Aged Cheddar

Cheddar cheese is the most widely purchased and eaten cheese in the world.  It originates from the village of Cheddar in Somerset, south west England.  Now, cheddar cheese is produced worldwide.  Although Cheddar production began in New York in the United States, today, Wisconsin produces the most cheddar cheese of all states.

If you've ever had a really well aged cheddar, you may have noticed small, crunchy bits throughout the cheese.  Many have mistaken them for mold, however, they are in fact cheese crystals.  Cheese crystals are edible and desirable - they add an interesting texture to the cheese, and are only found in well aged cheeses.  Although the crystals themselves do not have much of a flavor, if you see cheese crystals throughout a cheese, you can expect a rich, flavorful cheese.

There are two types of cheese crystals: Calcium Lactate Crystals and Tyrosine Crystals.

2 Year Aged Cheddar

5 Year Aged Cheddar

17 Year Aged White Cheddar