Fonterra & Grass Fed Sharp Cheddar
I decided to compare two New Zealand cheddars: a Fonterra purchased from Whole Foods, and a grass-fed sharp cheddar from Trader Joe’s. The Fonterra is your typical cheddar. It was sharp, dry and salty. While the flavor didn’t linger, it would be a perfect cheese for sandwiches or cooking. The cheddar from Trader Joe’s had a higher moisture content. It wasn’t quite as sharp as the Fonterra, but it was smoother and more complex. The aftertaste was earthy.
Both use pasteurized cows milk.
Fonterra: vegetarian rennet; purchased from Whole Foods, $4.99/lb.
TJ’s Cheddar: microbial rennet; purchased at Trader Joe’s, $4.99/lb