Say Cheese! The Ultimate National Cheddar Day Quiz

1. What does "Cheddaring" refer to?

An additional step in the production of cheddar cheese.

A type of cheddar cheese.

A method of eating cheddar cheese.

None of the above

“Cheddaring” refers to an extra step in the production of cheddar cheese. After warming it up, the curd is mixed with salt, cut into squares to drain the whey, and then stored and turned. This process contributes to the cheese’s distinctive texture and flavor.

Explanation

“Cheddaring” refers to an extra step in the production of cheddar cheese. After warming it up, the curd is mixed with salt, cut into squares to drain the whey, and then stored and turned. This process contributes to the cheese’s distinctive texture and flavor.

2. What happened to cheese production in Britain during the Second World War?

It increased.

It decreased.

It remained the same.

None of the above

During the Second World War and a decade later, most of the dairy in Britain was used to make a single kind of cheese named “government cheddar”. This was part of the war economy and rationing efforts. As a result, almost all other cheese production in the country was wiped out, highlighting the impact of war on everyday life.

Explanation

During the Second World War and a decade later, most of the dairy in Britain was used to make a single kind of cheese named “government cheddar”. This was part of the war economy and rationing efforts. As a result, almost all other cheese production in the country was wiped out, highlighting the impact of war on everyday life.

3. When is National Cheddar Day celebrated?

February 12

February 13

February 14

February 15

Celebrated every year on February 13, National Cheddar Day is a day dedicated to recognizing and enjoying cheddar cheese, a versatile and delicious cheese that has become a staple in many cuisines around the world.

Explanation

Celebrated every year on February 13, National Cheddar Day is a day dedicated to recognizing and enjoying cheddar cheese, a versatile and delicious cheese that has become a staple in many cuisines around the world.

4. Where does Cheddar cheese originate from?

London

Birmingham

Cheddar

Liverpool

Cheddar cheese got its name from the village of Cheddar. This is where this unique type of cheese was first made, and it continues to be a significant part of the region’s cultural and culinary heritage.

Explanation

Cheddar cheese got its name from the village of Cheddar. This is where this unique type of cheese was first made, and it continues to be a significant part of the region’s cultural and culinary heritage.

5. What is the texture of cheddar cheese?

Soft

Semi-soft

Hard

None of the above

Cheddar cheese is known for its relatively hard texture. This texture is achieved through the process of “cheddaring”, which involves kneading the curd with salt, cutting it into cubes to drain the whey, and then stacking and turning it. This process gives cheddar cheese its unique texture and flavor.

Explanation

Cheddar cheese is known for its relatively hard texture. This texture is achieved through the process of “cheddaring”, which involves kneading the curd with salt, cutting it into cubes to drain the whey, and then stacking and turning it. This process gives cheddar cheese its unique texture and flavor.

6. Who is known as the “father of cheddar”?

Joseph Harding

Henry Harding

William Harding

None of the above

Known as the “father of cheddar”, Joseph Harding was a 19th-century dairyman from Somerset who played a crucial role in modernizing the process of cheese-making. He introduced new equipment and promoted dairy hygiene, significantly improving the quality and consistency of cheddar cheese.

Explanation

Known as the “father of cheddar”, Joseph Harding was a 19th-century dairyman from Somerset who played a crucial role in modernizing the process of cheese-making. He introduced new equipment and promoted dairy hygiene, significantly improving the quality and consistency of cheddar cheese.

7. How long does strong, extra-mature cheddar need to be matured for?

10 months or more

12 months or more

15 months or more

18 months or more

Strong, extra-mature cheddar, also called vintage, needs to be matured for 15 months or more. This is kept at a constant temperature, often requiring special facilities. This long maturation process allows the cheese to develop a deep, complex flavor.

Explanation

Strong, extra-mature cheddar, also called vintage, needs to be matured for 15 months or more. This is kept at a constant temperature, often requiring special facilities. This long maturation process allows the cheese to develop a deep, complex flavor.

8. What is the color of traditional cheddar cheese?

White

Orange

Both white and orange

None of the above

Cheddar cheese is a natural cheese that is relatively hard and sometimes sharp-tasting. It is traditionally off-white, but can also be orange if colourings such as annatto are added. These characteristics make cheddar cheese a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes.

Explanation

Cheddar cheese is a natural cheese that is relatively hard and sometimes sharp-tasting. It is traditionally off-white, but can also be orange if colourings such as annatto are added. These characteristics make cheddar cheese a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes.

9. What did Joseph Harding introduce that helped process cheese?

A cutter

A mixing tube

Cheese Hardener

Revolving breaker

Joseph Harding revolutionized cheese-making with his innovative equipment, such as his “revolving breaker” designed for curd cutting. This breakthrough significantly reduced the manual labor involved in the cheese-making process, making it more efficient and consistent.

Explanation

Joseph Harding revolutionized cheese-making with his innovative equipment, such as his “revolving breaker” designed for curd cutting. This breakthrough significantly reduced the manual labor involved in the cheese-making process, making it more efficient and consistent.

10. What is the name of the cheese that was registered in the European Union in 2007?

Somerset Cheddar

Dorset Cheddar

Devon Cheddar

West Country Farmhouse Cheddar

In 2007, the European Union registered the name West Country Farmhouse Cheddar. This designation is used for cheddar cheese produced from local milk within Somerset, Devon, and Cornwall, and manufactured using traditional methods. This helps to preserve the authenticity and quality of the cheese.

Explanation

In 2007, the European Union registered the name West Country Farmhouse Cheddar. This designation is used for cheddar cheese produced from local milk within Somerset, Devon, and Cornwall, and manufactured using traditional methods. This helps to preserve the authenticity and quality of the cheese.