Andy Montoya
Cheddar cheese is one of the most popular types of cheese in the world, with some describing it as the king of cheeses. It is produced all over the world, including in the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, and many countries in Europe and South America. Cheddar is a versatile cheese that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, from crackers and sandwiches to grilled cheese and pasta dishes. It is also a popular topping for dishes like nachos, baked potatoes, and pizza. The cheese comes in a range of maturities, from mild to mature, allowing people to choose their preferred level of flavour and sharpness.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Popularity | Cheddar is the most popular cheese in the UK, accounting for 51% of the country's £1.9 billion annual cheese market. It is the second most popular cheese in the US, with an average annual consumption of 10 lbs (4.5 kg) per capita. Cheddar accounts for over 55% of the Australian cheese market, with an average annual consumption of 17 lbs (7.5 kg) per person. |
| Taste | Cheddar is known for its strong and diverse flavours, ranging from mild to mature, sharp, extra sharp, or vintage. |
| Texture | Cheddar melts well and has a gooey texture when warm, making it ideal for grilled cheese, jacket potatoes, or nachos. |
| Versatility | Cheddar can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, including on crackers, in sandwiches, melted on pasta, or on its own. It can also be paired with drinks such as wine or whiskey and goes well with fruits like apples and pears. |
| Availability | Cheddar is produced and sold worldwide, with significant production in the US, the UK, Australia, and many other countries. |
| Affordability | Cheddar is widely available and accessible, often sold in supermarkets and grocery stores. |
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What You'll Learn
Cheddar's versatility as a food
Cheddar cheese is a versatile food that can be used in a wide range of dishes. It is produced and enjoyed all over the world, and its versatility is one of the main reasons for its popularity.
Cheddar can be melted on top of a variety of dishes, such as grilled cheese on toast, jacket potatoes, or nachos. Its ability to melt and enhance the flavour of other foods makes it a popular topping. The cheese can also be enjoyed on crackers, in sandwiches, or simply on its own. Its flavour and texture make it a good choice for a snack or a quick bite.
The cheese comes in a range of maturities, from mild to extra mature or vintage, allowing customers to choose their preferred level of maturity and flavour intensity. This range of options means that cheddar can appeal to a wide range of tastes and age groups. For example, a milder cheddar can be sprinkled on a child's pizza, while a more mature cheddar can be used in a sophisticated scone recipe.
Cheddar is also a versatile drink accompaniment. It can be paired with a variety of drinks, such as wine or whiskey. Its ability to complement both sweet and savoury flavours makes it a popular choice for cheese boards or as a dessert option.
Cheddar's versatility extends beyond its use as a food item. It is also an important ingredient in many recipes. Its strong flavour and creamy texture make it a key component in dishes such as macaroni and cheese, cheese sauces, and soups. Its ability to blend and enhance other flavours makes it a popular choice for chefs and home cooks alike.
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The taste of mature cheddar
Cheddar cheese is produced all over the world, and its name does not have a protected designation of origin. Cheddar is a flexible cheese that can be used in a wide range of recipes or paired with a variety of drinks. It is sold in several varieties, including mild, medium, mature, extra mature, extra sharp, and vintage, with each maturation state offering a distinct taste experience.
The specific flavours present in mature cheddar can vary depending on factors such as the type of milk used, the bacteria culture, and the production methods employed. However, there are some common flavour notes that are typically associated with mature cheddar. These can include a combination of buttery, fruity, nutty, and caramelly flavours, with a hint of saltiness. The longer ageing process also allows for the development of unique flavours that are more subtle and nuanced, such as hints of grass, hay, or even toasted nuts.
The versatility of cheddar cheese, including the mature variety, is one of the main reasons for its popularity. It can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes, from grilled cheese sandwiches to jacket potatoes and nachos. It is also a popular melting cheese, perfect for topping pasta dishes or adding a gooey, savoury element to pizzas. The ability to cater to different taste preferences, from mild to mature, also contributes to cheddar's widespread appeal.
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How cheddar pairs with wine
Cheddar is one of the most popular cheeses in the UK, the US, and Australia, and is produced all over the world. The ideal wine pairing for cheddar depends on how mature the cheese is. A mild to medium block cheddar will be much easier to match with wine than an aged cloth-bound cheddar that has been aged for 18 months or more. Aged cheddars are powerfully flavoured and call for an equally powerful wine.
