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'''''Para leer más sobre este queso en castellano, visite '''[http://www.mundoquesos.com/2011/05/west-country-farmhouse-cheddar.html Mundoquesos]'''''
'''''Para leer más sobre este queso en castellano, visite '''[http://www.mundoquesos.com/2011/05/west-country-farmhouse-cheddar.html Mundoquesos]'''''
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[[Image: West Country Farmhouse Cheddar cheese.jpg|300px|thumb|right|West Country Farmhouse Cheddar cheese]]  
[[Image: West Country Farmhouse Cheddar cheese.jpg|300px|thumb|right|West Country Farmhouse Cheddar cheese]]  


* Description:
===Description===


West Country Farmhouse Cheddar is a [[PDO]] [[cheese]] made from cows' [[milk]] produced predominantly in the designated area, which may or may not have been pasteurised.  It is only sold after it has been stored for at least 9 months.  It may be produced in either a traditional cylinder shape (in varying sizes to suit the needs of different customers) or in a block form (again in varying sizes to suit the needs of different customers).
West Country Farmhouse Cheddar is a [[PDO]] [[cheese]] made from cows' [[milk]] produced predominantly in the designated area, which may or may not have been pasteurised.  It is only sold after it has been stored for at least 9 months.  It may be produced in either a traditional cylinder shape (in varying sizes to suit the needs of different customers) or in a block form (again in varying sizes to suit the needs of different customers).
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Age : Matured for at least 9 months
Age : Matured for at least 9 months


*Geographical area:
===Geographical area===


West Country Farmhouse Cheddar may only be produced within the county boundaries of Dorset, Somerset, Devon and Cornwall as defined in 1955.  Although [[Cheddar]] is made throughout the world, there is undisputable evidence to show that [[Cheddar]] production originated on farms in the Cheddar area of Somerset.  Production spread to farms in other parts of the West Country and descendants of those early producers are still involved in the manufacture of West Country Farmhouse Cheddar on their farms today. The [[cheese]] has a unique flavour and taste and is still produced according to the original method using the skills and traditions handed on in the area. There is no evidence to suggest [[Cheddar cheese]] produced outside of the defined area has ever been referred to as West Country Farmhouse Cheddar.
West Country Farmhouse Cheddar may only be produced within the county boundaries of Dorset, Somerset, Devon and Cornwall as defined in 1955.  Although [[Cheddar]] is made throughout the world, there is undisputable evidence to show that [[Cheddar]] production originated on farms in the Cheddar area of Somerset.  Production spread to farms in other parts of the West Country and descendants of those early producers are still involved in the manufacture of West Country Farmhouse Cheddar on their farms today. The [[cheese]] has a unique flavour and taste and is still produced according to the original method using the skills and traditions handed on in the area. There is no evidence to suggest [[Cheddar cheese]] produced outside of the defined area has ever been referred to as West Country Farmhouse Cheddar.
==See also==


[[Keen's Cheddar cheese]]
===Production===


[[Montgomery's Cheddar cheese]]
All farms making West Country Farmhouse Cheddar will use the same basic recipe but there will be slight variations in product between farms depending on the techniques used and the source of their [[milk]]. Fresh cows' [[milk]] is collected regularly (and normally on a daily basis) from the farm(s) of the Farmhouse Cheddar Maker (in fact some 50 % of all [[milk]] comes from the farms) and where required from other farms. At most times of the year this [[milk]] will come from farms within the defined geographical area but there will be occasions when [[milk]] will be supplied from other parts of England eg to cover seasonal shortfalls in supplies.


[[Westcombe Cheddar cheese]]'''
The [[milk]] may be standardised according to season particularly when the natural balance in the [[milk]] between [[fat]] and casein differs significantly from a ratio of 1:0.7. [[Milk]] is tested prior to use to determine its suitability for West Country Farmhouse Cheddar production. If the maker produces West Country Farmhouse Cheddar from pasteurised [[milk]], the [[milk]] will first be pasteurised. From here the process of manufacture is similar regardless of whether the [[milk]] is pasteurised or not.


