Kamil Perry
Cheese is a beloved food worldwide, with its rich, creamy texture and flavour, and filling quality. It is also a good source of calcium, protein, vitamins, and minerals. While there are many types of cheese, the most popular one is cheddar, which has a firm texture and a mild, slightly creamy flavour. Cheddar is said to span regional and class differences in the United States, and its versatility makes it a popular choice for dishes like grilled cheese sandwiches, nachos, and salads. Other popular cheeses include mozzarella, gouda, brie, parmesan, and feta.
Most liked cheese in the world:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Most popular cheese in the world | Parmigiano-Reggiano, also known as the "king of cheeses" |
| Most popular cheese in the US | Italian-style cheeses, followed by American-style cheeses like Cheddar |
| Most popular cheese in the UK | Cheddar |
| Honourable mentions | Gouda, Havarti, Feta, Mozzarella, Brie, Camembert, Manchego, Parmesan, Blue Cheese, Burrata, and many more |
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What You'll Learn
Cheddar: the most popular cheese in the world
Cheddar cheese is insanely popular worldwide. Originating from the village of Cheddar in England, it is the second most popular cheese in the US after Mozzarella. Cheddar has a firm texture and a mild, slightly creamy flavour. The younger cheese melts well, while the more aged type is great for grating. The age of cheddar cheese has a significant impact on its flavour, texture, and appearance. Younger Cheddars, aged for three to six months, are usually mild, creamy, and smooth, with a subtle tangy taste. They are great for grilled cheese sandwiches, quesadillas, nachos, chilli, pasta dishes, and potato-based casseroles.
On the other hand, sharp cheddars are aged for one to two years or longer and have a more pronounced, tangy, and slightly bitter flavour. They have a drier, crumblier texture and lower moisture content, making them harder to melt. They are often used in sandwiches, served on a cheese board, and as a topping for salads and soups.
Cheddar cheese is a beloved favourite in the United States, where it is available in a variety of forms, from traditional, handmade cheese to processed singles. Its popularity can be attributed to its versatility, as it can be enjoyed on its own or used in various dishes, depending on one's taste and culinary needs.
Cheddar's journey to becoming the world's most popular cheese began in the late 12th century when English kings declared it the finest cheese in Britain. Over time, it has captured the hearts (and taste buds) of cheese enthusiasts worldwide, thanks to its deliciousness, which comes from a combination of high-quality milk, expert techniques, and a process called "cheddaring".
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Feta: a viral TikTok recipe made it a US favourite
While Cheddar is insanely popular worldwide, including in the US, and mozzarella is the most consumed cheese in the US due to its prevalence on pizza, a viral TikTok recipe for baked feta pasta has made feta a US favourite.
The recipe, which includes feta, tomatoes, olive oil, pasta, and various herbs and spices, was posted by Finnish blogger Jenni Hayrinen in 2019, and went viral in Finland. It was brought to the US when food blogger MacKenzie Smith, of Grilled Cheese Social, posted a video of her own version of the recipe to TikTok in January 2021. Smith's video has since gained nearly 3 million views, with the #bakedfetapasta hashtag amassing 52 million views and counting on TikTok. The premise is simple: toss a block of feta, tomatoes and olive oil together in a pan and bake, then mix with pasta and fresh basil.
The popularity of the recipe led to a shortage of feta cheese in Finland, and likely contributed to the US's growing consumption of natural cheeses. While some critics of the recipe complain about the grittiness of the sauce, this can be solved by using Greek feta cheese, which is made from at least 70% sheep's milk and has a creamier texture than feta made from cow's milk. The sauce can also be improved by mixing in some of the pasta water at the end.
The baked feta pasta recipe is so popular because it is simple, but surprisingly flavoursome and customisable. It is easy to add different flavours and make tweaks to the recipe, such as adding lemon zest for freshness, or swapping the feta for goat cheese or brie.
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Mozzarella: a history dating back to the 1200s
While it is difficult to pinpoint exactly which cheese is the most liked, mozzarella is certainly a popular contender. This soft, stringy, semi-soft non-aged cheese is prepared using the pasta filata ('stretched-curd') method and has origins in southern Italy, dating back to the 12th century.
Mozzarella was first made in Italy near Naples from the rich milk of water buffalo. The term mozzarella is derived from the southern Italian dialects spoken in Apulia, Calabria, Campania, Abruzzo, Molise, Basilicata, Lazio, and Marche. It is the diminutive form of "mozza", meaning "cut", or "mozzare", meaning "to cut off", derived from the method of working the cheese by hand. The term is first mentioned in 1570, cited in a cookbook by Bartolomeo Scappi, but an earlier reference by Monsignor Alicandri describes how, in the 12th century, the Monastery of San Lorenzo in Capua, Campania, offered pilgrims a piece of bread with "mozza".
Mozzarella was likely first made by accident when cheese curds fell into a bucket of hot water in a cheese factory near Naples. This is not unusual, as new cheeses are often formulated by mistake. Because mozzarella was not made from pasteurized milk and there was little to no refrigeration, it had a very short shelf life and rarely left the southern region of Italy where it was made. As refrigeration and transportation technology developed in the 20th century, mozzarella spread to other regions of Italy and eventually to the rest of the world.
