Cheddar cheese was originated in England in the village of Cheddar in the Somerset region by Joseph Harding. Traditionally, the cheese was made in the Cheddar Gorge of the village which contained a number of caves. The caves provided the ideal surroundings, humidity and temperature which were best suited for the formation of sharp cheddar cheese. The most widely eaten and purchased cheese, its flavour ranges from mild to sharp to extra sharp depending on the age of the cheddar. The texture of the cheese is initially smooth and as it ages, the texture becomes slightly crumbly. Its colour ranges from white to pale yellow, though edible colours may be added manually. This cheese is always made from cow’s milk. How does a cheddar cheese differ from extra sharp cheddar cheese? On the basis of the maturing period, the cheddar cheese can be classified into mild cheddar, medium cheddar, sharp cheddar or extra sharp cheddar. Mild cheese is generally aged for two to three months whereas an extra sharp cheddar cheese might be aged for more than two years. Sharp cheddar is around six to nine months old. Nutritionally, there is no difference between the different types of cheddar. The difference lies solely in the time they are left to age and the sharpness in taste desired. Since sharp cheddar is aged longer, it tends to be somewhat more costly than mild cheddar. What actually happens to the cheese when it is left to age? As the cheese gets older, the bacteria in the cheese produce enzymes which break down its fats and proteins forming compounds, producing a sharp taste and other flavours in the cheese. The making process, salt and the moisture content must be balanced for the cheese to mature properly. Nutritional facts about sharp cheddar 1 serving size (about 28 g) would contain the following: • 110 calories • 9g or 14% fat • 25mg or 8% cholesterol • 0 carbohydrates • 170 mg or 7% sodium • 7g protein • 6% Vitamin A, 20% calcium and 2% iron Though it is a good source of calcium and protein but it is high in saturated fat and calories holding up your weight loss efforts and increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Conclusion Most widely used, sharp cheddar cheese with its exquisite and sharp taste, would blossom with flavour in your mouth. Add a few extra slices of this cheese and make your snacks and food a little more something. Cheddar would just go well with any food. For more details :- Sharp Cheddar :- http://www.goldenagecheese.com/cheddar Fresh Cheese :- http://www.goldenagecheese.com/curds
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