Sharp cheddar is the standard everyday cheddar: firm, tangy and aged long enough to have some bite.

• Milk: cow’s
• Origin: Cheddar, in Somerset, England (now made all over the world)
• Style: firm
• Aged: sharp cheddar is often aged somewhere around 6 to 12 months or more
• Color: white or yellow-orange (the orange comes from annatto)

What “sharp” means

Sharp refers to the strength of the taste, which comes from aging. The word isn’t regulated in the US, so brands use it differently. The yellow color has nothing to do with sharpness; that comes from annatto.

Wrapping up

A reliable, no-fuss cheese for sandwiches, burgers, mac and cheese or a snack. To learn about where the color comes from, see my post on annatto.