Grass Fed Cheese | Grass Fed Milk Benefits (2024)

Did you ever wonder what gives some cheeses like Old Croc Extra Sharp Cheddar and Sharp Cheddar a delicious, lightly crunchy bite? It’s all in the expert all-natural cheesemaking using milk from grass fed cows, and the unique cheddar-making and aging process!

Those flavorful white bits that give aged cheeses an edge are often referred to as “cheese crystals” or “flavor crystals” by cheese connoisseurs. The technical terms for these in cheddar cheese is calcium lactate crystals. They’re a natural and intentional part of the aging process, although the cheese doesn’t necessarily have to be aged for a long time for them to form.

Let’s take an inside look at how your favorite Old Croc cheddar cheeses are made and how those mouthwatering crystals are formed. It’s an all natural process that originated way back in the 12th century in the village ofCheddarin Somerset, south west England with the official process of “cheddaring” being introduced in the 19th century by a local dairyman.

First, Old Croc uses milk from grass-fed cows that is cultured, meaning starter bacteria is added to acidify the milk. When enough acid is developed, rennet is added to form milk curds. Watery whey is then drained out to leave behind even more concentrated curds. The curds are then heated to about 100 degrees F until they begin to melt together.

It’s at this point that cheddar continues on a different path in cheesemaking from other cheeses and goes through the process aptly named “cheddaring”. The dense curds are formed into large slabs that are piled together, worked over, and flipped over many times, getting denser and releasing more and more whey. Finally, the pressed curds are passed through a mill to turn them into small curds again before being pressed into molds to drain further and age. It’s what gives Old Croc cheddar such a unique and amazing flavor. And here’s where things get really interesting for extra sharp and sharp cheddars!

Sharp is the term that indicates how cheddar changes in flavor and texture as it ages. In general, mild cheddars are aged 2 to 3 months, sharp for 6 to 9 months, and extra-sharp 1 1/2 to 2 or more years. As cheddar ages, the flavor evolves from mild and delicate to tangier and complex with deeper, richer flavors. The texture of the final cheese also changes dramatically; going from smooth and creamy to firmer and denser, often developing those delicious crystals.

So where exactly does that crunch come from? It’s actually a bit of basic chemistry. As cheddar cheese ages, good bacteria breaks down the lactose into lactic acid. Lactic acid and the natural calcium in milk combine to create calcium lactate, which then transforms into those flavorful cheese crystals you know and love!

Next time you’re enjoying a wedge of Old Croc Sharp or Extra Sharp Cheddar you can truly appreciate it’s uniquely dense, crunchy texture and amazing tangy nutty taste!

Grass Fed Cheese | Grass Fed Milk Benefits (2024)

FAQs

Grass Fed Cheese | Grass Fed Milk Benefits? ›

The higher levels of omega-3s in grass-fed milk fight inflammation and may prevent chronic conditions like heart disease and diabetes. Research indicates that omega-3s have a beneficial impact on the immune system and exercise performance of athletes as well.

Is drinking grass-fed milk healthy? ›

Omega 3's also support the mind and body so you can push your muscles harder - as they aide sleep and help fight anxiety and depression. Grass-fed cows not only produce the healthiest milk, but they produce the most Omega 3's. Studies have shown that grass-fed milk has over 147% more Omega 3's than conventional milk.

Is grass-fed cheese healthier? ›

Dairy consumers perceive "grassmilk" as healthier. And studies have shown that it is. Grass-fed dairy and organic dairy cows provide milk significantly higher in beneficial fatty acids and lower in omega-6. Farmers can lower production costs by switching cows to grass and legume-based diets.

Is grass-fed cheese anti-inflammatory? ›

Grass-fed dairy products, for example, have been shown to have higher levels of Omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fats are well known to be anti-inflammatory, so adding more of these types of these high-quality dairy products to your diet could increase the anti-inflammatory effect even further.

Does grass-fed milk have estrogen? ›

Are There Hormones in Milk? All cow's milk, whether it is organic or conventional, contains tiny amounts of naturally occurring hormones.

