Bushra Griffith
Cheddar cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in soups, dips, appetizers, or simply enjoyed on crackers or as part of a cheese board. The sharpness of cheddar cheese depends on the aging process, with older cheeses generally being sharper. The term sharp refers to the changes in taste and texture that occur as cheddar ages, with older cheeses developing hard, salt-like crystals that form when lactose breaks down into lactic acid. The sharpness of cheddar cheese can vary, and different brands offer a range of options to cater to different palates. Some of the sharpest cheddar cheeses available include the 16-year-aged cheddar from Nasonville Dairy, the 19-year-aged cheddar from Grandpa's Cheese Barn, and various options from Cabot Creamery, such as their Seriously Sharp and Extra Sharp cheddars.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Aging Time | The longer the aging time, the sharper the cheddar. |
| Aging Time Examples | 3 months (Medium), 9 months (Sharp), 12 months (New York Extra Sharp), 14 months (Seriously Sharp), 16 months (Super Super Sharp), 19 months (Super Super Sharp), 75+ years (Wisconsin cheddar) |
| Texture | Cheddar cheese loses some of its moisture as it ages, going from smooth and creamy to firm with hard, salt-like crystals. |
| Taste | Tangy, nutty, citrusy |
| Brands | Kerrygold, Wyke Vintage, Black Diamond, Cabot, Grandpa's Cheese Barn, Nasonville Dairy |
| Availability | Walmart (Wyke Vintage), Harris Teeter (Black Diamond), Trader Joe's, Costco, Mercadona, Grandpa's Cheese Barn, Nasonville Dairy |
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What You'll Learn
The ageing process
The process of ageing cheddar cheese has been refined over centuries, dating back to the 12th century when farmers in Cheddar Village, Somerset, England, first stored their milk in local caves to keep it cool. According to legend, the accidental discovery of cheddar cheese occurred when a milkmaid forgot a pail of milk in one of these caves, allowing it to harden over time.
Today, the ageing process can be manipulated to create cheddars of varying sharpness. For example, a mild cheddar is aged for a shorter period, resulting in a creamy texture and a less sharp taste. On the other hand, a sharp cheddar like the Vermont Extra Sharp is aged for around 12 months, giving it a more pronounced flavour and a slight crumble due to its lower moisture content.
Some cheddars are aged for even longer periods, resulting in an even sharper flavour. For instance, Nasonville Dairy offers a 16-year-aged cheddar, while another source mentions a 19-year-old cheddar, showcasing the extreme lengths of the ageing process. These aged cheddars are noted for their intense sharpness, with one 75+-year-old variety from Wisconsin described as "virtually inedible" due to its extreme sharpness.
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The sharpest cheddars
Cheddar cheese is a versatile ingredient packed with flavour. The term "sharp" in the context of cheddar cheese refers to the changes in taste and texture that occur as the cheese ages. Generally, the longer a cheddar cheese is aged, the sharper it gets. During the ageing process, cheddar loses some of its moisture, transitioning from smooth and creamy to firm with hard, salt-like crystals. These crystals develop when lactose in the cheese breaks down into lactic acid. The crystals are responsible for the sharp, tangy, and nutty taste of aged cheddar.
When it comes to finding the sharpest cheddar cheese, several factors come into play, including personal preference, availability, and regional variations. Here is a list of some of the sharpest cheddars you can find:
Cabot Cheese
Cabot Cheese, a well-known brand in the Northeast US, offers a range of sharp cheddar cheeses. Their Seriously Sharp, previously known as Hunter's Sharp, is aged for a minimum of 14 months and is considered the sharpest in their line of cheddars. Their New York Extra Sharp and Vermont Extra Sharp cheddars, aged for 12 months, are also notably sharp and have a complex flavour profile.
Nasonville Dairy
Nasonville Dairy boasts an impressive 16-year-aged cheddar, proudly named the "grand daddy of aged cheddar." This cheese has undergone a lengthy ageing process, resulting in a sharp flavour and a firm texture.
Grandpa's Cheese Barn
Grandpa's Cheese Barn offers a 19-year-aged cheddar that has been ageing since 2004. This cheese is a fan favourite due to its intense sharp flavour and distinct aged texture.
Wyke Vintage
Available at most Walmarts, Wyke Vintage is a sharp cheddar option that has been aged for several years.
Black Diamond 5-Year Aged Vintage Reserve
Black Diamond's vintage reserve cheddar is aged for five years and can be found at select retailers like Harris Teeter.
Kerrygold
Kerrygold, an Irish brand, offers a range of cheddars, including a raw cheddar option. While their cheddars may not be as sharp as others, they are known for their quality and unique flavour profile.
It's important to note that the sharpness of cheddar cheese can vary due to factors such as production methods, ageing time, and regional differences. The best way to determine your preference is to explore different brands, compare cheeses of varying ages, and trust your taste buds to guide you to the sharpest cheddar that suits your palate.
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How to find sharp cheddar
The term "sharp" in cheddar cheese refers to the changes in taste and texture that occur as the cheese ages. The aging process is what gives each variety of cheese its distinctive flavour and texture. Generally, the longer a cheddar ages, the sharper it gets. The sharpness of cheddar is also associated with the levels of bitter peptides in the cheese. Sharp cheddars are aged for 6 to 9 months, while mild cheddars are aged for 2 to 3 months, and extra-sharp cheddars are aged for 1 and a half to 2 years.
When looking for sharp cheddar cheese, it is important to understand the age and sharpness of the cheese by tasting two different ages of cheddar side by side. It is recommended to choose two products of the same brand, so you know that both products were made with the same ingredients and processes, making it easier to compare them based on taste and texture.
