Randy Chandler
Cheddar cheese is a widely consumed variety of cheese that is known for its sharp, pungent flavour and firm texture. The sharpness of cheddar is associated with the levels of bitter peptides in the cheese, and it is often sold by strength alone, with labels such as mild, tasty, or sharp. Farmhouse cheddar, a traditional variety, is slightly crumbly in texture and can be identified by its deep to pale yellow colour. Alpine cheddar, on the other hand, has a subtle flavour and a slight grana texture similar to Parmesan. White Oak cheddar, available from brands like Cabot, is known for its creamy taste and unique texture, with a surprise zing at the end.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Cheese | Cheddar |
| Variants | Farmhouse Reserve, White Oak Cheddar, Alpine Blend, New York Vintage |
| Texture | Firm, slightly crumbly |
| Taste | Sharp, creamy, subtle, bold, addictive |
| Flavour | Swiss, Italian, slightly nutty |
| Lactose | Lactose-free |
| Weight | 6 oz |
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What You'll Learn
The longer a cheddar cheese ages, the sharper it gets
Cheddar cheese is a beloved staple in many kitchens around the world, with its versatile and rich flavour making it perfect for different dishes. But what gives cheddar its distinctive flavour and texture? The answer lies in a process called "ageing".
Freshly made cheddar cheese is wrapped in cloth and left to rest for a few days. During this time, the cheese begins to release whey and mould starts to grow on the surface. It is then moved to a temperature-controlled room where it will age for anywhere from a few months to several years. As the cheese ages, enzymes break down the milk proteins, creating complex flavours and a crumbly texture.
The longer the cheese ages, the sharper and more robust the flavour becomes. Young cheddar, which has been aged for only a few months, has a mild and creamy taste. As it ages, it becomes sharper and nuttier in flavour. Extra sharp cheddar is aged for 18 months or more, giving it a much more complex and tangy flavour than mild or medium cheddar.
The Cabot Farmers' Legacy Collection offers a unique taste of four flavour profiles: Farmhouse Reserve, White Oak Cheddar, Alpine Blend, and New York Vintage. The White Oak Cheddar has a nice surprise zing at the end, while the Alpine Blend has a subtle, creamy taste similar to Parmesan.
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Alpine cheddar has hints of Swiss and Parmesan
The Alpine Cheddar from the Cabot Farmers' Legacy Collection is a creamy, subtle Swiss and Italian Alpine blend with a slight "grana" texture similar to Parmesan. The Legacy Collection honours the European roots of the farmers' ancestors. It is distinctive from the brand's traditional, award-winning sharp cheddars, as it combines sharpness obtained by natural ageing with hints of its countries of origin.
The Alpine Cheddar has a unique flavour that surprises and delights even the most jaded cheese aficionados. It is aged to creamy, nutty perfection. The cheesemaking process reflects the needs of Alpine transhumant makers. In the summer, timber to "cook" the cheese was abundant on the high slopes, but salt was expensive and scarce, so little was used compared to other cheese types. Alpine cheeses are typically aged for a few months or much longer.
The very hard Italian "grana" cheeses are considered part of the Swiss-type or Alpine cheese group. The best-known examples are Parmesan and Grana Padano. Although they originated in the Po Valley, they share the broad Alpine cheesemaking process. The Swiss Emmental, Gruyère, and Appenzeller, as well as the French Beaufort and Comté, are also well-known Swiss-type cheeses.
The Alpine Cheddar from Cabot Farmers' Legacy Collection is gluten-free, with zero grams of lactose. It has 110 calories and 180,000 grams of sodium per 6-ounce bar. It is available in dairy bars and can be served in any way.
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White Oak cheddar has a subtle sweetness
White Oak Cheddar is a type of cheese produced by Cabot Creamery and sold by Dakin Farm as part of their Legacy Collection. The Legacy Collection features four flavour profiles: Farmhouse Reserve, White Oak Cheddar, Alpine Blend, and New York Vintage. Each flavour is said to have a unique taste, proudly presented by the 1,200 farm families who own Cabot.
Cabot Creamery's Legacy Collection honours the European roots of their farmers' ancestors. The collection is distinctive from Cabot's traditional, award-winning sharp cheddars, as it marries sharpness obtained only through natural aging with hints of the countries of their origin.
White Oak Cheddar is available in 6 oz bars and can be purchased from Amazon.com.
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Farmhouse Reserve cheddar is bold and creamy
The Cabot Farmers' Legacy Collection celebrates the European heritage of Cabot's farmers' ancestors. It includes four flavour profiles: Farmhouse Reserve, White Oak Cheddar, Alpine Blend, and New York Vintage. Each flavour is distinctively different from Cabot's traditional, award-winning sharp cheddars.
Farmhouse Reserve Cheddar is a bold and creamy extra-sharp cheddar with a northeast bite. It has a lush, rich taste and a mellow, well-defined, slightly crumbly body. This artisanal-grade cheddar is flawlessly balanced, with subtle flavours reminiscent of the farmers' valley fields. The classic sharp notes linger appealingly, making it a perfect choice for those who enjoy a bold and creamy cheese experience.
Farmhouse Reserve Cheddar is part of the Cabot Legacy Collection, which celebrates the brand's heritage and the European roots of their farmers' ancestors. The collection showcases four unique flavour profiles, each with its own distinct character. Farmhouse Reserve stands out for its bold and creamy characteristics, setting it apart from other cheddars on the market.
This cheddar variety delivers a sensory experience that combines sharpness with a creamy texture. Its extra-sharp flavour is balanced by a lush, rich taste, creating a complex and satisfying flavour profile. The slightly crumbly body adds a unique texture, making it a versatile choice for various dishes and pairings. Farmhouse Reserve Cheddar is a testament to the craft of cheesemaking, offering a blend of boldness and creaminess that is sure to delight cheese enthusiasts.
Overall, Farmhouse Reserve Cheddar is a bold and creamy cheese that delivers a unique taste experience. Its extra-sharp flavour, lush texture, and subtle notes make it a standout choice for those seeking a sophisticated cheddar. Whether enjoyed on its own or as part of a recipe, Farmhouse Reserve adds a touch of bold creaminess to any occasion.
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Vermont Seriously Sharp cheddar is nutty and crumbly
Cabot's Seriously Sharp Cheddar is an award-winning, extra sharp, white cheddar cheese with a nutty and
Seriously Sharp Cheddar is a versatile cheese that can be enjoyed in many ways. It is excellent as a snack, paired with full-flavoured ingredients like smoked meat and spiced chutney, or added to dishes like macaroni and cheese or fondue. The cheese also has a strong flavour that can stand up to other ingredients, making it a good choice for a cheese sauce or grilled cheese sandwich.
However, some people find that the cheese loses some of its sharpness and texture when melted, becoming flavourless or "meh". This is a common issue with cheddar cheese in general, and some cooks recommend adding ingredients like spicy brown mustard, Worcestershire sauce, or garlic powder to restore the "zing" of the cheese.
Cabot's Seriously Sharp Cheddar is part of their Farmers' Legacy Collection, which honours the European roots of their farmers' ancestors. The collection features four flavour profiles: Farmhouse Reserve, White Oak Cheddar, Alpine Blend, and New York Vintage. Each cheese in the collection offers a unique taste and texture, proudly presented by the 1,200 farm families who own Cabot.
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