*The West Country Farmhouse Cheddar [[cheese]] makers:
The [[milk]] will be pumped into stainless steel vats and brought to the required temperature. Starter culture is then added to produce the acidity in the [[milk]] required during the early stages of [[cheese]] making. The starter is mixed into the [[milk]] before [[rennet]] (natural animal [[rennet]] or vegetable [[rennet]]) is added to coagulate the [[milk]]. After the [[milk]] has been allowed to coagulate the [[curds]] are cut either by hand or by knives attached to paddles in the [[cheese]] vat. This process causes the [[milk]] to divide between the [[curds]] and [[whey]] which are then scalded at a temperature of around 103 to 106F. This scalding process involves constant heating and stirring until the desired level of acidity is reached and the [[whey]] is extracted from the [[curds]]. Throughout this process it is the skill of the [[cheese]] maker which determines the correct balance between time, temperature and acidity necessary to make West Country Farmhouse Cheddar.


'''[http://www.brue-valley.co.uk/ Brue Valley]'''
When the scalding process is complete the [[curds]] and the [[whey]] have to be separated. This is done either in the [[cheese]] vat or on a cooling table. Surplus [[whey]] is allowed to drain off through wire strainers which prevent the loss of valuable [[curd]]. During this separation process the [[curds]] have to be pulled back from the centre to allow a channel to be formed for effective drainage of the [[whey]]. The [[curds]] are then allowed to cool whence they are cut into large rectangular pieces ready for "cheddaring".


'''[http://www.denhay.co.uk/ Denhay]'''
The "cheddaring" of the [[curds]] is a technique unique to the manufacture of Cheddar [[cheese]]. It is a labour intensive process which is still done by hand in the manufacture of West Country Farmhouse Cheddar. The rectangular pieces of [[curd]] are turned and stacked by hand on top of each other along the side of the vat or cooling table so assisting the drainage of [[whey]] from the [[curd]]. This continues until the correct level of acidity is reached at which stage the [[curds]] are ready for milling.  Milling involves cutting the [[curd]] into small cubes after which it is salted and mixed thoroughly. The salted [[curds]] are then put into moulds the shape and size of which will vary between different West Country Farmhouse Cheddar makers. Cylindrical moulds are still used by some makers. Most makers will use rectangular moulds since blocks are better suited to the needs of supermarkets who sell most of their [[cheese]] in a pre packed form.


'''[http://www.farmhousecheesemakers.com/cheesemakers/green_s_of_glastonbury/ Green’s of Glastonbury]'''
The [[cheese]] is pressed within the moulds to remove any excess moisture; each maker will vary the length of time for pressing and the pressure applied according to the [[cheese]] maker’s preference. Some makers will then scald the cheeses by bathing them in hot water so as to seal them before returning them to the presses for a final pressing. The process for wrapping West Country Farmhouse Cheddar after pressing may differ between cylinders and blocks. In the case of cylinders, the cheeses are sealed either by bandaging them in muslin cloth that has been dipped in melted [[lard]] or a suitable natural [[fat]] or [[oil]] or by smearing this onto the outside of the [[cheese]] which is then bandaged.  This bandaging helps form a hard rind on the [[cheese]] during maturation so allowing the [[cheese]] to breath, yet preventing mould penetration. This bandaging is removed prior to sale.


'''[http://www.keenscheddar.co.uk/ Keen’s]'''
The cylindrical cheeses are placed in temperature and humidity controlled stores and are turned regularly to ensure an even distribution of moisture loss. In the case of rindless rectangular blocks, the cheeses are wrapped after pressing in a food grade semi permeable membrane and then packed in wooden slats or boxes for ripening and maturing. Wrapped in this way the [[cheese]] does not lose moisture during maturation and so the maker will tend to produce a drier [[curd]] than would be the case for a cylindrical [[cheese]]. Some cylindrical [[cheese]] is also packed in a similar way during the early stages of maturation before a rind is allowed to form. Length of storage of both cylindrical and block West Country Farmhouse Cheddar will vary but it will be for a minimum of 9 months.


