What makes cheddar cheese orange?

As near as cheese historians can make out, the practice originated many years ago in England. Milk contains varying amounts of beta-carotene, the yellow-orange stuff found in carrots and other vegetables. read more

The deep orange color most people associate with cheeses like cheddar and colby comes from annatto. Annatto is a seed from the South American achiote tree (a liquid extract is made with the seeds). read more

Cheddar cheese is a relatively hard, off-white (or orange if spices such as annatto are added), sometimes sharp-tasting, natural cheese. Originating in the English village of Cheddar in Somerset, cheeses of this style are produced beyond the region and in several countries around the world. read more