Canadian Cheddar: A Fine Aged Cheddar

If you love cheese, you must have tasted the fine aged cheddar. If the cheddar felt stronger and had a sharper flavor, you can be sure it was the Canadian aged cheddar. This vintage cheddar is extremely mature and strong. Special facilities are needed to make this cheese which has to be maintained carefully at a constant temperature.

Fine aged cheddar can be matured for up to 15 months.  Canadian cheddar is matured for at least 4 years and come with a pungent, earthy and sharp flavor. This type of cheese comes with a firm texture. Those who enjoy crumbly cheese choose the farmhouse traditional cheddar.

Cheddaring refers to the process where curd is kneaded with salt after heating. It is then drained of the whey, cut into cubes and stacked and turned. Apart from fine aged cheddar, other types of cheddar cheese sold in shops include the orange cheddar, white cheddar and flavorful cheddars such as Horseradish cheddar, garlic cheddar, smoked cheddar, and bacon cheese.

Since the year 1170, cheddar cheese has been in production in England. There is a common belief that the recipe was brought into Britain by the Romans. It was only in the nineteenth century that cheddar cheese was standardized and modernized by Joseph Harding the Somerset dairyman. He is known as the father of Cheddar because he promoted dairy hygiene and used the latest technical developments to make fine cheese. He also propagated modern techniques for making a variety of cheddar cheese including the fine aged cheddar.

It was way back in 1864 that Joseph Harding described fine aged cheddar as mellow in quality and character, yet firm in texture. This cheese comes with a fine and full flavor and practically melts in your mouth.

Canadian fine aged cheese is today paired with wine by connoisseurs. Cheddar pairs well with wines such as Merlot, Syrah and Zinfandel red wines. White wine lovers enjoy their cheddar with Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris and Riesling. If you enjoy sophistication and wish to pair your Canadian fine aged cheese with wine, then you must choose the fine Port, Brandy or Madeira.

Alternately you can also pair your cheddar with Porter, Pale Ale and Stout. Enjoy fine aged cheddar with good Scotch. If you have a delicate palate, you can pair cheddar with cider or fruit beer. The combinations are limited only by your imagination and taste.

What do you think?  Let us know your favorite uses or pairings for Canadian Cheddar in the box below.