3 things you may not know about cheddar cheese

• Annatto, a dye extracted from the tropical achiote or annatto tree, is frequently used to give cheddar an orange colour.
• In 1866, the mayor of Ingersoll, Ontario, had a 7,000-pound cheese produced; it was then exhibited in New York and Britain to increase awareness of Canada's cheddar-producing industry.
• In Australia, cheddar cheese is often called Tasty Cheese.

2 ways to try cheddar cheese right now

• Melting in your mouth in a fresh-baked rustic cheese bread.
• Adding smoothness and texture to a pear and apple salad with nuts.

2 tips you can't live without

• Serve cheddar at room temperature, as coldness draws out the oils, which changes the flavour and the texture.
• Old and extra old cheddar are best for soups, since they both add flavour and texture. Finely grate cheddars and add slowly to hot broth, stirring constantly.

2 great places to feed your inner cheddar addict

• Balderson Village Cheese and Country Store near Perth, Ontario
• Saint-Prime, Quebec's Musée du Fromage Cheddar

1 thing to remember at the grocery store

• Look for a waxy exterior, good all-over texture, and a clean aroma.

2 essential tools for cheddar cheese

• OXO Good Grips Rotary Cheese Grater.
• Vintage cheese boards; serve cheddar on the board with 3 or 4 other cheeses made from different milks.

The Canadian Living Recipes section has many delicious recipes featuring cheddar cheese.