Cheddar cheese is the most popular cow’s milk cheese in the world. It originated in the British village of Cheddar in Somerset. Cheeses of this style are produced beyond this region and in several countries around the world. The term “Cheddar cheese” is widely used, but has no Protected Designation of Origin within the European Union.

It is a hard and natural cheese with a slightly crumbly texture when properly cured. When it is young the texture is smooth. The taste gets sharper as the cheese matures, over a period of time between 9 to 24 months. Cheddar cheese is natural rind bound in cloth while its colour generally ranges from white to pale yellow. Some Cheddars may have a manually added yellow-orange colouring.