It’s hard to capture what exactly makes cheddar cheese so special. How do you describe the feeling of a first kiss, or when the first few rays of golden sunlight gently peek out after a thunderstorm? Some things just defy explanation. While we can’t definitively tell you why cheddar has captured the love of cheese enthusiasts across the world, we can help you understand the storied history behind cheddar and all the glorious forms and flavors it comes in. Get ready to learn, Cheese Lover.
What are the different types of cheddar cheese? Cheddar cheese comes in mild, sharp, and extra sharp varieties. Mild cheddars are aged from 3 to 6 months, while sharp cheddars are aged 9 to 12 months. Extra sharp cheddars are generally aged up to two years, though some cheddars are aged as long as 10 years or more.
Cheese History: The Story Behind Cheddar
Originally born in the English countryside, we can trace cheddar’s origin back to the 12th century when cheesemakers in Englands southwest corner were producing a variety of farmstead cheeses. Over the centuries, the process was gradually refined and by the mid-1800s cheeses coming from this area, specifically Somerset, Gloucester, and Wiltshire, were considered pretty spectacular and demand grew.
Cheesemakers in this region hit on the idea of scalding the curds to help remove the whey. This produced a drier cheese that traveled and aged better than other cheeses of its time.
When the first English immigrants settled in Wisconsin in the early 1800s, they brought their passion for cheddar with them—and Wisconsin became the crown jewel of the cheddar-making world. By the 1880s, more cheddar was made in Wisconsin than any other cheese variety.
Meanwhile, cheese technology was advancing as fast as people could eat it. Joseph Harding, considered the father of modern cheddar cheese, applied scientific concepts to develop a curd scalding method and a refined cheese mill. The first few large-scale cheesemaking operations opened, and over the next few decades, cheddar became a staple across the U.S. and beyond.
What does cheddar taste like?
Young cheddar is very mild, creamy, and smooth. The texture is slightly buttery, moist, and a little melty. It’s truly a versatile crowd-pleaser. Aged cheddars become more nutty, crumbly, and sharp.
On a grilled cheese, grated into the crust of an apple pie or eaten on its own, cheddar is truly delicious.
What Are the Different Types of Cheddar Cheese?
FAQ
What is the difference between sharp cheddar and New York sharp cheddar?
What is the difference between mature and vintage cheddar cheese?
What is the difference between cheese and cheddar?
What is the difference between cheddar and tasty cheese?
What are the different types of cheddar cheese?
Whether it’s spicy smoked or sweet white cheddar, there’s something for everyone when it comes to cheddar! In this guide, we’ll explore all the varieties of cheddar cheese – from smooth Monterey Jacks to crumbly Cheshires – while discussing their histories and signature flavors.
What is the healthy substitute of cottage cheese?
Cottage cheese itself is a healthy option to include in daily diet as it is made of milk and rich in protein and calcium. If one has to substitute cottage cheese for various reasons then tofu is one such option which can be used and has good protein content too. Or mozzarella cheese or other types of low fat cheese options can be used to certain extent as a substitute.
How do you differentiate between different types of Cheddar?
Another way to differentiate between types of cheddar is using the rind. There are three ways to allow the cheddar to age, each resulting in the cheese developing a different rind. The method through which the cheese is aged can significantly influence its taste and texture, sometimes making the cheddar seem younger or older than it is in reality.
What is cheddar cheese?
Cheddar cheese is one of the most widely used and loved cheeses in the world. It originated in the English town of Cheddar in Somerset and has since become a global sensation. Cheddar cheese is made from cow’s milk and has a sharp, tangy flavor that can vary depending on the type of cheddar cheese.