Sharp Cheddar cheese had to be both hard and smooth to satisfy our panelists.
Turns out, they preferred an expensive block by Tillamook ($12.99 for 2 pounds). But their second and third choices were more affordable brands found in local groceries.
Taster's Choice sampled 12 varieties of sharp Cheddar and rated the cubes on a scale of zero to 80 points. Tillamook, purchased at Albertsons, received 65 points and was liked for its full-flavored taste and "good orange color." One judge said it was excellent.
The second and third choices received 47 and 33 points, respectively. Kash n' Karry's brand ($2.15 for 8 ounces) was ranked second for its crumbly texture and sharp bite.
"Finally, a true sharp Cheddar," said one judge. Three of the four judges said they would buy Kash n' Karry's cheese.
The third favorite was Borden's Cheddar ($2.89 for 8 ounces), which received high marks for its color and "smooth, soft" consistency. However, only one judge said she would purchase the Borden brand. The others said it didn't match up to the store brand in sharpness.
Most of the judge's were surprised they didn't pick Kraft's Cracker Barrel Cheddar ($4.39 for 10 ounces) in the blind tasting. It scored 16 points. Judges said they buy that brand often, but described it as overprocessed when compared with the others.
"Is this Velveeta?" asked one judge of the Cracker Barrel.
One judge really liked Heluva Good's Cheddar ($2.49 for 8 ounces), saying it had the best aftertaste. Two said they would buy it.
"I would serve this on a cheese platter," said one panelist.
Other Cheddars sampled: Albertsons ($2.79 for 8 ounces); Kraft ($3.49 for 8 ounces); Land O' Lakes ($2.99 for 8 ounces); Cabot Vermont ($3.49 for 8 ounces); Albertsons deli ($6.99 per pound); Publix ($2.29 for 8 ounces) and Boar's Head ($7.59 per pound).
Panelists were: Nan Jensen, home economist with Pinellas County Family and Consumer Sciences; personal chefs Julie Overton and Marc Easterman; and Times food editor Janet Keeler. All products were tested blind.
The rankings
No. 1: Tillamook Cheddar
No. 2: No. 2: Kash n' Karry Cheddar
No. 3: Borden's Cheddar
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Send suggestions for product testing to Taste section, St. Petersburg Times, 490 First Ave. S, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 or e-mail them to krieta@sptimes.com Please put TEST SUGGESTION in the subject line.
