Cheddar

Marky's Cheddar cheese stands out in the vast landscape of dairy delights, earning its reputation through a meticulous crafting process that marries tradition with innovation. Sourced from the lush pastures where cows graze on nutrient-rich grass, this cheddar boasts a robust and creamy flavour profile that matures beautifully over time. What truly sets Marky's apart is its aging process; each wheel is aged to perfection under controlled conditions, allowing for the development of complex nuances and a delightful sharpness that lingers on the palate. Additionally, Marky's commitment to using only the highest quality ingredients, without artificial additives, ensures that each bite delivers an authentic taste of cheddar as nature intended. Passionate cheesemakers pour their expertise into every batch, creating a unique experience that captivates both casual cheese lovers and connoisseurs alike.

Cheddar cheese, one of the most beloved cheeses worldwide, is celebrated for its rich, robust flavor and firm texture that varies from mild to extra sharp depending on its aging process. Originating from the English village of Cheddar in Somerset, this iconic cheese is produced using a unique process known as "cheddaring," where the curds are repeatedly stacked and turned to expel whey and develop its characteristic texture. The result is a cheese that is not only versatile but also adaptable to various culinary applications, from classic grilled cheese sandwiches to gourmet cheese boards. Cheddar’s vibrant orange hue, often attributed to the addition of annatto, has become a hallmark, though it can also be found in its natural white state. Its ability to melt beautifully makes it a favorite in cooking, while its diverse flavor profile from creamy and buttery to sharp and tangy—ensures that there is a cheddar to suit every taste. Embracing tradition yet inspiring innovation, Cheddar cheese remains a timeless staple in kitchens around the globe.

A Brief History and Significance of Cheddar Cheese

Cheddar is definitely the world’s most widely known and favorite cheese originated from the UK, or England, to be more precise. Its special manufacturing techniques spread far beyond the edges of the British Isles, and nowadays it has become one of the most consumed cheeses in the USA and many other countries.

The story of Cheddar cheese starts from the county of Somerset, England, around the late 12th century. The cheese is initially named after a small village where it was first produced, or after the picturesque nearby gorge where it was stored and aged. Until today, the original DOP protected “West Country Farmhouse Cheddar” is ripened there, in the cool humid caves. The history says that the cheese was much appreciated by British kings and queens, who ordered it to be served at the Royal feasts. During World War II the so called “government Cheddar” was the single kind of cheese made in Great Britain as a part of war rationing, using most cow’s milk produced in the country.

What makes Cheddar cheese unique is the “cheddaring” method introduced by the dairyman Joseph Harding in the middle of the 19th century. It is an additional step helping to make a firmer cheese with smooth stringy texture. According to the general cheesemaking process, after the whey is removed from the curds to make them more concentrated, they are heated and start melting. This is when the cheddaring stage begins. The curds are shaped into big slabs stacked together and then turned over many times. These pressed cheese slabs are milled before again they are pressed into molds to mature.

Because the duration of the aging process can be different, there are several types of Cheddar cheeses with some distinctions in their textures and flavor characteristics:

• Mild Cheddar ripens for 3 months, and has soft texture and mild flavor.
• Medium Cheddar takes 5-6 months. It is firmer and tastes nuttier.
• Old Cheddar ages for 9 months. Its interior gets grainier and its taste gets tangier.
• Extra Old Cheddar ripens 15 months and has a pronounced sharp taste.
• The Vintage can take more than 18 months.

The color palette of Cheddar cheese includes different hues from white and ivory to bright yellow and pumpkin orange. The idea to change the color belonged to J. Harding and aimed to make white Cheddar cheese more marketable. The additive is a natural plant extract made from annatto seeds of the tropical Achiote tree, and it actually influences nothing except the appearance of the cheese.

In the kitchen Cheddar is versatile. It can be a perfect appetizer when served for a cheeseboard, an outstanding condiment for hot skillet dishes, pizzas, pastas and even apple pies and muffins when melted, and a dainty dessert when paired with apple jam. Cheddar cheese nutrition features make it a healthy dairy product even for those who are lactose intolerant, as the cheese contains almost no lactose and sugar, but it is high in calcium and phosphorous.

In our online store you can check the Cheddar cheese price and choose the product of high quality and best flavor properties.

When it comes to sourcing the finest cheddar cheese, several options can cater to your preferences, offering quality, variety, and value. Local farmers' markets are a brilliant first stop, often featuring artisanal cheesemakers who provide handcrafted cheddar, rich in flavour and texture. Prices at these markets typically range from $5 to $15 per pound, depending on age and production methods.

Specialty cheese shops are also excellent venues for exploring high-quality cheddar options. These establishments usually stock a diverse selection, including both domestic and imported varieties, along with knowledgeable staff who can guide you in making informed choices. Cheddar cheese Prices here may vary from $8 to $25 per pound, often reflecting the artisanal craftsmanship and rare cheese offerings.

For convenience, many online grocery stores have dedicated cheese sections featuring a selection of cheddar, ranging from mainstream brands to gourmet options. Prices can be more budget-friendly, generally from $3 to $10 per pound.

If you prefer online shopping, several reputable websites specialize in gourmet cheeses, allowing you to compare prices and find the best cheddar options delivered straight to your door. Expect prices to vary, often starting around $10 per pound for quality varieties. By exploring these different buying options, you can discover the perfect cheddar cheese that suits your palate and budget.