I was reading that according to EU standards only cheese produced and sourced in England, rather the southwest part of England may be branded as cheddar.
I never heard this before, but anyway, what does that cheese taste like? I am assuming it tastes similar to the cheddar in America. But would it be more like a sharp cheddar or what?
Thanks
I have had real English Cheddar. It’s a somewhat sharp cheese, about equiv to some of the better American brands. In other words, the EU is full of shit. But they often do the same for various French wines, doesn’t stop California from stomping their ass in tasting contests.
Generally, English cheddar has an earthier flavor than American-made equivalents. As for the EU being full of shit - the point of such standards is to assure authenticity, not quality.
English cheddar seems moister to me, less crumbly than Vermont cheddar.
Californian cheddar may “stomp English cheddar’s ass” in tasting contests, but that has absolutely nothing to do with a product having a protected designation of origin. A PDO, which is what the cheese mentioned in the OP has, only means the product must be traditionally and entirely prepared, processed, and produced within its designated area.
Cheddar doesn’t have PDO status, anyway - it was deemed to have already become too generic.
I misrembered the OP while writing my reply. He mentions southwest England, and that made me think of West Country Farmhouse Cheddar, which does have PDO status.
A well-stocked grocery store with a good cheese section or a cheese shop should carry some genuine English cheddar. I mean this without any snark, but the best way to find out, since taste is so subjective, would be to go an buy some domestic and English cheddar and decide for yourself. If you’re located where I think you’re located, check out a Sam’s Wine & Spirits or a Binny’s, where they have a decent cheese selection. Whole Foods and Treasure Island will work, too.
English Cheddar that is made well can be extraordinary. Here’s my favorite. I made the English Cheddar with Smoked Bacon and Apple Sandwich recipe that is listed on the site. Best. Sandwich. Ever.
That particular cheddar is what I’d call medium sharp and it has an earthy/nutty quality to it. It’s a bit crumbly and can have crystals in bit, but it also melts wonderfully.
It would be well worth your while to seek out some quality English cheddar and compare it to a good American one. The best ones are complex and no two are alike - so it’s hard to describe for someone else what the difference is.