Sharp Cheddar Cheese: A Culinary Delight
Sharp cheddar cheese is a beloved dairy product known for its distinctive sharp and tangy flavor. It is a versatile cheese that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, making it a popular choice for cheeseboards, sandwiches, salads, and various culinary creations.
Nutritional Profile
Sharp cheddar cheese is a rich source of essential nutrients. A single slice (approximately 30 grams) provides:
- Calories: 115
- Protein: 6.8 grams
- Fat: 9.5 grams
- Carbohydrates: 0.6 grams
- Fiber: 0 grams
- Sugar: 0.1 grams
Sharp cheddar cheese is also a good source of several vitamins and minerals, including calcium, phosphorus, vitamin B12, and zinc.
Flavor Profile
Sharp cheddar cheese is characterized by its distinct sharp and tangy flavor. This flavor develops as the cheese ages, with the intensity of the flavor increasing over time. The sharpness of the cheese is influenced by the length of the aging process, with longer aging resulting in a more pronounced sharp flavor.
Culinary Uses
Sharp cheddar cheese is a highly versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of culinary applications. It is a popular choice for:
- Cheeseboards: Sharp cheddar cheese is a classic addition to cheeseboards, providing a sharp and tangy contrast to other cheeses.
- Sandwiches: Sharp cheddar cheese is a flavorful choice for sandwiches, adding a sharp and savory element to the fillings.
- Salads: Sharp cheddar cheese can be crumbled or grated over salads, providing a sharp and tangy flavor that complements the other ingredients.
- Soups: Sharp cheddar cheese can be melted into soups, adding a rich and flavorful depth to the broth.
- Mac and Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese is a key ingredient in classic mac and cheese dishes, providing a sharp and tangy flavor to the creamy sauce.
Health Benefits
In addition to its culinary versatility, sharp cheddar cheese offers several potential health benefits:
- Bone Health: Sharp cheddar cheese is a good source of calcium, which is essential for maintaining strong and healthy bones.
- Dental Health: The calcium and phosphorus in sharp cheddar cheese can help strengthen teeth and prevent tooth decay.
- Heart Health: The saturated fat in sharp cheddar cheese may raise cholesterol levels, but it also contains conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which has been linked to reducing the risk of heart disease.
Conclusion
Sharp cheddar cheese is a flavorful and versatile cheese with a rich nutritional profile and a variety of culinary uses. Its sharp and tangy flavor makes it a popular choice for cheeseboards, sandwiches, salads, and other dishes. While it is important to consume sharp cheddar cheese in moderation due to its saturated fat content, it can be a valuable addition to a balanced diet and can offer several potential health benefits.
How many calories are in Sharp Cheddar Cheese?
Each 1 slice of Sharp Cheddar Cheese contains 115 calories.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per 1 slice (28g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 115 Calories |
| Protein | 6.8g |
| Fat | 9.5g |
| Saturated Fat | 5.4g |
| Cholesterol | 0.028mg |
| Carbohydrates | 0.6g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0g |
| Sugar | 0.1g |
| Sodium | 0.18mg |
| Potassium | 0.0213mg |
| Calcium | 0.199mg |
| Iron | 0mg |