Which milk is the healthiest? ›

Cow's milk is still the gold standard when it comes to a nutritional profile because of the levels of protein, calcium and vitamin D. Calcium and vitamin D can be difficult to achieve in the typical American diet, and cow's milk can be a main source for those nutrients for many people.

Is grass fed milk healthier than almond milk? ›

If you have access to raw, grass-fed or even organic full-fat milk, this is easily a far better choice than almond milk or any other nut milk. It's got far more nutrients, no nasty additives, and it's easier on the environment.

What is the number one healthiest cheese? ›

Some of the healthiest cheeses are feta and goat cheese, which are better for lactose intolerance. Cottage cheese and ricotta have more than 11 grams of muscle-building protein in a single serving. Swiss cheese is naturally lower in sodium, so it is a good option for people with hypertension.

Why is grass-fed milk so expensive? ›

Grass-fed milk has a higher production cost — partly because grass-fed farms have to maintain far more acreage to sustain each cow. Depending on the brand you choose, grass-fed milk may be three times more expensive than regular milk.

Is grass-fed really healthier? ›

No studies have proven that grass-fed beef is better for your health. But pound for pound, it may have less total fat and fewer calories. Also, grass-fed beef has up to six times more heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids than regular grain-fed beef. Many people also believe grass-fed beef to be a more humane option.

Which milk is good for arthritis? ›

Tips: Drinking milk, which is a good source of calcium, vitamin D and protein, may help prevent gout and fight the progression of osteoarthritis (OA). Make sure you opt for low-fat milk to avoid consuming extra calories and saturated fat.

What is the best milk for anti-inflammatory? ›

Coconut Milk is a great option for those who suffer from acne. It is anti-inflammatory, contains healthy fats, is gut friendly and has magnesium and potassium. Almond Milk, if unsweetened, is also a good alternative because it contains antioxidants, is anti-inflammatory and made up of healthy fats.

What is the best cheese to avoid inflammation? ›

Pecorino Romano. An Italian cheese made from sheep's milk, Neumann says that Pecorino Romano is rich in CLAs (conjugated linoleic acid), which is linked to lowering inflammation and supporting heart health.

What milk is good for female hormones? ›

Almond. Almond milk is pretty simple—it comes from soaked almonds. It's also hormone-free and in unsweetened form, contains less saturated fat and calories than milk, explains Patel—which makes it one of the safer options in the context of hormonal disruption.

Does dairy mess with female hormones? ›

Dairy products, especially those with a full-fat content, contain high levels of oestrogens that can interfere with your own levels and promote endometriosis as well as, hormone-related cancers, like breast, womb or ovary.

Why is grass-fed milk so good? ›

Pasture feeding has been demonstrated to have a positive impact on the nutrient profile of milk, increasing the content of some beneficial nutrients such as Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, vaccenic acid, and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), while reducing the levels of Omega-6 fatty acids and palmitic acid.

Is grass fed really healthier? ›

No studies have proven that grass-fed beef is better for your health. But pound for pound, it may have less total fat and fewer calories. Also, grass-fed beef has up to six times more heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids than regular grain-fed beef. Many people also believe grass-fed beef to be a more humane option.

Is raw milk better than grass-fed milk? ›

Raw milk has Antioxidants

Up to 50% more vitamin E is found in 100% grass fed milk than in conventionally produced milk. and the antioxidant mineral, selenium comes in greater abundance with more grasses. These are more reasons to choose 100% grass fed raw cows milk remaining undenatured by pasteurization.

Is grass fed milk hormone free? ›

While most of their diet is based on organic, GMO-free, antibiotic-free, hormone-free, and pesticide-free feed, at least 30% of their diet must also come from grass. This means that the cows do have access to pasture and a larger living space compared to conventional milk cows.

Is grass fed milk 100% grass fed? ›

Grassmilk® products come from cows that are exclusively fed fresh grasses, dried and stored forages, and a small amount of supplements like molasses—without any grains.

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