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The Mystery Behind Orange Cheddar Cheese in America
In America, Cheddar cheese is orange due to annatto, a natural food coloring from the achiote tree seeds, added to achieve a consistent color year-round. This tradition mimics the natural hue from cows’ milk high in beta-carotene from spring grass, historically signifying quality. The use of annatto ensures uniformity across production, without altering taste or texture.
Can a Cow’s Diet Turn Cheddar Cheese Orange?
Indeed, the coloration of Cheddar cheese originates from what cows eat. The history of Cheddar cheese dates back to the 12th century in the village of Cheddar in England.
By the 17th century, even Cheddar cheese produced in England exhibited an orange hue. This is attributed to the cows’ diet of fresh spring grass.
Spring grass is rich in beta-carotene, which imparts an orange tint to the milk produced by the cows.
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Beta-carotene is a natural pigment responsible for the color of carrots. In the winter, cows primarily consume hay, which leads to a significant decrease in beta-carotene levels.
As a result, Cheddar cheese produced during this time is more likely to be white or yellow…
