Origin
England

Milk Type
Cow

History
Indisputably England's most famous cheese, Cheddar is perhaps the most well-known cheese in the western world and certainly Australia's most popular cheese. Cheddaring began in the village of Cheddar in Somerset during the 12th Century. With innovation and creative flair, the early settlers improvised to provide equipment to make Australia's first Cheddars.

Australian cheesemakers were quick to learn from the technology of England. So much so, Australian Cheddar production was regarded as some of the best in the world. At the turn of the 20th Century, Australian Cheddar was winning prizes at international dairy shows.

Characteristics
The many flavour variations of Cheddar reflect different methods of making the cheese and the length of its maturation. An aged Cheddar, for example, crumbles in the mouth and has a long lingering flavour whereas a mild Cheddar slices well for sandwich making.

Cheddar Classifications

• Mild Cheddar - matures for one to three months.
• Semi-matured - matures for three to six months.
• Matured or tasty - matures for six to 12 months.
• Vintage - matures for 12 to 24 months.

Selection and Storage

• Select if free from dryness or cracks on the surface.
• Store wrapped loosely in plastic wrap.
• Note the use-by date. Shelf life will vary depending on the age of the cheese when purchased.
• Freezing, causing the cheese to dry and crumble, is not recommended unless grated for cooking.

Serving Cheddar

• Serve at room temperature for the best flavour.
• Accompany with muscatels or with pickled onions and chutney as part of a Ploughman's Lunch.
• Shave over soups and roasted vegetables.
• Sprinkle over sweet potatoes.
• Grill on toast.
• Stir into thick Polenta.
• Place on oysters and grill.
• Add to garlic bread for a cheesy touch.

History

Indisputably England's most famous cheese, Cheddar is perhaps the most well-known cheese in the western world and certainly Australia's most popular cheese. Cheddaring began in the village of Cheddar in Somerset during the 12th Century. With innovation and creative flair, the early settlers improvised to provide equipment to make Australia's first Cheddars.

Australian cheesemakers were quick to learn from the technology of England. So much so, Australian Cheddar production was regarded as some of the best in the world. At the turn of the 20th Century, Australian Cheddar was winning prizes at international dairy shows.

Buying

Select if free from dryness or cracks on the surface.

Storage

• Store wrapped loosely in plastic wrap.
• Note the use-by date. Shelf life will vary depending on the age of the cheese when purchased.
• Freezing, causing the cheese to dry and crumble, is not recommended unless grated for cooking.

Using

• Serve at room temperature for the best flavour.
• Accompany with muscatels or with pickled onions and chutney as part of a Ploughman's Lunch.
• Shave over soups and roasted vegetables.
• Sprinkle over sweet potatoes.
• Grill on toast.
• Stir into thick Polenta.
• Place on oysters and grill.
• Add to garlic bread for a cheesy touch.