Mature cheddars with a bit of bite but not too sharp or funky pair well with intensely fruity Chilean Cabernet Sauvignons. The bold flavours of both the cheese and wine complement each other rather than one overwhelming the other. The mouth-drying tannins in Cabernet Sauvignon also work well with the fattiness of aged cheddars. However, watch the tannins as they can overwhelm the delicate side of cheddar.
Montefalco Sagrantino, an inky Umbrian wine with jammy black fruit and tingly tannins, also pairs well with aged cheddars. Fans of cheddar with Branston pickle (an intense chutney) will love this pairing.
If you are looking for a white wine to pair with cheddar, reach for a Grüner Veltliner. This goes-with-anything wine lets the subtler side of cheddar shine. Riesling is another good choice as its well-balanced sweetness, acidity, mineral notes, and tropical fruits pair well with a wide range of cheeses. Try pairing semi-dry Riesling with medium-aged and semi-hard cheddar cheese to balance the intense flavours.
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Cheddar's meltability
Cheddar cheese is widely loved for its meltability, which makes it a versatile ingredient in many dishes. Its ability to melt is due to its high fat and low moisture content, which also gives it a long shelf life. When melted, cheddar becomes gooey and warm, enhancing its flavour and making it perfect for grilled cheese sandwiches, jacket potatoes, or nachos.
The low moisture content affects the cheese's melting properties. In general, cheeses with lower moisture content tend to melt better than those with higher moisture content. This is because moisture acts as a barrier to the proteins in the cheese, preventing them from linking together and forming a smooth, melted mass. By removing excess moisture, cheddar becomes more susceptible to the heat and shear forces applied during melting, allowing it to flow more easily and creating that desirable gooey texture.
Additionally, the fat content in cheddar cheese also contributes to its meltability. Cheddar typically has a higher fat content than other cheeses, and fat acts as a lubricant, aiding in the melting process. The fat molecules break down more readily when heated, facilitating a smoother and more even melt.
The meltability of cheddar cheese is a significant factor in its popularity. Its ability to melt evenly and consistently makes it a favourite for grilled dishes, toppings, and sauces. It is a versatile cheese that can be enjoyed in a variety of recipes, catering to different tastes and preferences. Whether it's sprinkled on a child's pizza or used in a sophisticated scone recipe, the meltability of cheddar cheese contributes to its status as a beloved staple in kitchens worldwide.
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Cheddar's popularity in the UK
Cheddar cheese is the most popular cheese in the UK, accounting for 51% of the country's £1.9 billion annual cheese market. It is officially Britain's favourite type of cheese, as voted for by the nation. In a Branston survey of 2,000 Brits, cheddar was the favourite cheese by a large margin, claiming 80% of the vote!
Cheddar cheese is thought to have originated from the village of Cheddar in Somerset, southwest England. The caves of Cheddar Gorge on the edge of the village provided the ideal humidity and steady temperature for maturing the cheese. Cheddar has been produced in this area since at least the 12th century and traditionally had to be made within 30 miles (48 km) of Wells Cathedral. The cheese gets its name from the village and is now used internationally, produced in countries such as Australia, Argentina, Belgium, Canada, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, and the United States.
Cheddar is a very versatile cheese, enjoyed by people of all ages. It can be melted on top of a pasta dish, grilled on toast, or simply enjoyed on crackers or in a sandwich. It pairs well with a variety of drinks, including wine, and can be served as a starter or a dessert. The range of maturation states, from mild to mature, also allows customers to choose their preferred level of maturity and taste.
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Frequently asked questions
Cheddar is the most popular cheese in the UK, accounting for 51% of the country's annual cheese market. It is the second most popular cheese in the US, with an average annual consumption of 10 lbs per capita. People like cheddar cheese because of its incredible versatility—it can be enjoyed on crackers, in a sandwich, melted on top of a pasta dish, or simply on its own. It is also widely used in recipes, from grilled cheese to jacket potatoes and nachos. Cheddar also pairs well with a variety of drinks, including wine and whiskey.
Cheddar cheese can be sold as mild, medium, mature, extra mature, sharp, extra sharp, vintage, or white, among other varieties. The maturation period and food additives used to enhance the flavour contribute to the different types of cheddar cheese.
Cheddar cheese originates from the village of Cheddar in Somerset, southwest England. The name "West Country Farmhouse Cheddar" is protected under European Union and UK law and may only be produced in Somerset, Devon, Dorset, and Cornwall using milk sourced from those counties.
Popular brands of cheddar cheese vary by region, but some well-known brands include Tillamook, Cathedral City, and Godminster. Godminster's vintage organic cheddar has won numerous awards.
