Introduction

Cheddar cheese is one of the most popular and widely eaten cheeses in the world. It has a rich and savory flavor that is loved by people of all ages. The history of cheddar cheese is long and fascinating, with its roots stretching back to the Middle Ages, it’s about time we celebrated it and found out a little more about this popular food. In this article, we will explore:

Where Does Cheddar Cheese Originate From?

I’m sure when you’re tucking into a lovely piece of cheddar cheese you’re not necessarily thinking, “Hmmm… where does cheddar cheese originate from?” But, you may be interested to find out that Cheddar Cheese is actually named after a village in England called Cheddar, situated under the Mendip Hills with nearby gorges and caves. 

It’s in these caves, in the village of Cheddar, that this gorgeous-tasting cheese was created. These caves are an ideal climate and humidity to mature cheddar to perfection. And, unlike Champagne with its PDO (Protective Designations of Origin), cheddar cheese can be created anywhere in the world. BUT, you will find that only West Country Farmhouse Cheddar has a PDO, with the cheese being hand-made from the milk of cows coming from the counties of Dorset, Somerset, Devon, and Cornwall, in the South West of England. Something truly historical and yummy!

The connection between cheddar cheese and the village of Cheddar dates back to the Middle Ages when cheese-making became a major industry in the area. At this time, farmers in the Cheddar region started making a cheese that was renowned for its flavorful and creamy texture. They used milk from local cows that were fed on the rich grasses that flourished in the gorge’s fertile soil, giving the cheese its exquisite taste.

This tasty cheese was eventually referred to as “Cheddar cheese” and acknowledged as a distinctive product of the Cheddar area. At first, only local farmers’ markets offered the cheese, but this soon spread to other parts of England as its popularity grew.

Authentic Cheddar Cheese

Nowadays, in the village of Cheddar, tourists can still observe the traditional processes of cheddar cheese production in action and taste some of the delectable local cheeses. If you are visiting the area, you should make sure to pick up some authentic cheddar at The Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company where “The only cheddar made in Cheddar”😊!

But, it isn’t only cheddar cheese that the region is famous for. The Cheddar region is also well-known for other kinds of cheeses, such as Somerset Brie, a soft cheese with a creamy texture and a faintly nutty flavor, and Double Gloucester, a mild cheese that is frequently used in cooking.

Other regional delicacies are Somerset cream teas, which include scones topped with jam and clotted cream. Another local specialty is local cider (scrumpy), an alcoholic beverage derived from fermented apple juice.

Also, in Cheddar, specifically in Gough’s Cave, is where a complete skeleton was found, known as Cheddar Man. The discovery of Cheddar Man was around 1903 and the skeleton dates back some 10,000 years before. You can find a replica of the skeleton in Gough’s Cave.

Find out more about Cheddar Man at the Natural History Museum website – https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/cheddar-man-mesolithic-britain-blue-eyed-boy.html

Cheddar Gorge

Located in the beautiful county of Somerset, the gorge is one of England’s most magnificent natural wonders, measuring roughly 3 miles long and 400 feet deep at its deepest point. It was originally created through water eroding the soft limestone rock over millions of years. It is this water that feeds the grass in the area, which in turn is eaten by the cows that produce the milk for Somerset’s most famous cheese.

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The Cheese’s Connection to Royalty

The history of cheddar cheese and royalty is lengthy and interesting. When King Henry II visited the small village of Cheddar in the 12th century, he sampled some locally made cheddar cheese and was so taken with its flavor that he ordered it to be produced only for the royal family. From then on, Cheddar cheese gained popularity as the “King’s cheese” and was cherished by the higher classes of England as a result.

Cheddar cheese further increased in popularity under Queen Victoria’s rule in the 19th century. The couple were given a wheel of cheese weighing over 1,000 pounds from the milk of 750 cows! In fact, it is reported that Queen Victoria herself loved cheddar cheese and frequently served it to her visitors to show off its great flavor. So just think – next time you are tucking into a piece of delightful Cheddar, you are sharing your tastes with actual royalty!

Interesting Facts About Cheddar Cheese That You May Not Know!

• While Cheddar Cheese originated in the UK, its popularity stretches far and wide. It is one of the most popular cheeses in the United States, accounting for over one-third of all cheese sales – that’s a lot of Cheddar!

• Cheddar cheese was commonly dyed in the 19th century with annatto, a natural dye derived from the seeds of the achiote tree. This was done to enhance the cheese’s aesthetic attractiveness to make it look more appealing for selling to customers.

• In England, before World War I there were over 3500 cheese producers, after the World War II there were less than 100 cheese producers.

• Most importantly, eating Cheddar cheese may not be the worst thing for you. The cheese itself is a great source of both protein and calcium which is great for strong bones and muscle recovery. Additionally, it includes other nutrients that are beneficial including Vitamin B12 and Vitamin A.

The Last Slice

Cheddar cheese is a staple in most households and its history and connection to Somerset are fascinating. We highly recommend visiting the region and tasting some of the local produce for yourself, but also stop in and take in the scenery of the beautiful gorge itself. And, visit the city of Bath, which is roughly 25 miles away (50 minute drive), and take in the Sally Lunn’s Historic Eating House as mentioned in our Best Places to Have Tea in England.