National Cheddar Day

An enthusiastic group of people donning cheese costumes, posing in front of a giant cheddar wheel, picnic-style, surrounded by greenery and sunny skies.. — National cheddar day illustration

Cheesy grins all round, everyone! We've melted together all the delicious data we could find on National Cheddar Day, a day when the whole wide web embraces its inner mouse and nibbles way on that sharp, tangy goodness. If you've ever wondered how a crumbly old block of diary could make the world stop and say 'cheese', you've cheddar believe we’ve got answers.

When is Cheddar Day?

It's national cheddar day on the 13th February.

A Moderately Mature Overview

Our first recorded instance of internet fervor for National Cheddar Day happened with 2078 online mentions on February 13, 2020. Social media timelines turned as yellow as a fine aged cheddar, with puns, recipes, and declarations of undying love for this classic cheese soaring through the cyberspaces.

The Sharp Rise in Popularity

This sudden spike in collective craving for cheddar was no happy accident. It's all thanks to Wisconsin-based artisan cheese brand, Henning’s Cheese, which launched the inaugural National Cheddar Day in 2019. Brightening our February winters with something delightfully dairy, National Cheddar Day has since taken root into our digital traditions. It seems that we don’t need any excuse to take a moment to appreciate that mouse’s favorite snack.

Crumbling Tradition

The realms of internet commemorations are nothing short of mystical mazes. Some traditions take, others fall apart quicker than a poorly made fondue. But when it comes to our dear friend cheddar, it would seem the internet’s appetite is firm. Will the tradition continue to grow stronger or, like aging cheddar, will it get more nuanced with unexpected and surprising tastes? Only time, and our unstoppable fondness for cheese, will tell.

History behind the term 'Cheddar'

1170

The Beginning: Somerset's Cheddar

Cheddar cheese, one of the world's most popular types of cheese, originated in the village of Cheddar in Somerset, England. It is believed to date back to at least the 12th century, with written records mentioning Cheddar cheese as early as 1170. The cheese was made by local farmers and matured in the caves found in the Cheddar Gorge, creating a distinct flavor and texture.

1494

Henry VIII and Cheddar Cheese

Cheddar cheese gained significant popularity during the reign of King Henry VIII in the late 15th century. The king was so fond of Cheddar cheese that he ordered large amounts of it to be delivered to his royal court. This royal endorsement helped Cheddar cheese gain recognition beyond Somerset and propelled its reputation as a distinguished cheese.

1840

Joseph Harding's Innovations

In the 19th century, a man named Joseph Harding revolutionized the production of Cheddar cheese. Harding, known as the 'father of Cheddar cheese,' introduced various innovations that standardized the cheese-making process. He developed methods of controlling temperature, acidity, and moisture, which resulted in a more consistent and high-quality product. Harding's contributions greatly contributed to the widespread popularity of Cheddar cheese.

1846

Industrialization and Cheddar Factories

With the advent of industrialization, Cheddar cheese production transitioned from small-scale farmhouse production to large-scale factories. In 1846, the first Cheddar cheese factory was established in Canada, marking the start of a booming industry. Cheddar factories allowed for greater efficiency in cheese production, increased consistency, and wider distribution, making Cheddar cheese more accessible to a larger audience.

1850

Cheddar in the United States

Cheddar cheese made its way across the Atlantic to the United States in the mid-19th century. English immigrants brought their cheese-making expertise and introduced Cheddar cheese to American consumers. It quickly became a staple in the American diet and gained popularity due to its versatility and unique flavor. Today, Cheddar cheese is a beloved and ubiquitous cheese in the United States.

Did you know?

Did you know that adding just a slice of cheddar to a humble apple pie has been a flavorful tradition in parts of England for a few centuries now? And yes, it's majority-approved yum!