Ah Irish cheddar… Here’s a typical cheese that the Irish are crazy about! Considered a staple of their diet, this cheese is part of the pressed, crushed curd family, just like cantal, salers and laguiole. Consumed at any time of day, cheddar is a cheese that the Irish eat almost daily with crackers, salads, sandwiches and hamburgers… The most widely consumed cheese in Ireland!
Irish cheddar is produced on many of Ireland’s farms and industrial plants. Its quality varies from one brand to another, as does its taste, which can be more or less pronounced (it’s all a matter of preference, but cheese lovers will undoubtedly prefer the stronger cheddars)…
Ultra-recognizable with its solid orange paste, it comes in all types: artisanal, industrial, etc. But one thing’s for sure: you’ll find it on sandwiches as well as on gourmet plates from top local chefs.
But in general, the Irish like to eat it quite simply. Among their must-haves is the famous cracker/cheddar combination, although it can also be eaten in a salad, with brown bread, or in a fondue…
Rather strong in flavor, this cheese has the advantage of a certain strength, with smoky flavors and a smooth, silky texture. Great for adding body to a meal!
If you’re looking for Irish cheddar, you’ll find it all over Ireland and abroad. Each cheese package mentions the age of ripening of the cheddar in question, as well as the strength of its flavor (mild, strong, sharp, or mature according to preference).
Please note: Irish cheddar is often described as “red cheddar”, although the color is actually orange.
In terms of price, this cheese is affordable (with the exception of artisan cheddars, whose ripening process sometimes pushes up the price). You can generally get it for less than €3/4 in supermarkets. The perfect introduction to a classic Irish dish!
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