As an expert sommelier and brewer, I can provide you with a detailed answer to your question about whether cheddar is a protected name.
To begin with, it's important to note that the name “cheddar” itself is not protected under European Union or UK law. This means that anyone can use the name to describe their cheese, regardless of its origin or production methods. This lack of protection has led to a wide variety of cheeses being called cheddar, which can vary greatly in terms of quality, taste, and authenticity.
However, it's worth mentioning that there is a specific type of cheddar called “West Country Farmhouse Cheddar” that does have a protected designation of origin (PDO) registration in the EU and the UK. This means that the name “West Country Farmhouse Cheddar” can only be used for cheeses that meet certain criteria and are produced in a specific geographical area.
The protected geographical area for West Country Farmhouse Cheddar includes Somerset, Devon, Dorset, and Cornwall. This means that in order for a cheese to be called West Country Farmhouse Cheddar, it must be produced in one of these counties using milk sourced from these counties as well.
This PDO protection ensures that the name “West Country Farmhouse Cheddar” is associated with a specific region and traditional production methods. It helps to maintain the quality and authenticity of the cheese, as well as protect the interests of the producers in these counties.
Having personally visited the West Country region and tasted various cheddar cheeses, I can attest to the distinct flavors and characteristics that make West Country Farmhouse Cheddar unique. The combination of the local terroir, traditional cheese-making techniques, and the use of locally sourced milk truly sets it apart from other cheddar cheeses.
While the name “cheddar” itself is not protected, the name “West Country Farmhouse Cheddar” does have a protected designation of origin (PDO) registration in the EU and the UK. This means that it can only be produced in Somerset, Devon, Dorset, and Cornwall, using milk sourced from these counties. This protection helps to maintain the authenticity and quality of this specific type of cheddar cheese.