Related Resources • Preparing a Cheese Board • Cheddar Links • Cheese Recipes

Elsewhere on the Web • Grafton Village Cheese Company • Cheddar Cheese Recipes on Epicurious

Country and Region of Origin: Originally England, now worldwide.

Type of Cheese: A cow's milk cheese that is aged from 9 - 24 months. Color ranges from white to pale-yellow to orange depending on whether coloration has been added.

Texture: Semi-hard.

Rind: When cheddar is sold with the rind still attached, it is hard with a varied color.

Tasting Notes: Ranges from mild, buttery and delicate when younger, to sharp with age.

Wine Pairing: A young, mild cheddar can be paired with a Chardonnay or Champagne, an older more piquant cheddar can stand up to a more robust red such as Cabernet or Zinfandel.

Serving Suggestions: Cheddar goes beautifully on a cheese board with crackers, apples, grapes and pears. But it also cooks up well because of its melting abilities. Use it in breads, soups, sandwiches, omelets, fondues, let your imagination be your guide!