A tart flavor in cheese caused by lactic acid.
A person who ages (or “matures”) cheese. Many cheesemakers act as their own affineur, overseeing the aging of all their cheeses. At Cabot, our grading team leads this function.
A cheese that generally has been aged (i.e. ripened) six months or more. Aging typically causes cheeses to develop a sharper, stronger flavor, but not always.
A term for cheese ripening.
A natural orange coloring used in making orange cheddar
Cheeses that are handmade in small quantities. These types of cheese can be made from milk obtained from animals located on the farm where the cheese is made, but don’t have to be.
Date on package of cheese that identifies the date when the cheese will be at its best, assuming proper storage. Note that, while cheddar cheese does not go bad, it can continue to age slowly in the package.
A solution of salt water that some cheeses are stored in.
The most important protein in milk for cheesemaking. Coagulated casein can hold moisture like a sponge and then, when exposed to acid and heat, shrink and expel moisture. During the fermentation and ripening of cheese, casein is modified to create the structure and flavor of the specific cheese.
A process used in the crafting of cheese that involves cutting curd into blocks, then turning and stacking the blocks at the bottom of the vat every 15 minutes for about 90 minutes in total. Traditionally, this was a very hands on process. However, at Cabot, this process is done on a large continuous cheddaring belt or, for extended stirring, on make tables.
While a traditional company is owned by individuals and outside investors who buy shares of the corporation, a co-operative is owned and operated by its members. Cabot is a cheese co-operative run by the family dairy farmers who are the source of our dairy products.
A natural rind, bandaged cheddar. Clothbound cheddars have a crumbly texture, nutty aroma and savory flavor.
A process of thickening milk into a custard-like gel by introducing acid or rennet to it. In other words, what happens when milk solidifies and curds form.
A term used to describe a cheese that breaks away when cut.
The process of adding bacterial cultures to a product, such as cheese, to develop flavor.
The solids formed in curdled (or coagulated) milk that cheese is made from.
The preliminary stage of cheesemaking in which the solids (curds) are separated from the liquids (whey).
Another term for "ripening".
A bloomy rind cheese with a milk fat content between 30% and 35%, and a moisture content of 50%.
The process by which whey is drained from the milk solids, just before pressing.
A substance used to promote the curdling of milk. These complex compounds are released by bacteria during the cheesemaking process and help to break down proteins or fats. Enzymes are important contributors to the flavor complexity in cheese.
Cheese that has been aged over 2 to 7 years, but is not designated by year.
Cheese made on the same farm where the milk is produced.
Fat content can range from 4% to 75%. An average fat content is 45%. 3.5% to 4% for milk. Cheddar is around 33% to 35% butterfat. Cabot does not make any cheese near 45%.
The process that occurs during the cheese ripening process.
Cheese that has particulates or flavoring added to it.
A category of cheeses that are not aged or ripened and retain much of the flavor of fresh milk.
A cheesemaker; person who makes cheese.
Any cheese that has been aged sufficiently to become firm enough to grate, such as Parmesan.
The sugar that naturally occurs in milk. Aged cheeses like cheddar contain less lactose because the ripening process removes most of the lactose.
Cheeses that have no lactose (milk sugar).
The amount of liquid remaining in cheese. Moisture content in cheese is expressed as a percentage.
Cheese made from milk to which salt, enzymes and flavorings can be added.
Typically refers to a hazelnut flavor.
An Italian term for a cheesemaking technique in which the curd is stretched or kneaded in hot whey or water. This technique produces a firm, more elastic texture and is used to make cheeses such as Mozzarella and Provolone.
The process of heating milk to high temperatures for a set period of time in order to destroy harmful bacteria.
A cheese whose whey was not drained naturally but eliminated through a mechanical pressing process.
The process of placing soft, wet cheese curds under pressure for the purpose of removing whey and minimizing fat loss.
A cheese made from a blend of similar cheeses (such as various Cheddars) which have been heated and melted together.
Spanish word for cheese.
Milk that has not been pasteurized. Cheeses made from raw milk are held for 60 days before being released to the public.
The protective external layer of a cheese. Rinds can be naturally or artificially created.
The process and methods by which cheese mature and develop distinctive qualities. Proper ripening is critical to the full development of the characteristic flavor, color and texture of many types of cheese.
Adding salt during the cheesemaking process. This is done to slow the fermentation of lactic acid bacteria and dry the curd by drawing out the whey, as well as to enhance flavor. Salt can also be added through the brining process.
The term that indicates how cheddar changes in flavor and texture as it ages.
The length of time a cheese will be at its best in terms of flavor, texture and aroma.
A term used to describe a cheese that has a sharp, slightly acidulous flavor.
Triple cream cheeses are derived from extra cream being added to the milk in making soft-ripened cheeses. These cheeses usually have least 75% butterfat.
A white crystalline amino acid formed by the hydrolosis of casien, a protein found in dairy foods. Tyrosine "pellets" are found in cheddar cheese, but typically only in cheddar aged for an extended period of time, such as our Vintage and 3 YR. It is a natural component of aged cheddar and poses no health risk. While tyrosine is a non-essential amino acid, it can be bought as a supplement with purported health benefits.
We often refer to tyrosine as "crunchies", and it usually is a sign of really good old cheese. Keep in mind it is not found in young cheese.
Soft cheeses that have not been allowed to age or mature. Unripened cheese is cut, packaged and distributed for sale after draining.
A method of packaging cheese to prevent the cheese from drying out and to restrict the growth of mold. The cheese is placed in a plastic envelope, the air is removed and the package is sealed.
Cheeses made with rennet derived from non-animal sources.
A cheese whose rind is washed periodically with water, brine or another liquid during ripening. This technique affects flavor and texture.
The liquid that separates from solids when milk coagulates during the cheesemaking process. Whey contains lactose and mineral salts and is often used as an ingredient in making other foods.