Cheddar cheese

A popular cheese that originated in the village of Cheddar, England. A firm, cow's milk cheese that ranges in flavor from mild to sharp and in color from a natural white to pumpkin orange. 

Orange cheddars are colored with annatto, a natural dye. Canadian cheddars are smoother, creamier, and are known for their balance of flavor and sharpness. Cheddars vary in flavor depending on the length of aging and their origin. As cheddar slowly ages, it loses moisture and its texture becomes drier and more crumbly. Sharpness becomes noticeable at 12 months (old cheddar) and 18 months (extra old cheddar). The optimal aging period is 5-6 years; however, for most uses three-year-old cheese is fine and five-year-old cheddar can be saved for special occasions.

• The cheese originates from the village of Cheddar in Somerset, South West England. Cheddar Gorge on the edge of the village contains a number of caves, which provided the ideal humidity and steady temperature for maturing the cheese. Cheddar cheese traditionally had to be made within 30 miles (48 km) of Wells Cathedral.
• Romans may have brought the recipe to Britain from the Cantal region of France.

1. Nutrition Facts
   Cheese, cheddarCheese, cheddar
   

   Amount Per 1 cubic inch (17 g)1 slice (1 oz) (28 g)1 oz (28.4 g)100 grams1 cup, shredded (113 g)1 cup, diced (132 g)1 cup, melted (244 g)1 slice (1 oz) (28 g)

   Calories 113

2. % Daily Value*

   Total Fat 9 g	13%
   Saturated fat 6 g	30%
   Polyunsaturated fat 0.3 g
   Monounsaturated fat 2.6 g
   Cholesterol 29 mg	9%
   Sodium 174 mg	7%
   Potassium 27 mg	0%
   Total Carbohydrate 0.4 g	0%
   Dietary fiber 0 g	0%
   Sugar 0.2 g
   Protein 7 g	14%

   Vitamin A	5%	Vitamin C	0%
   Calcium	20%	Iron	1%
   Vitamin D	1%	Vitamin B-6	0%
   Vitamin B-12	3%	Magnesium	2%

   *Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.