Bushra Griffith
Cheddar cheese is one of the most popular types of cheese in the world. It is typically categorized by age, rind, colour, or country of origin. Cheddar gets sharper and nuttier in flavour as it ages. Mild cheddar is aged for a few months and has a creamy, subtle taste with a high moisture content, making it ideal for melting. Medium cheddar is aged slightly longer and has a slightly more tangy flavour. Sharp cheddar is aged for over a year and has a robust, tangy flavour. Extra-sharp cheddar, also known as aged cheddar, is aged for two or more years and has a crumbly texture. It is best enjoyed on its own or with wine. In Canada, sharp cheddar is referred to as old cheddar, while in the UK, it is called mature or extra mature cheddar.
Differences between Sharp and Old Cheddar Cheese
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Aging | Sharp cheddar is aged for over a year, while old cheddar is aged for a shorter period of time, typically a few months to a year. |
| Flavor | Sharp cheddar has a more pronounced, sharp, tangy, and nutty flavor due to the longer aging process. Old cheddar has a milder, creamy, and subtle taste. |
| Texture | Sharp cheddar has a lower moisture content and a crumbly texture, while old cheddar has a higher moisture content and a smoother, creamier texture. |
| Melting | Sharp cheddar requires more heat to melt due to its lower moisture content. Old cheddar melts extremely well and is ideal for recipes that require melting, such as grilled cheese sandwiches or mac and cheese. |
| Regional Variations | In the US, sharp cheddar is a common term, while in Canada, similar cheese is often labeled as "old" cheddar. In the UK, terms like "mature" or "extra mature" are used. |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- Sharp cheddar is aged for over a year, giving it a tangy and robust taste
- Extra-sharp cheddar is aged for two or more years, resulting in a crumbly texture
- Mild cheddar is aged for a few months, producing a creamy and subtle taste
- Medium cheddar is aged slightly longer than mild cheddar, yielding a tangier flavour
- Old cheddar is what Americans call sharp cheddar, and mature or extra mature in the UK
Sharp cheddar is aged for over a year, giving it a tangy and robust taste
Mild cheddar, in contrast, is aged for the shortest amount of time, typically just a few months, and has a high moisture content. This lends it a smooth, creamy texture and subtle taste. It is easy to slice and melts well, making it a versatile option for cooking.
Medium cheddar is aged for a few months longer than mild cheddar, giving it a slightly longer tang and stronger flavour. It is still relatively smooth in texture, though, and makes a great snack or addition to recipes.
Extra-sharp cheddar is aged for even longer, typically 18 months or more, and has a bold, crumbly texture and a strong, savoury flavour. This type of cheddar is best enjoyed on its own or with a glass of wine, rather than cooked with.
The process of ageing cheese is known as "cheddaring". Freshly made cheddar is wrapped in cloth and left to rest for a few days, during which time it begins to release whey and develop mould on its surface. It is then moved to a temperature-controlled room to age for several months or years. Different ageing techniques can be used, and these can significantly influence the taste and texture of the cheese.
Cheddar Craft: Kosher Certification for Cheese Connoisseurs
You may want to see also
Extra-sharp cheddar is aged for two or more years, resulting in a crumbly texture
The aging process is what distinguishes different types of cheddar cheese. The longer a cheese is aged, the more sharp and complex its flavor, and the lower its moisture content. This is why mild cheddar, which is aged for a few months, has a creamy, subtle taste and smooth texture, while extra-sharp cheddar, aged for two or more years, has a bold, tangy flavor and crumbly texture.
Extra-sharp cheddar is aged for a minimum of 18 months, though some varieties are aged for even longer. This extended aging process gives the cheese a much more pronounced and sharp flavor than mild or medium cheddar. It also results in a lower moisture content, which means extra-sharp cheddar requires more heat to melt.
The distinct, crumbly texture of extra-sharp cheddar makes it ideal for eating as is, rather than cooking with. Its bold, savory flavor is best enjoyed on its own or paired with a glass of wine. The aging process also reduces the number of lactose molecules in the cheese, making it a good option for those who are lactose intolerant.
The flavor of extra-sharp cheddar can vary depending on the aging technique and the region in which it is produced. For example, New York-style cheddar is known for its lengthy aging process, which results in a very prominent, extra-sharp taste that is often described as pungent and bitter. On the other hand, Vermont-style cheddar is defined by its white, natural color rather than the sharpness of its flavor or the location of its production.
White Cheddar Cheese: Always Pasteurized?
You may want to see also
Mild cheddar is aged for a few months, producing a creamy and subtle taste
Mild cheddar is a great option for those who prefer a more subtle, creamy flavour and a smooth texture. This variety of cheddar is aged for just a few months, which results in its characteristic mild taste and high moisture content. It is known for its smooth texture that doesn't crumble easily and is easy to slice and melt, making it a versatile choice for cooking and grilled cheese sandwiches.
