Cheddar cheese shreds easily.
From sandwiches to soups, American and cheddar cheese play a prominent role in food in the United States. These cheeses provide a source of nutrition as a dairy product and cheese can have bacteria beneficial to the digestive system.
Appearance
American cheese has a pale orange color and usually comes in pre-packaged single slices. It has a smooth texture and does not crumble. Cheddar cheese comes in a block or wheel shape and colors range from white to an artificially colored orange. As cheddar cheese ages it crumbles more easily.
Taste
American cheese has a mild taste without much distinction. The light taste and smooth texture make it a common choice for sandwiches. Cheddar cheese has a sharp flavor that increases as the cheese ages for between nine and 24 months.
Production
Cheddar cheese is produced by adding a lactic culture to milk heated to 86 degrees F. Manufacturers then add rennet as the mixture firms up. They grind the mixture, heat it to 100 degrees F, remove the whey and allow it to cool and age. The production of American cheese uses emulsifiers and preservatives added to milk to make a heavily processed cheese.
Tags: Cheddar cheese, American cheese, cheese ages, smooth texture
