NATIONAL CHEDDAR DAY

NATIONAL CHEDDAR DAY

National Cheddar Day adds some cheesy goodness on February 13th! This food celebration requires little effort. The only thing you need to do on this food holiday is add cheddar cheese to everything and anything your heart desires.

#NationalCheddarDay

Like all things on the National Day Calendar, there is some history worth sharing regarding cheddar cheese. It's cheesy history dates back at least one thousand years with origins pointing to southwestern England during the 12th century in the village of Cheddar in Somerset. 

The village of Cheddar is home to the Cheddar Gorge, which contains several massive limestone caves. Local farmers discovered that these caves provided the perfect constant temperature and humidity for aging cheese. There is historical records written in 1170 claiming King Henry II was such a fan of the aged cheddar that he purchased 10,240 pounds of it for a penny per pound. Later, King Charles I was known to have the cheese "pre-ordered" before it was even made.

In the 19th century, a Somerset dairyman named Joseph Harding revolutionized the industry. He believed that the quality of the cheese depended on the "cleanliness and temperature" rather than just the location. He introduced the "Harding Method," which modernized the equipment and hygiene of cheesemaking. Harding traveled the world to teach his methods, which is why we now have "Cheddar" produced in the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. 

Peter McIntosh, Canadian cheesemaker, receives credit for bringing his cheese-making skills to Tillamook County, Oregon. He taught the locals all he knew, and in due time he earned himself the nickname “Cheese King of the Coast.” Today, there are more cows than people in Tillamook, and those local farmers have since formed the farmer-owned cooperative we know today as the Tillamook County Creamery Association.

It's no surprise cheddar finds its way into so many recipes or a simple snack. That rich, creamy and sometimes crumbly flavor is what keeps us coming back for more, bite after delicious bite. Grilled cheese would be buttered bread without melt-able slices piled high; burgers would be lackluster without a perfect ooze; mac & cheese would just be…mac, to be frank. So many of our iconic American dishes simply wouldn’t be the same without a slice of cheddar’s deliciousness.

HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL CHEDDAR DAY

1. Hashtag it! Show the world just how much you love cheddar by sharing your favorite creation with #NationalCheddarDay on social media, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or Pinterest.
2. Celebrate with others by hosting your own National Cheddar Day party.
3. Share your favorite cheddar recipes.
4. Bring friends and family together for a wine and cheese night, impromptu fondue, or a grilled cheese cook-off, whatever your favorite cheesy recipe, there are tons to choose from here.
5. Finally, if you’re local to Tillamook or traveling to the Pacific Northwest, add the Tillamook Creamery as a destination to see just how cheddar is made; sampling a thing or two as well. Today, nearly one million visitors make the trip to the Creamery each year! That’s a whole lotta chedda.

NATIONAL CHEDDAR DAY HISTORY

After over a century spent perfecting its award-winning cheddar recipe, Tillamook founded National Cheddar Day on February 13, 2019, to celebrate its 110th birthday and share a passion for cheddar with cheese-lovers nationwide, giving cheddar a day to shine on its own.

Founded on the coast of Oregon this farmer-owned cooperative continues to produce the most consistent, best tasting, high-quality dairy products made the most natural way possible. Guided by its values and the belief that everyone deserves real food that makes them feel good every day, Tillamook has earned top awards for their cheese, ice cream, sour cream, butter, and yogurt products made the Tillamook Way. Committed to unwavering values that never sacrifice quality for profit, Tillamook is excited to share National Cheddar Day with cheddar lovers everywhere for years to come.

In 2019, the Registrar at National Day Calendar® proclaimed National Cheddar Day to be observed every February 13th.

Cheddar FAQ

Q. How many varieties of cheddar cheese are there?
A. Basic cheddar cheeses are extra sharp, sharp, and mild ranging from a real tangy bite to a mild smooth flavor. However, herbs and spices can be added to cheddar for even more flavor!

Q. Is cheddar a good slicing cheese?
A. Yes! Unlike softer cheeses, cheddar slices very easily. It's also a great melting cheese.

Q. Does cheddar cheese go well on pizza?
A. Mmmm...yes! Even though mozzarella is more common on pizza, cheddar is another delicious cheese option.