The ageing process plays a crucial role in developing the flavour and texture of cheddar cheese. Mild cheddar, also known as young cheddar, is aged for a shorter duration compared to its sharper counterparts. This shorter ageing period gives it a softer, smoother, and creamier texture. Young cheddar is typically aged between one and three months, falling within the range of a "few months" for mild cheddar. Its high moisture content contributes to its meltability, making it ideal for dishes that require melted cheese.
Mild cheddar's flavour profile is often described as subtle, with a hint of nuttiness. It has a buttery quality that makes it a versatile ingredient in various recipes. Its mildness also makes it a good option for those who prefer a less intense cheese experience. The mild variety is an excellent choice for those who enjoy a creamy, smooth texture and a flavour that is not too sharp or overpowering.
When compared to other types of cheddar, such as medium or sharp, mild cheddar stands out for its gentler flavour. Medium cheddar, aged slightly longer, takes on a slightly tangier and stronger flavour, while maintaining the smoothness characteristic of cheddar cheese. Sharp cheddar, aged for over a year, has a more pronounced flavour profile, often described as tangy and robust. The extended ageing process reduces its moisture content, making it more challenging to melt and giving it a crumbly texture.
In summary, mild cheddar's brief ageing period of a few months results in its subtle, creamy flavour and smooth, non-crumbly texture. This variety of cheddar is a versatile choice for cooking due to its meltability and is perfect for those who prefer a milder cheese experience without compromising on flavour and quality.
Cheese Choice: Colby Jack vs Cheddar, Which is Healthier?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Medium cheddar is aged slightly longer than mild cheddar, yielding a tangier flavour
Cheddar is a traditional English cheese that originated in the village of Cheddar in Somerset, England, as early as the 12th century. It is made exclusively from cow's milk and is characterised by its bright orange colour and sharp, complex flavour.
The aging process of cheddar cheese determines its sharpness and complexity of flavours. Mild cheddar, also referred to as young cheddar, has a soft, smooth, creamy, and subtle nutty texture and flavour. It is typically aged for a few months and has a high moisture content, making it perfect for melting.
Medium cheddar, on the other hand, is aged slightly longer than mild cheddar, yielding a tangier flavour. While it lacks the distinct bite of sharp cheddar, it is slightly more flavourful than mild cheddar. This variety is ideal for snacking or adding to recipes, as it has a stronger flavour without being too sharp.
Sharp cheddar is aged for over a year, resulting in a tangy and robust taste. The longer aging period gives it a more distinct and prominent flavour, as well as a lower moisture content. This type of cheddar is perfect for adding a punch of flavour to any recipe.
Fat-Free Cheddar: Brands Offering Guilt-Free Cheese
You may want to see also
Old cheddar is what Americans call sharp cheddar, and mature or extra mature in the UK
Cheddar cheese is one of the most popular cheeses in the world. Its bright orange colour, sharp but complex flavour, and versatility in cooking have earned it legions of fans. The process of ageing gives cheddar its distinctive flavour and texture. The longer a cheese is aged, the more pronounced and sharp its flavour.
Cheddar is typically classified into four types based on the length of ageing: mild, medium, sharp, and extra sharp. Mild cheddar is aged for a few months and has a creamy, subtle, and smooth texture. Medium cheddar is aged slightly longer and has a slightly more tangy flavour. Sharp cheddar is aged for over a year and has a tangy and robust taste. Extra sharp cheddar is aged for at least 18 months and has a very pronounced, sharp taste, and crumbly texture.
The terms used to describe these classifications can vary depending on the region. In the US, sharp cheddar is commonly referred to as "old cheddar". In the UK, the equivalent of sharp cheddar would be referred to as "mature" or "extra mature", while "strong" or "extra-strong" may also be used to describe this level of sharpness.
The process of ageing gives cheddar its distinctive characteristics. As it ages, it develops a sharper and nuttier flavour, and its texture becomes drier and crumblier. This is because the longer a cheese is aged, the lower its moisture content, which also affects its melting properties. While mild and medium cheddars melt well, extra sharp cheddars are better suited for eating as is, perhaps paired with a glass of wine.
Cheddar Cheese Pringles: Where Did They Go?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Sharp cheddar cheese is aged for over a year and has a tangy and robust taste with a lower moisture content. Old cheddar is what Americans call sharp cheddar cheese.
Sharp cheddar cheese is aged for a longer period, which gives it a distinct and prominent flavor. It has a lower moisture content and requires more heat to melt.
Old cheddar cheese is the term used by Americans to refer to sharp cheddar cheese. It has a tangy and sharp flavor and a lower moisture content due to the longer aging period.
The aging process of cheddar cheese determines its sharpness and flavor. Mild cheddar, also known as young cheddar, is aged for a shorter period, resulting in a creamy, subtle, and smooth texture. As cheddar ages, it develops a more distinct and sharp flavor and a lower moisture content.
Cheddar cheese can be categorized into four types based on aging: mild, medium, sharp, and extra sharp. Mild cheddar is aged for a few months, while extra sharp cheddar is aged for 18 months or more, resulting in a complex and tangy flavor.
