Andy Montoya
Cheddar cheese is a hard, off-white or orange natural cheese with a sharp flavour that originates from the village of Cheddar in Somerset, South West England. While cheddar cheese is produced all over the world, the United States is the largest producer of cheese overall. Wisconsin is the top cheese-producing state in the US, contributing 3.5 billion pounds of cheese every year, and is home to nearly 1,300 licensed cheesemakers. However, if we consider cheese production per capita, Wisconsin ranks 17th, producing 18.7 kilograms of cheese per person. In fact, when it comes to cheese production per capita, the US doesn't even make the top 20, with Denmark, New Zealand, and Ireland taking the top three spots.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Country that produces the most cheddar cheese | The United States |
| State in the US that produces the most cheddar cheese | Wisconsin |
| Other states in the US that produce cheddar cheese | California, Idaho, New York, Vermont, Oregon, Texas, and Oklahoma |
| Country where cheddar cheese originated | England |
| Village in England where cheddar cheese originated | Cheddar, Somerset |
| Countries with the highest cheddar cheese production per capita | Denmark, New Zealand, and Ireland |
| Countries with the highest overall cheese production | United States, Germany, France, and Italy |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Wisconsin, USA, produces the most cheddar in the US
Cheddar cheese is a hard, off-white or orange cheese with a sharp taste. It is the most studied type of cheese in scientific publications and is the world's most popular cheese. The name comes from the village of Cheddar in Somerset, South West England, where it originated. Cheddar is produced all over the world, and its style and quality vary greatly.
In the United States, Wisconsin produces the most cheddar cheese. It is also the largest producer of cheese overall in the country, with around 3.5 billion pounds of cheese produced in 2023. Wisconsin is known as "America's Dairyland", reflecting its leading position in the US dairy industry. The state has close to 1,300 licensed cheesemakers, more than any other US state, and 48% of all the specialty cheese in the US comes from Wisconsin.
Other top cheese-producing states in the US include California, Idaho, New York, Vermont, Oregon, Texas, and Oklahoma. California is the second-largest producer, and these two states also have the highest number of milk cows.
Outside of the US, countries such as Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom are also known for their cheddar production. In Canada, most cheddar is produced in the provinces of Québec and Ontario, and in the UK, cheddar is the most popular cheese, accounting for 51% of the country's annual cheese market.
Unpasteurized Cheddar: Safe Snacking or Risky Business?
You may want to see also
Cheddar is the world's most popular cheese
In the United States, the largest producer of cheddar cheese is Kraft, which uses a combination of annatto and oleoresin paprika. Cheddar is also produced in various states across the US, including Wisconsin, California, Idaho, New York, Vermont, Oregon, Texas, and Oklahoma. Wisconsin produces roughly 26% of the country's cheese and has close to 1,300 licensed cheesemakers, more than any other US state.
Outside of the US, cheddar cheese is produced in various countries, including New Zealand, where most of the cheddar is factory-made, although some are handmade by artisan cheesemakers. In the UK, only one producer of cheddar cheese is now based in the village of Cheddar, the Cheddar Gorge Cheese Co. In Australia, cheddar cheese is also gaining popularity, with creamy and tangy varieties being produced by the country's dairy farmers.
Cheddar cheese has a long and interesting history, dating back to the village of Cheddar in Somerset, England. During World War II and the decade that followed, most of the milk in Britain was used to make a single type of cheese nicknamed "government cheddar" due to rationing. This led to a decline in other cheese production in the country, with fewer than 100 cheese producers remaining after the war. Today, cheddar cheese continues to be a popular and beloved variety of cheese worldwide, known for its distinctive flavour and texture.
Cheddar vs. American Cheese: Which is Gentler on the Stomach?
You may want to see also
Cheddar is named after a village in Somerset, UK
The United States is the world's largest producer of cheese, followed by Germany, France, and Italy. However, if we rank individual states from the U.S. as countries, Wisconsin takes the number one spot, producing 26% of the country's cheese. Wisconsin is home to nearly 1,300 licensed cheesemakers, more than any other U.S. state, and is also the largest producer of specialty cheese in the U.S.
While the U.S. is the largest producer of cheese, it is not famous for its native cheeses. Cheddar cheese, in particular, originates from the village of Cheddar in Somerset, South West England. The name "West Country Farmhouse Cheddar" has an EU and UK protected designation of origin (PDO) registration and may only be produced in Somerset, Devon, Dorset, and Cornwall, using milk sourced from those counties.
Cheddar cheese is the most popular cheese in the world and is the most studied type of cheese in scientific publications. During World War II and the decade that followed, most of the milk in Britain was used to make a single kind of cheese nicknamed "government cheddar" as part of the war economy and rationing. As a result, almost all other cheese production in the country was wiped out.
