Cheddar Cheese

Cheddar cheese originated from an English village called Cheddar. It is a firm cheese which originates from cow’s milk. This type of cheese is one of the most popular cheeses and varies in taste. It can be of a mild taste to a sharper taste. Because of the recognition of cheddar cheese, it is usually readily available and varies in quality as well.

Individuals tend to associate either off-white, pale yellow or even a pumpkin orange colour with cheddar cheese. This originates from dyes being added to the cheese for a change in colour. Cheddar cheese also has different flavours, which is dependent on the make of the cheese as well as the aging process. Mild tasting cheddars are usually processed for a shorter period of time while a sharper taste would come from cheese processed over a several months.

There are several aspects that make cheddar different from other cheeses. Firstly, the bacteria that it is fermented with, yes, I said bacteria. Secondly, the process by which it is manufactured and thirdly, ‘cheddaring’ which is a process the cheese goes through to make the end result distinctive to taste.

Different Types of Cheddar Cheese

1. Mild Cheddar - This cheese is considered young as it has only been aged for 3 months, hence its mild taste.

2. Semi-Matured Cheddar -Aged for 3-6 months.

3. Matured Cheddar - Aged for 6-12 months.

4. Vintage Cheddar - Aged up to 18 months.

5. Flavored Cheddar - This matured cheddar with an additional flavour, example: garlic, bacon or port wine.

6. Flavored Processed Cheddar – Has an extra ingredient such as onion, garlic, curry or even pecan nut.

7. Processed Cheddar – Has a mild flavour and a smooth texture.

8. Cheedam – Combination of cheddar and edam cheeses. This cheese has a mild taste.

9. Steppen – This is low-fat cheddar cheese.

10. Double Gloucester – Has a high colour and a tangy flavour.

11. Cheshire – A bit acidic yet mild. Depending on the aging process and may have a more prominent flavour.

12. Cotto – Made from skimmed milk and has a fresh mild flavour.

13. Red Leicester - Has a slightly lemony taste. This cheddar cheese’s colour originates from vegetable dye.