Cheddar
The ambassador for Canadian excellence in cheeses, Cheddar is one of the most heavily sold cheeses in the world.
- Aroma Flavour of butter
- Taste Taste of hazelnut; aged cheddars are salty, sweet and fruity
- Texture Firm, smooth texture and slightly elastic when young; crumbly with age
Basic info
Category: Firm
Appearance: Rindless, bright and smooth surface; light yellow or orange-coloured
Varieties: Mild (3 months); medium (from 4 to 9 months); old (from 10 months to 1 year) and extra-old (2 to 7 years)
How to enjoy them?
Favourite of young and old alike, Cheddar is the most popular cheese in Canada. Cheddar is simply impossible to resist, especially when it’s very fresh. So, be it mild, medium or sharp, this cheese is one of the most versatile and it rises to every occasion, from a simple snack to a dish as elaborate as a sharp Cheddar soufflé.
Cheddar enhances omelettes, macaroni, sandwiches, soups and casseroles of all kinds. On a tasting, choose medium or sharp Cheddar to accompany port or a full-bodied red wine. As with most cheeses, it is better to leave it at room temperature for at least 30 to 45 minutes before tasting it.
How are they made?
Cheddar has a process that involves cooking and pressing the curds. The curd is dry salted and then put into forms where the curd becomes a solid mass. It is then allowed to age relative to the designation by the cheese maker. Annatto is a natural orange coloring used in making orange Cheddar.
Visit the cheesemaking page to learn more about how Canadian cheeses are made.
Conservation
Storage
Firm cheeses keep very well, from a few weeks to several months. In fact, cheeses continue to ripen and to develop the different tastes.
As a rule, make sure that the wrapping adheres well to the cheese to prevent it from drying out. Store your cheeses in the lower shelf of your refrigerator, far from foods with strong odours, to avoid absorption of unwanted tastes and smells. If you follow these rules, your refrigerator’s vegetable drawer will make a good storage place.
To preserve its freshness, plastic wrap is the most versatile and accessible. It also provides the tightest seal to protect it from moisture, odours and possibly mould in the fridge.
Freezing
All cheeses can be frozen but do keep in mind that freezing can affect their texture and character. This is why thawed cheeses are best used for cooking. Neither the taste nor the texture of meals cooked with previously frozen cheeses will be affected.
You can freeze cheeses, in pieces of 500 g or less, for up to two months! Make sure they are carefully wrapped in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight freezer bag. It is important to allow them to thaw slowly in the refrigerator before using.
