, and Sydney in 2009 and 2011. It was also named Grand Champion at the Australian Specialist Cheesemakers Association Awards in 2005 and Champion Cheddar at the Australian Grand Dairy Awards in 2002. Additionally, it received international recognition at the World Cheese Awards in Birmingham, UK, in 2012, and the International Cheese Awards in Nantwich, UK, in 2013, 2014, and 2015.
While cloth-aged cheddars offer a unique ageing process and flavour profile, personal preferences play a significant role in determining the "best" aged cheddar cheese. Some people prefer the sharpness and crumbly texture of cloth-aged cheddars, while others may favour the luxurious finish and robustness of wax-aged cheddars, such as those offered by Boar's Head.
When considering the "best" aged cheddar cheese, it's worth noting that factors such as availability, price, and individual taste preferences will influence the decision. Sharp cheddars, like Old Croc, are favoured by those seeking a strong flavour and crystal formation from extended ageing. On the other hand, milder options, such as Beecher's Flagship, offer a more relaxed flavour while still delivering depth and complexity. Ultimately, the definition of "best" is subjective and depends on each cheese enthusiast's palate and priorities.
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Plastic-aged cheddar
The process of plastic-aging involves sealing the cheese in plastic to protect it from spoilage caused by outside factors such as heat, moisture, and moulds or yeasts in the air. This airtight seal also prevents moisture loss, allowing the cheese to age for an extended period. The longer aging time results in a sharper flavour due to the breakdown of fats and proteins by bacteria in the sealed environment. This process forms compounds like aldehydes, esters, and lactic acids, contributing to the sharpness associated with plastic-aged cheddar.
The texture of plastic-aged cheddar is denser and fudgier compared to clothbound cheddars, and the flavour is sharper and tangier. The sharpness of cheddar is influenced by the levels of bitter peptides in the cheese, contributing to the overall perception of the aged flavour. The orange colour of cheddar is often achieved by adding annatto extract, a spice derived from the seeds of the tropical achiote tree, which also imparts a sweet and nutty flavour.
While plastic-aged cheddar is a convenient and practical choice for commercial manufacturing due to its ease of packaging and preservation, some purists prefer the more mellow and earthy flavours of clothbound cheddars, which are less common in mass production today.
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Best cheddar cheese for a cheese board
When it comes to crafting the perfect cheese board, a well-aged cheddar is a superb choice. Cheddar is a versatile cheese that can be enjoyed on its own or used in cooking, and its unique flavour profile and texture make it a favourite among cheese enthusiasts. The best cheddar cheese for a cheese board will depend on your personal preference and the desired level of sharpness.
Cheddar is typically categorised by age as mild, sharp, or extra sharp. Mild cheddars are aged for less than a year, resulting in a creamy texture and mild flavour. Sharp cheddars, aged for about a year, develop a more pronounced tang and a semi-firm texture. Extra-sharp cheddars, aged for two years or more, boast an even sharper flavour and a crumbly texture due to increased moisture loss during the ageing process. When selecting a cheddar for your cheese board, consider offering a variety of ages to provide a range of flavours and textures for your guests to enjoy.
If you're seeking a recommendation for a specific brand, Tillamook's Maker's Reserve line of vintage cheddars is an excellent choice. Each wedge of Maker's Reserve cheddar is marked with a vintage, reflecting the unique characteristics of the time and place of its making. The 2012 vintage, for instance, offers bold, nutty flavours with a white peppery finish, while the 2016 vintage showcases a classic salty cheddar flavour with a savory fruitiness. These aged cheddars pair beautifully with complementary charcuterie, dried fruits, and a glass of peppery red wine.
When constructing your cheese board, it's important to consider not only the type of cheese but also its placement and presentation. Start with the largest items and finish with the smallest, filling in the small spaces as you go. Aged cheeses, in particular, can be challenging to cut once on the board, so consider cutting them into bite-sized pieces or chunks in advance. This way, your guests can easily help themselves and appreciate the diverse flavours and textures you've carefully curated for them.
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Frequently asked questions
The best aged cheddar cheese depends on personal preference, but some popular options include:
- Tillamook's Maker's Reserve 2014 Extra Sharp White Cheddar, which was named the 'Best Cheddar in the World' at the World Cheese Awards.
- Old Croc, which has crystals and bite.
- Kerrygold, which is described as the "king of cheddar cheese".
- Boar's Head, which has a luxurious finish and a robust flavour.
Some factors to consider when choosing an aged cheddar cheese include:
- Age: Older cheddars tend to have a sharper, more intense flavour.
- Moisture: The ageing process can affect the moisture content of the cheese, with clothbound cheddars losing more moisture than wax-aged cheddars.
- Flavour: Some aged cheddars have a fruity or nutty flavour, while others are sharper or milder.
High-quality aged cheddar cheese can be purchased from specialty cheese shops, high-end grocers, or directly from the cheesemaker's website. Some aged cheddars, such as Tillamook's Maker's Reserve, are also available at major grocery stores nationwide.
