Cheddar Cheese

Cheddar cheese is synonymous with the West Country. There is evidence to suggest that the variety was first made in Somerset as far back as the 15th century. At this time Cheddar cheese was made exclusively on farms throughout the region and was generally sold at local markets. It was claimed that the best Cheddar was always made in the area around Cheddar Gorge, hence the adoption of the name. Tradition has it that all the cheese made near the Gorge was actually stored within the caves that stretch under the “Mendip Hills”. This was because conditions there were ideal for the correct maturation.

The reputation of the cheese spread and with the growth of milk production, factories were built to make Cheddar on a larger scale not just within the UK but also around the World. Incredibly in the mid 20th Century, the UK was importing more Cheddar than it was producing. This has since been reversed with more and more people appreciating the quality of British cheeses.

The term ‘West Country Farmhouse Cheddar’ was awarded PDO status in 2007. This means that only cheeses which are produced in the counties of Somerset, Devon, Cornwall and Dorset following strict guidelines can be  designated as being West Country Farmhouse Cheddar PDO.