'''[http://www.parkhamfarms.com/ Parkham Farms]'''
During the maturation process representative samples of cheeses produced from each vat will be graded at between 2 and 4 months of age to determine the development of the [[cheese]]. Cheese which is not expected to develop the necessary flavour characteristics associated with West Country Farmhouse Cheddar will be sold as standard Cheddar. After the required maturation period, the Cheese will be reviewed and then selected according to the needs of individual customers.
==See also==


'''[http://www.westcombedairy.co.uk/ Westcombe Dairy]'''
* [[Keen's Cheddar cheese]]


'''[http://www.farmhousecheesemakers.com/cheesemakers/batch_farm_cheesemakers/ Batch Farm]'''
* [[Montgomery's Cheddar cheese]]


'''[http://www.farmhousecheesemakers.com/cheesemakers/kingston_farms/ Kingston Farms]'''
*[[Westcombe Cheddar cheese]]


'''[http://www.farmhousecheesemakers.com/cheesemakers/w_h_longman_sons/ WH Longman & Sons]'''
: The West Country Farmhouse Cheddar [[cheese]] makers:


'''[http://www.farmhousecheesemakers.com/cheesemakers/montgomery_s_cheddar/ Montgomery’s]'''
*[http://www.brue-valley.co.uk/ Brue Valley]


'''[http://www.towerfarms.co.uk/ Tower Farms]'''
*[http://www.denhay.co.uk/ Denhay]


'''[http://www.farmhousecheesemakers.com/cheesemakers/the_farmhouse_cheese_company/ The Farmhouse Cheese Company]'''
*[http://www.farmhousecheesemakers.com/cheesemakers/green_s_of_glastonbury/ Green’s of Glastonbury]


*Production:
*[http://www.keenscheddar.co.uk/ Keen’s]


All farms making West Country Farmhouse Cheddar will use the same basic recipe but there will be slight variations in product between farms depending on the techniques used and the source of their [[milk]]. Fresh cows' [[milk]] is collected regularly (and normally on a daily basis) from the farm(s) of the Farmhouse Cheddar Maker (in fact some 50 % of all [[milk]] comes from the farms) and where required from other farms. At most times of the year this [[milk]] will come from farms within the defined geographical area but there will be occasions when [[milk]] will be supplied from other parts of England eg to cover seasonal shortfalls in supplies.
*[http://www.parkhamfarms.com/ Parkham Farms]


The [[milk]] may be standardised according to season particularly when the natural balance in the [[milk]] between [[fat]] and casein differs significantly from a ratio of 1:0.7. [[Milk]] is tested prior to use to determine its suitability for West Country Farmhouse Cheddar production. If the maker produces West Country Farmhouse Cheddar from pasteurised [[milk]], the [[milk]] will first be pasteurised. From here the process of manufacture is similar regardless of whether the [[milk]] is pasteurised or not.
*[http://www.westcombedairy.co.uk/ Westcombe Dairy]


The [[milk]] will be pumped into stainless steel vats and brought to the required temperature. Starter culture is then added to produce the acidity in the [[milk]] required during the early stages of [[cheese]] making. The starter is mixed into the [[milk]] before [[rennet]] (natural animal [[rennet]] or vegetable [[rennet]]) is added to coagulate the [[milk]]. After the [[milk]] has been allowed to coagulate the [[curds]] are cut either by hand or by knives attached to paddles in the [[cheese]] vat. This process causes the [[milk]] to divide between the [[curds]] and [[whey]] which are then scalded at a temperature of around 103 to 106F. This scalding process involves constant heating and stirring until the desired level of acidity is reached and the [[whey]] is extracted from the [[curds]]. Throughout this process it is the skill of the [[cheese]] maker which determines the correct balance between time, temperature and acidity necessary to make West Country Farmhouse Cheddar.
*[http://www.farmhousecheesemakers.com/cheesemakers/batch_farm_cheesemakers/ Batch Farm]


