Guide Note

The single most popular cheese in the world, Cheddar cheese originated in the Cheddar Gorge in Somerset, England. Usually pale yellow, the hard cheese has a sharp taste and is used frequently on sandwiches and burgers despite its long melting time.

Fast Facts

1. Origin: Somerset, England
2. First noted in the late 12th century
3. Made from cow's milk
4. Aged: 3-30 months
5. World's most popular cheese
6. Rich in Vitamin B12
7. Wisconsin produces the most cheddar of any state

To make cheddar, hot milk is added to a start culture mixed with rennet, an enzyme mixture. In a different process from other cheeses, salt is pressed into the curd before being sliced into cubes and re-heated.

Cheddar is widely produced throughout North America, Europe and Australia. As it does not have a protected designation of origin, other regions are allowed to produce the cheese and legally call it "cheddar." However, in order to be considered traditional "West Country Farmhouse Cheddar," the cheese must meet the process standards set in the original region of Somerset.