Mozzarella is usually made from cow's milk, but it can also be made from buffalo milk, goat's milk, or a combination of different types of milk. The cheese-making process involves coagulating raw milk to form curds, which are then cut into small pieces and mixed with hot water. The critical stage is determining when the curds are ready to be "strung" or "spun" to form long ropes of cheese. The curds are then formed by hand or machine into balls, which are then cooled in water, salted, and packaged. The process is usually completed within 8 hours, and the cheese is meant to be eaten soon after being formed. Fresh mozzarella is mild and delicate in flavour, with a hint of sourness, and has a distinct squeaky sound when chewed or rubbed.
Mozzarella is the most prevalent cheese used to make pizzas due to its chemistry: when heated in the oven, its high water content evaporates, creating bubbles that pop and allow the cheese to brown. It is also served with sliced tomatoes and basil in a Caprese salad. In Italy, mozzarella is produced nationwide under the government's official name, mozzarella di latte di bufala, and the best and most highly prized artisanal buffalo mozzarella is found south of Naples.
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American cheese: the second most popular in the US
Cheese is a beloved dairy product that is enjoyed worldwide, with different regions favouring specific varieties. In the United States, a melting pot of cultures, the most popular cheese is Italian cheese, with American cheese coming in second.
American cheese is a broad category, encompassing a variety of processed cheeses that are commonly used in sandwiches, burgers, and grilled cheese. It is typically made from a combination of Colby and Cheddar cheeses, resulting in a mild, creamy, and slightly salty flavour. This versatile and affordable cheese has become a staple in American cuisine, beloved for its ability to melt smoothly and add a creamy texture to dishes.
The history of American cheese is tied to the country's cultural diversity. When European immigrants arrived in America, they brought their cheese preferences with them. Over time, these influences merged with local traditions, creating unique American cheese varieties. The development of processed cheese products, including American cheese, can be attributed to the country's strong dairy industry and the need for convenient, mass-produced food options.
While American cheese is widely consumed, it's important to note that the term encompasses a range of cheese products, some of which may have distinct recipes and characteristics. For instance, "government cheese," a variety of processed cheese food, falls under the American cheese umbrella.
In recent years, there has been a growing trend towards natural cheeses and a decline in the consumption of processed cheese in the United States. This shift reflects changing consumer preferences for higher-quality, less processed foods. Nonetheless, American cheese remains a staple in the country's culinary landscape, beloved for its convenience, versatility, and the comforting dishes it helps create.
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Parmesan: the king of cheeses
While there are many varieties of grana (hard cheeses used for grating), only one can be named the "king of cheeses". That title belongs to Parmesan, the cheese named for the cities of Parma and Reggio in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy.
Parmesan, or Parmigiano-Reggiano, is a true staple of Italian cuisine and a beloved cheese worldwide. Its unique and complex flavour makes it a favourite among cheese connoisseurs. The process of making Parmesan involves cooking the cheese, then brining it for around three weeks, and finally, ageing it for a year. At the year mark, the cheeses are inspected and marked for quality. This lengthy process is a testament to the craftsmanship and tradition that goes into making this iconic cheese.
The name Parmesan is often used to refer to the generic version of this cheese produced outside of its specified region in Italy. However, true Parmesan, or Parmigiano-Reggiano, is a cut above the rest. It has a rich, nutty flavour that can enhance a wide variety of dishes. From pasta to salads, a simple sprinkling of Parmesan can add a depth of taste that is truly remarkable. Its versatility in the kitchen is yet another reason why it is so highly regarded.
In addition to its culinary prowess, Parmesan also boasts a rich history. The production of this cheese dates back centuries and has become an integral part of Italian culture and cuisine. It is a symbol of Italian culinary excellence and has gained recognition worldwide for its superior quality. The care and tradition that goes into making Parmesan truly make it a cheese fit for a king.
While other cheeses may come and go in popularity, Parmesan remains a steadfast favourite among cheese lovers. Its unique flavour, versatility, and rich cultural heritage solidify its place as the "king of cheeses". Whether enjoyed on its own or as a flavour enhancer, Parmesan is a cheese that truly reigns supreme.
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Frequently asked questions
Cheddar is the most popular cheese in the world. It is especially loved in the United Kingdom and the United States, where many award-winning cheddars are produced.
According to the International Dairy Foods Association, Italian-style cheeses are the second most consumed in the world. This includes mozzarella, which is used abundantly on American pizza.
Other popular cheeses include Parmesan, Brie, Swiss cheese, and Hispanic cheeses such as Oaxaca, queso blanco, and Chihuahua.
The "king of cheeses" is a variety of grana (hard cheese used for grating) named for the cities of Parma and Reggio in the Emilia-Romagna region.
Cheddar cheese should be stored in the refrigerator and can be left out at room temperature for short periods of time. It is recommended to wrap the cheese in professional cheese paper to maintain its quality and flavor.
