Why is cheddar cheese yellow?

Cheddar cheese isn't naturally yellow! The yellow color comes from annatto, a natural food coloring derived from the seeds of the achiote tree.

Here's why cheddar cheese is often yellow:

* Historical reasons: In the 19th century, British cheesemakers added annatto to their cheddar to make it appear richer and more appealing to consumers.

* Consumer preference: Consumers became accustomed to the yellow hue, associating it with quality and flavor.

* Branding: The yellow color became a trademark for cheddar, making it easily recognizable.

However, not all cheddar cheese is yellow! Some cheesemakers choose to use natural pigments found in milk, like beta-carotene, or avoid coloring altogether, resulting in a more natural, off-white color.

So, next time you see a cheddar cheese, consider the color - it might just tell you something about its origin and production!