Isle of Mull Cheddar facts for kids
Isle of Mull Cheddar is a unique and tasty cheddar cheese made in Scotland. It's known for being quite strong and having a white color, sometimes with a hint of blue. This cheese is special because it's made using milk that hasn't been heated (called unpasteurised milk).
Making Isle of Mull Cheddar Cheese
How This Special Cheese Is Made
Isle of Mull Cheddar is crafted on a farm called Sgriob-ruadh. The cows that provide the milk for this cheese are very important. They eat fresh grass and also get a special treat: fermented grain. This grain comes from the nearby Tobermory distillery. This unique diet helps give the cheese its special flavor.
The milk goes straight from the cows to the cheesemaking vats. It is not heated to kill germs, which is called pasteurizing. This helps keep the natural flavors of the milk. The cheese has a light ivory color, which is different from many other cheddars. You might also see some blue veins, especially near the edges. This cheese has a slightly nutty taste.
The Family Behind the Cheese
The story of Isle of Mull Cheddar began in the 1980s. A couple named Jeff and Chris Reade started making this cheese. Later, their sons joined them in the family business. Jeff Reade passed away in 2013. His hard work and dedication to cheesemaking were honored at the British Cheese Awards.
In 2003, the farm's herd of cows was mostly made up of Friesian cows. These cows are well-known for producing a lot of milk.
