Andy Montoya
Sharp cheddar is a type of cheddar cheese that has been aged for a longer period of time than mild cheddar, resulting in a more distinct and prominent flavour. The term 'sharp' is a loose label that indicates how cheddar changes in flavour and texture as it ages. Sharp cheddars are aged for 6 to 9 months, while mild cheddars are aged for 2 to 3 months. As cheddar ages, it develops a lower moisture content, a tangier taste, and a harder texture.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Flavour | Sharp cheddar has a distinct and prominent flavour. The longer cheddar is aged, the more distinct and sharp its flavour becomes. |
| Texture | Sharp cheddar has a lower moisture content and a harder texture than mild cheddar. It is also more likely to crumble or break when sliced. |
| Age | Mild cheddars are aged 2 to 3 months, sharp cheddars 6 to 9 months, and extra-sharp cheddars 1 1/2 to 2 years. |
| Taste | Sharp cheddar has a tangier taste than mild cheddar. Extra-sharp cheddar has a very pronounced, sharp taste. |
| Melting | Sharp cheddar melts well but requires more heat to do so than mild cheddar. |
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What You'll Learn
Sharp cheddar is aged for 6 to 9 months
Cheddar is one of the few cheeses that has a descriptor before it, such as 'sharp'. This term indicates how cheddar changes in flavour and texture as it ages. Sharp cheddar is aged for 6 to 9 months, and has a distinct and prominent flavour. It has a lower moisture content than mild cheddar, and while it does melt well, it requires more heat to do so. The longer cheddar is aged, the more distinct and sharp its flavour becomes, and the lower its moisture content.
Mild cheddars are aged for 2 to 3 months and have a creamy, subtle taste with a relatively high moisture content, which lends a smooth texture that doesn't crumble easily. Sharp cheddars, on the other hand, have a tangier flavour with more complex and deeper notes. Its texture also changes, going from smooth and creamy to developing hard, salt-like crystals called calcium lactate.
Extra-sharp cheddars are aged for 1 1/2 to 2 years and have the most assertive flavour. They are likely to crumble or break when sliced and are best for eating out of hand. The best way to understand the age and sharpness of cheddar is to taste two different ages of cheddar side-by-side.
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Extra-sharp cheddar is the most assertive flavour
Cheddar cheese is one of the few cheeses that has a descriptor before it, such as 'sharp'. This term is a loose label that isn't regulated, so designations can be inconsistent across brands. However, it generally indicates how cheddar changes in flavour and texture as it ages. Mild cheddars are aged for 2 to 3 months, sharp cheddars for 6 to 9 months, and extra-sharp cheddars for 1 1/2 to 2 years. As cheddar ages, it goes from mild to tangier with more complex and deeper flavours. Its texture also changes from smooth and creamy to hard, salt-like crystals called calcium lactate. The longer cheddar is aged, the more distinct and sharp its flavour becomes, and the lower its moisture content.
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Sharp cheddar has a lower moisture content
Sharp cheddar is a type of cheddar cheese that has been aged for six to nine months. The longer a cheese is aged, the more distinct and sharp its flavour becomes, and the lower its moisture content.
The lower moisture content of sharp cheddar means that it is likely to crumble or break when sliced. It is best for eating out of hand, or for using in grilled cheese sandwiches, queso, or mac and cheese.
The term 'sharp' is a loose label that isn't regulated, so designations can be inconsistent across brands. However, the best way to understand the age and sharpness of cheddar is to taste two different ages of cheddar side-by-side.
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Sharp cheddar is tangier than mild cheddar
The ageing process is what gives cheddar its distinctive flavour. As cheddar ages, it goes from having a mild, creamy taste to a tangier, more complex flavour. The texture also changes, going from smooth and creamy to hard and crystalline. The best way to understand the difference between mild and sharp cheddars is to taste them side by side.
Sharp cheddar is one of the most popular hard cheeses on the market. Other hard cheeses include Manchego, Asiago, and Provolone. Hard cheeses tend to have a much sharper, tangier taste than mild cheeses. If a cheese has blue veins running through it, it's likely to be a firm cheese. These veins are caused by a process called needling, which allows oxygen to circulate.
Extra-sharp cheddar is aged for the longest amount of time, between 1 1/2 to 2 years. This gives it the most assertive flavour of all the cheddars, with a very pronounced sharp taste. It's also likely to crumble or break when sliced, so it's best for eating out of hand rather than melting.
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Sharp cheddar is harder than mild cheddar
The ageing process also affects the flavour and texture of the cheese. Cheddar develops a more distinct and sharp flavour the longer it is aged, and its texture goes from smooth and creamy to hard and crumbly. Sharp cheddars have a lower moisture content than mild cheddars, which is why they are harder and require more heat to melt.
Sharp cheddars have a complex, tangy flavour, while mild cheddars have a creamy, subtle taste. The best way to understand the difference between the two is to taste them side by side.
Sharp cheddars are perfect for grilled cheese sandwiches, queso, or mac and cheese, while mild cheddars are better for eating as they are.
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Frequently asked questions
Sharp cheddar is a type of cheddar cheese that has been aged for a longer period of time, giving it a distinct and prominent flavour.
Sharp cheddars are aged for 6 to 9 months.
Mild cheddars are aged for a shorter period of time, giving them a creamy, subtle taste with a relatively high moisture content. Sharp cheddars have a lower moisture content and a more pronounced, tangy flavour.