Some of the sharpest cheddar cheeses available include:
- Cabot 3-year, 5-year, or 10-year cheddar
- Black Diamond 5-year-aged vintage reserve
- Wyke Vintage
- Kerrygold Reserve
- Cougar Gold
- Trader Joe's 7-year cheddar
- Valley Thunder by Valley Shepherd Creamery
- Mainland brand's Epicure
- Trader Joe's "Coastal English Cheddar"
These cheeses can be found at various retailers, including Walmart, Harris Teeter, Trader Joe's, Costco, and local farmers' markets.
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The best sharp cheddar
Cheddar cheese is a versatile ingredient packed with flavour. The term "sharp" in relation to cheddar cheese refers to changes in taste and texture that occur as the cheese ages. The longer a cheddar cheese is aged, the sharper it gets. This is due to the cheese losing some of its moisture, resulting in a firmer texture with hard, salt-like crystals. These crystals develop when lactose in the cheese breaks down into lactic acid.
When it comes to finding the best sharp cheddar cheese, several factors come into play, including personal preference, availability, and the desired level of sharpness. Here are some recommendations and considerations for the best sharp cheddar cheese:
Cabot Creamery:
Cabot Creamery offers a wide range of cheddar cheeses with different levels of sharpness. Their Seriously Sharp, previously known as Hunter's Sharp, is aged for a minimum of 14 months and is considered one of their sharpest options. Cabot's New York Extra Sharp and Vermont Extra Sharp cheddars are also notable mentions, aged for 12 months and offering a complex flavour profile.
Nasonville Dairy:
For an extremely aged option, Nasonville Dairy offers a 16-year-aged cheddar, touted as the "grand daddy of aged cheddar." This cheese is sure to impress with its intense flavour and texture.
Grandpa's Cheese Barn:
If you're looking for an even longer-aged cheddar, Grandpa's Cheese Barn offers a 19-year-aged cheddar. This cheese has been ageing since 2004, resulting in a sharp flavour and aged texture that has made it a fan favourite.
Other Options:
Depending on your location, there are several other options available. Wyke Vintage, found in most Walmarts, offers a sharp cheddar option. Black Diamond's 5-year-aged vintage reserve is another great choice. If you're in the UK or Ireland, Kerrygold is recommended, especially their raw cheddar options. For those in the US, Costco's Cabot 3-year cheddar is a good option, and Trader Joe's offers a "Coastal English Cheddar" that is quite sharp.
When choosing the best sharp cheddar, it is advisable to compare different ages and brands of cheddar side-by-side to find your preferred sharpness and flavour profile. The sharpness of cheddar cheese can vary greatly, so it is essential to explore and taste different options to find the one that suits your taste buds the most.
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Sharp cheddar for cooking
Cheddar cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from soups and dips to appetizers and snacks. The term "sharp" in cheese refers to the changes in taste and texture that occur during the aging process, which can take anywhere from two months to a year or more. The longer a cheddar cheese ages, the sharper it becomes as it loses moisture and develops hard, salt-like crystals. These crystals are what give sharp cheddar its distinctive tangy, nutty flavour and firm texture.
When cooking with sharp cheddar, the type of dish you are preparing and your personal preference will dictate whether you choose a mild or sharp variety. For example, if you are making a cheesy soup, a sharp cheddar will provide a strong cheese flavour. On the other hand, if you are using cheese as an ingredient in a dip, you may prefer a mild cheddar that will blend more easily with other ingredients.
Sharp cheddar is an excellent choice for grilled cheese sandwiches, adding a tangy flavour and a slight crumble due to its lower moisture content. It can also be used in mac and cheese, where it adds a rich and robust taste. For an extra-special touch, try using sharp cheddar in a South African grilled cheese sandwich, which is made with lots of white cheddar and a spoonful of spiced vegetable relish called chakalaka.
Additionally, sharp cheddar can be grated and sprinkled over baked potatoes, mixed into a quiche or mashed potatoes, or used as a filling for stuffed burgers. It can also be baked into apple pie crusts or used to make cheddar-walnut scones, adding a savoury kick to your baked goods. With its strong flavour and melting texture, sharp cheddar is a versatile ingredient that can enhance the taste of many dishes.
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Frequently asked questions
The term “sharp” refers to the changes in taste and texture that occur as cheddar cheese ages. During the aging process, cheddar loses some of its moisture, going from smooth and creamy to firm with hard, salt-like crystals.
Cheddar cheese typically ages anywhere from two months to a year or more, depending on the desired sharpness. Generally, the longer a cheddar ages, the sharper it gets.
There is no consensus on which cheddar cheese is the sharpest. However, some options that have been mentioned as being very sharp include:
- Nasonville Dairy's 16-year-aged cheddar
- Grandpa's Cheese Barn's 19-year-aged cheddar
- Cabot's Seriously Sharp cheddar (aged a minimum of 14 months)
- Cabot's New York Extra Sharp and Vermont Extra Sharp cheddars (aged 12 months)
- Wyke Vintage (available at most Walmarts)
- Black Diamond 5-year-aged vintage reserve (available at Harris Teeter)
- Kerrygold (available at many US stores)
- 75+-year-aged cheddar from Wisconsin (featured in Milwaukee for a day and described as "virtually inedible")
The level of sharpness you choose depends on your personal preference and how you plan to use the cheese. If you're making a cheesy soup, a sharp cheddar will provide a strong cheese flavor. If the cheese is an ingredient in a dip, you may prefer a milder cheddar.
