Cheddar Cheese: Composition, Properties and Features of Cooking

Products in the world - do not count. But one of the most exquisite is cheese. He was also admired by Homer.He was praised by the Egyptian pharaohs. No breakfast grandee could not do without this product. There are a huge number of varieties of cheese. This article is about Cheddar.

Cheddar is a traditional solid English delicacy. Some experts refer it to semi-solid varieties. It is made from whole cow's milk, pasteurized and used. The texture of the cheese is quite dense, with no holes typical for cheeses. Cheddar's cut-off plates bend and crumble well. The flesh is creamy with a yellowish color, sometimes pumpkin colors. Cheese gets such shade due to the natural dye of annatto. It is extracted from the seeds of fondant tree and is widely used in the food industry.

A special feature of Cheddar is its cylinder-shaped head, as well as its oily crust. To protect the finished product, black wax is used (cheese heads are coated with it) or a fabric that protects from dirt and at the same time allows the product to "breathe". More than fifty percent of the UK’s revenues from cheese products go to this product.

There is no absolutely accurate information about the origin of this cheese, but the first mention of it is found in the distant past. There are several hypotheses about the emergence of a British delicacy.

1. Living in France, the Romans brought a product, in taste is very similar to Cheddar, in Britain.
2. Karl I, driving through the village of Cheddar, which is located in the county of Somerset, stopped to rest. He was presented with aromatic, savory cheese. Over time, this variety became the most popular in the country and received the name Cheddar.
3. On the basis of technical developments, a certain milkman from this county, who later received the high title of “Cheddar's Father,” developed and improved the cheese production system, which made it possible to significantly increase the sales revenue. This fact was recorded in the XIX century.

Cheddar brand exposure does not allow the production of the product of the same name in many countries, distinguished by its taste and having a certain classification.

Each orange cheese from 2000 kinds existing today is unique. In any of them you can find a reflection of the country of manufacture, its cultural and taste traditions. Today we will talk about the taste characteristics of delicious cheese. Quite often, the taste sense of British delicacy is compared to chocolate. It has a wonderful nutty aftertaste. Spicy and slightly sour taste gives the cheese spicy savor.

Taste differences depend on the area where cheese is produced, technology, conditions and time of its ripening.

Let's get acquainted with the stages of production:

• starter, which is made from fresh milk and enzymes that contribute to souring and curdling;
• cheddarization is the process of separating the curd from the whey, the result of which is to obtain a ductile dry curd mass;
• slicing and pouring into molds is a procedure for finely slicing and salting the resulting cheese composition, followed by placing it in cylindrical containers;
• pressing and wrapping speaks for itself - heads of cheese are pressed for several days, then doused with hot water and carefully wrapped in cloth;
• ripening takes place in special rooms with the necessary temperature, the true Cheddar is obtained in 2-3 years.

At the end of the aging period, we can enjoy the taste and aroma of this product. And there will be marked distinctive flavor notes. The young cheddar consistency is soft, to taste - gentle. The more mature it becomes harder and harder to taste. Ripe cheddar is dry and spicy.

Experts identify many varieties of cheddar.

1. Deny - The only variety that is produced only from the milk of local cows (Dorset). The most titled cheese in Britain.
2. Green - characterized by the fact that most manufacturing steps are done manually.
3. Kin also produced without the use of mechanization processes. The peculiarity of storage is to pour cheese heads wrapped in cloth with melted bacon.
4. Montgomerand is made from curd, to which is added a natural enzyme from the stomach of young calves (promotes good milk clotting).
5. Quix It has an incredible aroma and oily consistency.
6. Westcomb - Traditional Cheddar, with a bright, quite spicy taste and the longest exposure.

Among the distinctive properties of Cheddar (color, taste, texture) deserves special attention the main feature of the product - its composition. First, it is extremely rich in vitamins. It contains almost all the representatives of group B, as well as vitamins A, E, PP, K, D. The composition contains amino acids and a whole pantry of minerals. Therefore, Cheddar cheese - the best of the varieties of useful properties.

With regard to calorie content, he also occupies a dominant place. One hundred grams of the edible part of the product accounts for 403 kcal, due to this amount of energy, it is considered a high-calorie creation of cheese making. The proof is the content of nutrients. 100 grams of cheese are saturated with fats (33.14 g), proteins (24.9 g) and carbohydrates (1.28 g). Reviews this product basically has only positive.

