Cheddar cheese is one of the most popular types of cheese in the world. It is a hard, smooth-textured cheese made from cow's milk. One of the most unique features of cheddar cheese is its bright orange color. This has led many people to wonder, why is cheddar orange?
The Origin of Cheddar Cheese
To understand why cheddar cheese is orange, we need to first understand the origins of cheddar cheese. Cheddar cheese is named after the town of Cheddar in Somerset, England. It is believed that cheddar cheese was first made in the 12th century by Benedictine monks.
The monks would make the cheese by pressing the curds together and allowing it to mature for several months. This process would give the cheese a hard texture and a sharp flavor. The cheese became popular throughout England and eventually became one of the country's most famous exports.
The Traditional Color of Cheddar Cheese
The traditional color of cheddar cheese is actually a pale yellow. This is because the cheese is made from cow's milk, which contains a natural pigment called beta-carotene. Beta-carotene is what gives the cheese its yellow color.
The Introduction of Annatto
In the 17th century, cheddar cheese began to be produced in the United States. American cheese makers noticed that the cheese they were producing was not as yellow as the cheddar cheese produced in England. This was because the cows in the United States were fed a different diet than the cows in England, which resulted in a lower level of beta-carotene in their milk.
To make their cheese more appealing to consumers, American cheese makers began to add a natural food coloring called annatto to their cheese. Annatto is derived from the seeds of the achiote tree and has a bright orange color. By adding annatto to their cheese, American cheese makers were able to give it the same bright orange color as the cheddar cheese produced in England.
The Popularity of Orange Cheddar Cheese
Today, orange cheddar cheese is the most popular type of cheddar cheese in the United States. This is because many consumers believe that the bright orange color indicates a higher quality cheese. However, this is not necessarily true. The color of the cheese does not affect its flavor or nutritional value.
In fact, some cheese makers still produce cheddar cheese without the use of annatto, resulting in a pale yellow cheese. This cheese is just as delicious and nutritious as the bright orange variety.
The Bottom Line
So, why is cheddar cheese orange? The answer is simple - American cheese makers added annatto to their cheese to make it more appealing to consumers. While the color of the cheese may be eye-catching, it does not affect its flavor or nutritional value. Whether you prefer your cheddar cheese orange or pale yellow, it is still one of the most delicious and versatile types of cheese available.