Today, cheddar cheese is produced all over the world, and there is no Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) for the name "cheddar." In addition to the U.S. and the UK, other countries that produce cheddar cheese include New Zealand, Australia, and Argentina.
Hoop Cheese vs Cheddar: What's the Difference?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
New Zealand cheddar is mostly factory-made
Cheddar cheese is a hard, off-white or orange cheese with a sharp flavour that originates from the village of Cheddar in Somerset, South West England. It is produced all over the world, and while it has no Protected Designation of Origin (PDO), the name "West Country Farmhouse Cheddar" is protected under EU and UK law and may only be produced in Somerset, Devon, Dorset, and Cornwall using milk sourced from those counties.
New Zealand is world-famous for its cheese and dairy products, and most of the cheddar produced in the country is factory-made. New Zealand's first dairy factory was established on the Otago Peninsula in 1871, and the country has since become a major player in the international dairy market. The majority of New Zealand's cheddar is produced by large-scale factories, with only a small number of artisan cheesemakers producing handmade cheddar.
New Zealand's emphasis on factory-made cheddar can be attributed to several factors. The country has a long history of dairy farming and cheese production, dating back to the introduction of cattle by Reverend Samuel Marsden in 1814. Over time, New Zealand became increasingly dependent on the export trade for economic survival, and its distance from major markets may have influenced the development of factory-made cheddar, which has a longer shelf life and can be produced in larger quantities.
Factory-made cheddar in New Zealand is typically sold relatively young within the country, but some companies, such as Anchor, ship their cheddar to the UK, where it continues to mature for another year or so. This maturation process allows for the development of more complex flavours and aromas, which can be desirable in certain markets.
While New Zealand produces a significant amount of cheddar, it is important to note that the United States is the world's largest producer of cheese overall, with Wisconsin being the top cheese-producing state in the country. Other countries with notable cheese production include Germany, France, and Italy, and New Zealand, which leads the world in cheese production per capita.
Best Places to Buy Face Rock Cheddar Cheese
You may want to see also
The US is the world's largest producer of cheese
The United States is the world's largest producer of cheese, and this includes cheddar, one of the most popular varieties. According to data from 2022, the US produced approximately 6.4 billion pounds of cheddar cheese, which accounts for a significant portion of the total cheese production in the country. This massive production capacity has established the US as a leading player in the global cheese market, with a considerable amount of cheese also being exported to other countries.
The US cheese industry is characterized by a combination of large-scale commercial production and smaller, artisanal cheesemakers. While the commercial sector dominates the market, there is a growing demand for specialty cheeses, which has led to the emergence of many small-scale cheesemakers across the country. This diverse landscape of cheese production ensures a constant supply of various cheddar types, ranging from mild and sharp to aged and flavored varieties.
The history of cheddar cheese production in the US is deeply rooted in the country's agricultural past. Introduced by European settlers, cheddar cheese making quickly took hold, especially in the northeastern region of the country. As dairy farming expanded across the nation, so too did the production of cheddar, benefiting from advancements in technology and transportation systems. Today, while Wisconsin is famously known as "America's Dairyland," other states like California, Idaho, and New York are also significant contributors to the country's cheddar cheese production.
The US dairy industry benefits from a combination of favorable climatic conditions, advanced farming techniques, and a well-established agricultural infrastructure. These factors contribute to the country's ability to sustain large-scale dairy farming and, consequently, cheese production. The availability of vast grazing lands and a strong emphasis on cattle farming ensure a consistent supply of high-quality milk, which is essential for cheese making. Additionally, the US dairy industry is highly regulated, ensuring that the cheese produced meets stringent quality and safety standards.
The dominance of the US in global cheese production, particularly cheddar, has had a significant impact on the international market. With its ability to produce cheese on a massive scale, the US has become a major exporter, supplying cheese to countries around the world. This has influenced the cheese-making traditions and cultures of other nations, with American-style cheddars gaining popularity beyond US borders. However, this dominance has also faced criticism, as some argue that it has led to a homogenization of cheese varieties, potentially threatening the unique, traditional cheeses of other cultures.
In conclusion, the United States' position as the world's largest producer of cheese, including cheddar, is a result of a multitude of factors, from historical influences to modern-day agricultural practices. The country's cheese-making landscape is diverse and robust, contributing to a steady supply of this beloved dairy product both domestically and internationally. As the US continues to shape global cheese consumption patterns, it also faces the challenge of preserving the unique qualities and traditions that make cheddar cheese so cherished worldwide.
Best Places to Buy Cheddar Cheese in Nigeria
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The United States produces the most cheddar cheese, with Wisconsin producing the most out of all the states.
Wisconsin produces the most cheddar cheese in the US, with Idaho, New York, Vermont, Oregon, Texas, California, and Oklahoma also being major production centres.
Cheddar cheese originates from the village of Cheddar in Somerset, South West England.
Cheddar cheese is produced all over the world, including in New Zealand, Australia, and the UK.