As mentioned above, not a single Cheddar analogue carries such a set of useful properties as the famous English cheese has. It, without fear of causing allergies, can be consumed by people suffering from this ailment (regarding dairy products), since this type of cheese contains little lactose. It is able to stimulate the synthesis of saliva, which leads to the cleansing of the oral cavity. In this case, the risk of developing caries is much reduced.

The extremely small amount of carbohydrates in the Cheddar does not threaten the extra pounds, despite the fact that the calorie content of the cheese is quite high. So dieters can enjoy British delicacy. It is worth paying attention to his stimulation of the brain, as well as the nervous system. Having used a slice of cheese before bedtime, you will fall asleep without problems. It will help get rid of stress. Calcium contained in its composition has a positive effect on the condition of the teeth and bones.

The main advantages of this variety are as follows.

1. The chemical composition of cheese reduces the risk of developing bone disease, in which bones become fragile, which is fraught with unexpected fractures.
2. By consuming a small piece of cheddar every day, you protect yourself from stroke and heart attack, preventing various heart diseases.
3. The beneficial properties of the product will help stabilize blood pressure.
4. Using cheese in your diet can affect muscle growth.
5. The product has qualities that can stop the aging of the organs of the human body.
6. Cheddar promotes the formation of high quality red blood cells.
7. Positive effect on vision, even improves it.
8. It assists the work of the kidneys.
9. Serves to support the nervous system.
10. It boosts the immune system.

Please note that in some situations, excessive use of cheddar can cause harm to the body. Despite the benefits brought to people suffering from heart disease, cheese is not recommended for those who have heart and kidney pathologies due to the large amount of salt. Sufferers of gastritis and colitis should also refrain from consuming the product.

Since cheddar is a high-calorie cheese product, diabetics should be very careful about eating it. In moderate portions should eat cheese for people suffering from excess weight. If you really want to eat them, it is better to choose crushed spicy Cheddar. Rich aroma and sharpness will not allow you to overdo it with the use of delicacy.

Diseases that are contraindicated for using Cheddar in the diet:

• increased calcium concentration in blood plasma;
• excess cholesterol;
• pyelonephritis (acute and chronic);
• gastritis with high acidity;
• urolithiasis disease.

Cheddar is a unique and versatile product, characterized by the ability to harmoniously combine with various food components. In many exquisite dishes, it occupies a dominant place and is the basis of the culinary masterpiece. It is used in various versions: melted, grated, sliced. And in each version it makes the finished dish fragrant, it has a unique taste, and the appearance is more attractive.

You will need butter and wheat flour (each product requires 3 tablespoons), a little dry mustard (not more than half a liter), milk in the amount of two glasses, cheese 1 cup, salt, chili sauce, ground black pepper. These components are used at discretion. The method of preparation is quite simple: in a container, melt butter (the fire should be weak), add flour and mustard, mix everything to a smooth consistency, without changing color.

Pour in the milk, without stopping stirring the preparing sauce. Lumps should not be. Boil well stirred mass until thick. Add cheese and mix. It remains to salt, pepper and give the desired sharpness.

The ingredients of this dish are available, and it is very simple to cook it. Heat the vegetable oil in the skillet well (one tbsp of it will be enough), add 1 head of finely chopped onion. Bring to softness (it will take quite a bit of time), add two cloves of garlic and fry for a minute. Add 4 cups of vegetable broth, a can of white canned beans (550 g).

Divide the broccoli head in half, cut one half into small pieces and place in the broth. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat and boil for a few minutes. Blend the cooked vegetables until smooth. Add chopped cabbage and boil for about four minutes. At the end of cooking, enter the grated cheese (two glasses) and grainy mustard. As soon as the cheese is melted, the dish is ready. Crunchy croutons will be a great addition.

Use tips on how to properly feed and drink cheddar.

• Classic cheddar recipes can be frozen without sacrificing quality. You should know that before use the product must be removed from the freezer and left in the refrigerator, it must be done in advance.
• For sandwiches, cheese is sliced, and for salads, diced.
• No grated cheese can do without grated cheese, it is good in baking and casseroles, soups will give an original taste. It goes well with pasta.
• Great cheddar in combination with various wines, you just need to know what kind of cheese maturity to which wine is suitable.
• Traditional English appetizer - Cheddar with mustard or bananas involves a glass of weak wine.
• Make the right choice if you are offered a cheddar with a sticky texture, with holes or a soapy aftertaste, this is a rude fake. Be careful about the purchase.
• Don't let the cheese spoil. The packaging in which you intend to store the product must be sealed, the storage temperature should not exceed 8 degrees. Container glass or plastic is desirable. When using foil or cling film, change them every two days.

For more on cheddar cheese, see the next video.