Description

Cheddar is a hard, ripened cheese made from pasteurized cow’s milk, widely appreciated for its firm texture and sharp, tangy flavor that intensifies with aging. As per FSSAI standards, Cheddar must conform to specific compositional criteria, including a regulated minimum milk fat content on a dry matter basis and controlled moisture levels to ensure product consistency and quality. The cheese undergoes a unique cheddaring process where curds are stacked, turned, and pressed to expel whey, giving Cheddar its dense, crumbly structure. It may appear in block or wheel form and is typically pale yellow to deep orange in color, with or without annatto coloring. Cheddar may be aged from a few months to several years, with aging contributing to a firmer texture and more pronounced flavor. The product must be free from added starches, non-dairy fats, or any non-permitted additives. It must also comply with FSSAI’s food safety and microbiological standards. Cheddar should be hygienically packaged and stored under refrigerated conditions to preserve its quality, safety, and flavor integrity for direct consumption or culinary use.