Summary

Introduction to Cheddar Cheese

Cheddar is one of the most widely sold cheeses globally, with its origins in Somerset, a region in southwestern England.

What Makes Cheddar Special?

Cheddar’s uniqueness lies in the way the curd is handled and pressed, known as the cheddaring process, which involves cutting, piling, and pressing the curd to remove moisture and create a dense texture.

The Traditional Cheddaring Process

The process begins with milk from grass-fed cows, which is heated and acidified using a yogurt culture.
Rennet, an enzyme from the stomach of calves, is added to the milk to create cheese.
The curd is cut into thick blocks, separated from the whey, and then cut and piled up to remove moisture and harden the cheese.

Aging and Ripening

The cheese is pressed into a round mold and left to ripen for 12 to 18 months in a controlled environment that mimics the climate of traditional cellars and caves.

Types of Cheddar

Cheddar cheese is sold in various stages of maturity, from mild to sharp and extra-mature, with different flavor profiles depending on the production method and milk used.

Industrial vs. Traditional Production

While most Cheddar cheese is now made industrially, traditional producers like Westcombe Dairy in Somerset still make Cheddar using the traditional method, resulting in a unique and varied flavor profile.

Key Vocabulary

Term	Definition	Example Usage
Cheddaring Process	A method of handling and pressing curd to remove moisture and create a dense texture in cheese production.	The cheddaring process is what gives Cheddar cheese its distinctive texture and flavor.
Curd	The solid parts of milk that separate from the liquid (whey) during cheese production.	The curd is cut and piled to remove excess moisture before being pressed into its final shape.
Rennet	An enzyme extracted from the stomach lining of young animals, used to coagulate milk in cheese production.	Rennet is added to the milk to help create the curd that will eventually become cheese.
Aging	The process of allowing cheese to ripen and develop its flavor over time, often in a controlled environment.	Cheddar cheese is typically aged for 12 to 18 months to develop its characteristic flavor and texture.
Ripening	The process of allowing cheese to develop its flavor and texture after it has been aged.	The ripening process can take several months, during which time the cheese is regularly turned and monitored.
Industrial Production	The large-scale production of cheese using machinery and automated processes.	Most Cheddar cheese is now made using industrial production methods, which can produce cheese more quickly and efficiently.
Traditional Production	The production of cheese using traditional methods and techniques, often on a smaller scale.	Traditional producers like Westcombe Dairy still make Cheddar cheese using the traditional method, resulting in a unique and varied flavor profile.
Whey	The liquid part of milk that separates from the curd during cheese production.	The whey is separated from the curd and can be used to produce other products, such as whey protein powder.
Yogurt Culture	A type of bacterial culture added to milk to acidify it and start the cheese-making process.	A yogurt culture is added to the milk to start the fermentation process and create the curd.
Milk Acidification	The process of adding acid to milk to lower its pH and start the cheese-making process.	Milk acidification is an important step in cheese production, as it helps to create the curd and develop the flavor of the cheese.

Watch The Video

How traditional British Cheddar is made in Somerset

Vocabulary Quiz

1. What is the term for the process of handling and pressing the curd to remove moisture and create a dense texture in Cheddar cheese production?

A) Ripening
B) Cheddaring
C) Acidification
D) Cooling

2. Which of the following is used to create cheese in the traditional Cheddaring process?

A) Bacteria culture
B) Yeast extract
C) Rennet, an enzyme from the stomach of calves
D) Plant-based enzyme

3. What is the primary source of milk for traditional Cheddar cheese production?

A) Grain-fed cows
B) Grass-fed goats
C) Milk from grass-fed cows
D) Soy milk

4. How long is the Cheddar cheese typically left to ripen in a controlled environment?

A) 6 to 12 months
B) 12 to 18 months
C) 2 to 5 years
D) 1 to 3 years

5. What is a characteristic of traditionally produced Cheddar cheese compared to industrially produced Cheddar?

A) Uniform flavor profile
B) Lower price point
C) Unique and varied flavor profile
D) Faster production time

Answer Key:

1. B
2. C
3. C
4. B
5. C

Grammar Focus

Grammar Focus: The Use of the Present Simple and Present Perfect Tenses to Describe Processes and General Truths

The present simple tense is used to describe general truths, habits, and routines, as seen in the text: “Cheddar is one of the most widely sold cheeses globally” and “The process begins with milk from grass-fed cows.” On the other hand, the present perfect tense is often used to describe an action that started in the past and continues up to the present moment or has a connection to the present. However, in the context provided, the focus is more on the use of the present simple to outline the steps of the cheddaring process and general information about Cheddar cheese. For example, “The curd is cut into thick blocks” describes a step in the process as a general truth about how Cheddar is made. Understanding the distinction between these tenses is crucial for effective communication, especially when discussing manufacturing processes, traditions, or scientific facts.

Grammar Quiz:

1. Which tense is used in the sentence “Cheddar cheese is sold in various stages of maturity”?

A) Present perfect continuous
B) Present simple
C) Past simple
D) Future perfect

2. The sentence “The cheese is pressed into a round mold” is an example of which of the following?

A) A habit or routine
B) A general truth about cheese production
C) A description of a completed action
D) A prediction about future cheese production

3. Why is the present simple tense used in “Rennet is added to the milk to create cheese”?

A) To describe an action that started and finished in the past
B) To outline a step in a process as a general truth
C) To talk about a change that occurred at a specific time
D) To describe an action that will happen in the future

4. The use of the present simple in “Cheddar’s uniqueness lies in the way the curd is handled” indicates:

A) A temporary or changing situation
B) A general or permanent characteristic of Cheddar cheese
C) An action that was completed in the past
D) A future plan for cheese production

5. Which of the following sentences uses the present simple to describe a general truth or habit?

A) Cheddar cheese was made in Somerset.
B) Cheddar cheese is made in various parts of the world.
C) Cheddar cheese will be made using new methods.
D) Cheddar cheese has been made in Somerset for centuries.

Answer Key:

1. B) Present simple

2. B) A general truth about cheese production

3. B) To outline a step in a process as a general truth

4. B) A general or permanent characteristic of Cheddar cheese

5. B) Cheddar cheese is made in various parts of the world.