Where does Cheddar cheese come from?
Cheddar cheese comes from the village of Cheddar in Somerset, England, where it has been made since at least the 1100s. Today, it is the most popular cheese in Britain and is produced around the world.
Cheese makers in Cheddar used the caves of Cheddar Gorge to mature their cheese, as the caves have a constant temperature and humidity.
Joseph Harding, a cheese maker from Somerset in the 1800s, helped standardize the cheddar-making process. His methods spread to other countries, including Scotland, the United States and Australia.
The cheddaring process
Cheddaring is a special step in which the curd is cut into blocks, stacked and turned to remove moisture. This gives cheddar its firm texture.
Cheddar can be mild, mature or extra mature, depending on how long it is aged. Longer aging gives a sharper flavor.
Because the name Cheddar is not protected, cheddar can be made anywhere. However, West Country Farmhouse Cheddar, made in Somerset, Devon, Dorset and Cornwall using traditional methods, has protected status.
Some cheese is still matured in Gough's Cave at Cheddar Gorge, continuing a centuries-old tradition.