When the scalding process is complete the [[curds]] and the [[whey]] have to be separated. This is done either in the [[cheese]] vat or on a cooling table. Surplus [[whey]] is allowed to drain off through wire strainers which prevent the loss of valuable [[curd]]. During this separation process the [[curds]] have to be pulled back from the centre to allow a channel to be formed for effective drainage of the [[whey]]. The [[curds]] are then allowed to cool whence they are cut into large rectangular pieces ready for "cheddaring".
*[http://www.farmhousecheesemakers.com/cheesemakers/kingston_farms/ Kingston Farms]


The "cheddaring" of the [[curds]] is a technique unique to the manufacture of Cheddar [[cheese]]. It is a labour intensive process which is still done by hand in the manufacture of West Country Farmhouse Cheddar. The rectangular pieces of [[curd]] are turned and stacked by hand on top of each other along the side of the vat or cooling table so assisting the drainage of [[whey]] from the [[curd]]. This continues until the correct level of acidity is reached at which stage the [[curds]] are ready for milling.  Milling involves cutting the [[curd]] into small cubes after which it is salted and mixed thoroughly. The salted [[curds]] are then put into moulds the shape and size of which will vary between different West Country Farmhouse Cheddar makers. Cylindrical moulds are still used by some makers. Most makers will use rectangular moulds since blocks are better suited to the needs of supermarkets who sell most of their [[cheese]] in a pre packed form.
*[http://www.farmhousecheesemakers.com/cheesemakers/w_h_longman_sons/ WH Longman & Sons]


The [[cheese]] is pressed within the moulds to remove any excess moisture; each maker will vary the length of time for pressing and the pressure applied according to the [[cheese]] maker’s preference. Some makers will then scald the cheeses by bathing them in hot water so as to seal them before returning them to the presses for a final pressing. The process for wrapping West Country Farmhouse Cheddar after pressing may differ between cylinders and blocks. In the case of cylinders, the cheeses are sealed either by bandaging them in muslin cloth that has been dipped in melted [[lard]] or a suitable natural [[fat]] or [[oil]] or by smearing this onto the outside of the [[cheese]] which is then bandaged. This bandaging helps form a hard rind on the [[cheese]] during maturation so allowing the [[cheese]] to breath, yet preventing mould penetration. This bandaging is removed prior to sale.
*[http://www.farmhousecheesemakers.com/cheesemakers/montgomery_s_cheddar/ Montgomery’s]


The cylindrical cheeses are placed in temperature and humidity controlled stores and are turned regularly to ensure an even distribution of moisture loss. In the case of rindless rectangular blocks, the cheeses are wrapped after pressing in a food grade semi permeable membrane and then packed in wooden slats or boxes for ripening and maturing. Wrapped in this way the [[cheese]] does not lose moisture during maturation and so the maker will tend to produce a drier [[curd]] than would be the case for a cylindrical [[cheese]]. Some cylindrical [[cheese]] is also packed in a similar way during the early stages of maturation before a rind is allowed to form. Length of storage of both cylindrical and block West Country Farmhouse Cheddar will vary but it will be for a minimum of 9 months.
*[http://www.towerfarms.co.uk/ Tower Farms]'''


During the maturation process representative samples of cheeses produced from each vat will be graded at between 2 and 4 months of age to determine the development of the [[cheese]]. Cheese which is not expected to develop the necessary flavour characteristics associated with West Country Farmhouse Cheddar will be sold as standard Cheddar. After the required maturation period, the Cheese will be reviewed and then selected according to the needs of individual customers.
*[http://www.farmhousecheesemakers.com/cheesemakers/the_farmhouse_cheese_company/ The Farmhouse Cheese Company]


Reference:  '''[http://ec.europa.eu/agriculture/quality/door/registeredName.html?denominationId=785 The European Commission]'''
Reference:  ''[http://ec.europa.eu/agriculture/quality/door/registeredName.html?denominationId=785 The European Commission]''


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[[Category:Ingredients]]
[[Category:Ingredients]]
[[Category:Dairy products]]
[[Category:Dairy products]]
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[[Category:British cheeses]]
[[Category:British cheeses]]
[[Category:Cows' milk cheeses]]
[[Category:Cows' milk cheeses]]
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