Cheddar

2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29

Cheddar (Cheddar) is a traditional English cheese, which today is produced in several variants with different types, colors and flavors and from several countries around the world. Cheddar is the most popular cheese in England, as well as one of the most popular aromatic cheeses in the world. It is made from cow's milk and is a relatively hard cheese, and is pale yellow or almost white in color if no artificial colors are added.

The variable nature of cheese Cheddar he won a huge number of fans around the world. Depending on the method of production and the ripening period, its taste also varies. You can try Cheddar with a mild taste, with nuances of nuts, butter and milk, but this type of cheese with a sharp, strong and tongue-cutting taste. White cheddar cheese has the strongest taste, and smoked cheddar cheeses leave a lighter and longer aftertaste.

As one of the most common types of cheese in the world, cheddar is sometimes disparagingly called "cheese with holes". However, quality cheddar has a number of merits and is considered one of the best cheeses in the world. Revenue from trading on Cheddar in England they are not comparable to any other cheese, and in the USA, it is the second most popular after mozzarella.

The name Cheddar is not protected within the European Union (PDO), but only cheese made from local milk within four municipalities in the South West of England can use the name 'West Country Farmhouse Cheddar'. A small amount of original Cheddar is still produced in the Cheddar area and other parts of South West England.

History of Cheddar

The bosom of real cheese Cheddar is the eponymous village in the Somerset area. Along the village is the Cheddar Gorge, where many natural caves provide ideal humidity and a constant temperature for the cheese to ripen. Cheddar cheese was once produced by law just 48 km from the Welsh Cathedral.

Cheese production Cheddar began in the 12th century, as evidenced by historical documentation of its trade. Gradually, the popularity of the cheese grew until the 19th century, when dairy technologist Joseph Harding improved the taste and production technology, making it virtually widespread. His words are that a good cheddar must be made in a dairy.

Cheddar composition

Cheddar cheese is usually found in a fat content of 48%. It is a very good source of calcium, with 100 g of it giving 72% of the required daily dose. It also contains vitamin A, K, B12, and the most significant trace elements are zinc, selenium, choline, phosphorus, magnesium, etc.

100 g of cheddar cheese contains approximately:

Calories 403 Kcal; Fat 33g; Cholesterol 105 mg; Sodium 621 mg; > Protein 25 g.

Cheddar production

The cheese Cheddar it is usually produced in a cylindrical shape, with a diameter of 35 to 38 cm. It is formed on drums and weighs up to 27.5 kg. Traditionally, it is tied with a ribbon, which provides a hard grayish-brown bark. The cheddar ripening period is usually between 6 and 18 months. It is made from cheese, with the addition of bacteria.

In terms of appearance and taste, cheddar has a smooth and relatively firm texture. As a rule, it should not bend and crumble and crumble. Most often, cheddar has a golden-yellow core, and the color becomes more saturated with increasing period of ripening of the cheese.

The taste of cheddar is often defined as soft, herbal, with walnut tones and a slightly salty taste. The more ripe the cheddar, the stronger, complex and truly spicy, with a strong nuance of nuts, the taste and aroma become. Old cheeses have increased hydrochloric acidity, which is why they sometimes pinch the tongue.

Culinary application of cheddar

The original cheese Cheddar, which Joseph Harding patented in 1964, has a pronounced taste of hazelnuts. Like other aromatic cheeses, cheddar goes very well with fruits and various types of nuts.

In general, it is widely used in cooking, as it is often an ingredient in various sauces, soups, salads and dressings for them, and often with cheddar sandwiches, salty and sweet bites, muffins and savory cakes.

This English cheese goes quite well with red wine. Cheddar can usually be served with Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir.