Whats the difference between Mature and Extra Mature Cheddar?

If you’re standing at a cheese counter deciding between mature and extra mature Cheddar, you might wonder how different they really are.

So, what is the difference between mature and extra mature Cheddar?

The main difference is maturation. Extra mature Cheddar is generally aged for longer than mature Cheddar, which allows its flavour to become stronger, deeper and more complex. Its texture can also become firmer and more crumbly as the cheese matures.

In simple terms:

Mature Cheddar tends to be rich, savoury and full-flavoured while remaining relatively smooth and versatile.

Extra mature Cheddar usually has a stronger, sharper flavour with greater complexity and often a firmer, more crumbly texture.

However, age isn't the only thing that determines how a Cheddar tastes. The milk, cultures, cheesemaking process and conditions in which it is matured all have an effect too.

And that's exactly what makes discovering different British Cheddars so interesting.

What Is Mature Cheddar?

Mature Cheddar is Cheddar cheese that has been allowed to develop for longer than younger mild or medium varieties.

As Cheddar matures, its flavours become more pronounced.

Rather than the gentle, creamy character associated with younger Cheddar, a good mature Cheddar might offer a combination of savoury, nutty, tangy and sometimes slightly sweet flavours.

How long a cheese labelled “mature” has actually been aged can vary between cheesemakers. There isn't one simple maturation period that every British producer follows when using terms such as mature, extra mature or vintage.

That is why two cheeses labelled mature Cheddar can still taste surprisingly different.

The environment in which a Cheddar matures can also have a major impact on its final character. Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company, for example, explains that temperature, humidity and the maturation environment can influence a cheese's flavour, texture and moisture as it develops.

What Is Extra Mature Cheddar?

Extra mature Cheddar is generally a Cheddar that has been matured for longer, allowing stronger and more complex flavours to develop.

It is the natural next step for people who enjoy mature Cheddar but want something with a little more intensity.

Depending on the cheesemaker, you might find flavours that are:

• Sharper

• More savoury

• Nutty

• Richer

• Tangier

• Slightly sweet or caramelised

• Longer lasting on the palate

Its texture may also be more noticeably crumbly.

Some longer-aged Cheddars even develop the small crunchy crystals that many cheese lovers actively look for.

Quite the opposite: in a well-matured Cheddar, those little crystals can be part of what makes each bite so satisfying. Our Extra Mature Cheddar is a best-seller for that very reason. 

Mature vs Extra Mature Cheddar: What's the Main Difference?

If you're trying to choose between them, think primarily about strength and complexity.

There will always be exceptions because every cheesemaker produces Cheddar differently.

But if you're deciding purely on taste, the simplest rule is:

Choose mature Cheddar for a good balance of richness and versatility. Choose extra mature Cheddar when you want the cheese itself to make more of a statement.

Is Extra Mature Cheddar Stronger Than Mature Cheddar?

Generally, yes.

Extra mature Cheddar will usually taste stronger than mature Cheddar.

Ageing gives the cultures and enzymes within the cheese more time to break down its proteins and fats. This gradually creates the deeper aromas, flavours and textures we associate with aged cheese.

A good example of how dramatically Cheddar can change with time can be seen in longer-aged British Cheddars.

Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company explains that its youngest Cheddars are around six months old, while some of its oldest varieties are matured for around two years. As a general principle, it notes that older cheese tends to develop a stronger flavour.

Its Extra Mature Cheddar, for instance, is matured for around 12 months and described as having a firm body and strong flavour.

How Long Is Mature Cheddar Aged?

There isn't one universal number.

This is worth knowing when you're shopping for cheese because terms such as mature, extra mature and vintage don't necessarily tell you the cheese's exact age.

Different British dairies have their own maturation programmes.

You might find one producer's 12-month Cheddar described as extra mature while another producer uses completely different names for cheeses of a similar age.

Some cheesemakers therefore choose to tell you the exact maturation time instead.

Davidstow, for example, currently produces Cheddars matured for 12, 24, 36 and even 60 months, with flavour becoming increasingly intense and complex across the range.

So rather than judging a Cheddar by the words on the front of the pack alone, it is worth looking at where it was produced, how long it was aged and how the cheesemaker describes its flavour.

That's often where you'll find the really interesting differences.

Why Does Cheddar Get Stronger With Age?

A block of Cheddar doesn't simply sit still while it's maturing.

A great deal is happening inside it.

Over time, natural biochemical changes gradually alter the cheese's proteins and fats.

That affects three things you'll notice when you eat it:

Flavour
The taste becomes deeper and more complex.

Aroma
Older cheeses can develop more pronounced savoury, nutty and sometimes earthy aromas.

Texture
Moisture changes and protein breakdown can create a firmer, more crumbly cheese.

This is why tasting Cheddars of different ages side by side can be so interesting.

They might have started with very similar ingredients, yet maturation can take them in noticeably different directions.

Does Extra Mature Cheddar Taste Better?

Not necessarily.

It tastes different, rather than automatically better.

If you love big, bold flavours, extra mature Cheddar will probably be your preference.

If you prefer something a little smoother and more balanced, mature Cheddar may be exactly what you're looking for.

There is also a time and a place for each.

A strong extra mature Cheddar can be brilliant when you're sitting down with crackers and chutney and want to really appreciate the cheese.

For a recipe involving several other strong ingredients, however, you might prefer the balance of a mature Cheddar.

That's one of the pleasures of exploring British cheese: there isn't really one “best” Cheddar.

The fun is finding yours.

Is Mature or Extra Mature Cheddar Better for a Cheeseboard?

For us, the answer is simple:

Why choose just one?

A cheeseboard is at its best when it combines contrasting tastes and textures.

If Cheddar is going to be the star, a good extra mature variety is difficult to beat. Its stronger flavour means it can hold its own alongside chutneys, crackers, fresh fruit and pickles.

Try serving it with:

• Caramelised onion chutney

• Apple or pear

• British pickles

• Artisan crackers

• Fresh sourdough

• Walnuts

• Grapes

If you're creating a larger British cheeseboard, you can then add softer, creamier or more delicate cheeses alongside it.

A beautiful British cheeseboard doesn't need dozens of varieties. A few thoughtfully chosen cheeses with genuinely different characters will usually create a much better experience.

Which Cheddar Is Better for Cooking?

Both mature and extra mature Cheddar can be excellent for cooking.

The best choice depends on how prominent you want the cheese flavour to be.

Use mature Cheddar for:

Macaroni cheese
Rich enough to provide plenty of flavour without dominating the sauce.

Cheese sauces
Ideal for cauliflower cheese, pies and gratins.

Cheese toasties
A classic choice with a good balance of flavour and melt.

Burgers
Strong enough to taste alongside meat, relish and salad without overwhelming everything else.

Use extra mature Cheddar for:

Cheese scones
A stronger Cheddar gives even a relatively small amount of cheese plenty of flavour.

Welsh rarebit
Perfect when you want a properly punchy cheese topping.

Savoury pastries
A little extra mature Cheddar goes a long way in tarts, quiches and pies.

Gratins and baked dishes
Extra mature Cheddar can create a wonderfully savoury golden crust.

You can also combine the two.

Using a good melting cheese alongside an extra mature Cheddar is a great way to achieve both texture and depth of flavour.

What Goes Well With Extra Mature Cheddar?

Extra mature Cheddar loves flavours that can stand up to it.

A spoonful of caramelised onion chutney is an obvious place to begin. Its sweetness balances the savoury tang of the cheese beautifully.

Apple is another classic partner.

Try thin slices of crisp British apple alongside your cheese, or pair Cheddar with an apple chutney for something a little richer.

Pickles work particularly well too because their acidity cuts through the richness of the cheese.

For a simple serving suggestion, we'd go for:

Extra mature British Cheddar + caramelised onion chutney + a really good cracker.

Sometimes three ingredients are all you need.

Is Extra Mature Cheddar Good for Gifting?

Very much so.

Cheese is one of those gifts that feels particularly generous because it is designed to be opened, shared and enjoyed.

An extra mature Cheddar makes a great starting point for a British cheese hamper, particularly when it is paired with produce from independent British makers.

Add crackers, chutney, pickles and perhaps a contrasting second or third cheese and you have a gift that feels considered without being complicated.

It's also an excellent option for corporate gifting.

Rather than another generic gift, a hamper filled with British produce gives the recipient something to discover — and something that can actually be enjoyed with family, friends or colleagues.

For us, that's exactly what a good food gift should do.

What About Vintage Cheddar?

If extra mature still isn't strong enough for you, you may want to explore vintage Cheddar.

Vintage Cheddars are commonly matured for longer still, although, again, the exact ageing period will depend on the cheesemaker.

Longer maturation can create especially intense flavours and noticeably different textures.

Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company's Vintage Cheddar, for example, is matured for 18 months or more, while its description notes a firm, crumbly texture and strong, lingering flavour.

Elsewhere, some British Cheddars are matured for considerably longer. Davidstow's range extends all the way to a 60-month mature Cheddar.

If you're somebody who heads straight for the strongest cheese on the board, exploring longer-aged Cheddars is well worth it.

Mature or Extra Mature Cheddar: Which Should You Choose?

If you're still deciding, here's the easiest way to think about it.

Choose mature Cheddar if you want:
A full-flavoured, versatile cheese that's equally comfortable in a sandwich, recipe or cheeseboard.

Choose extra mature Cheddar if you want:
A stronger, more complex Cheddar with a firmer texture and a flavour that takes centre stage.

And if you love British cheese?

Try both.

The variation between different Cheddars is part of what makes them so enjoyable to explore.

Milk, maturation, location and the decisions made by the cheesemaker can all influence the finished cheese, giving each one its own character.

Discover Great British Cheddar

Cheddar may be one of Britain's most familiar cheeses, but familiar certainly doesn't have to mean ordinary.

From creamy mature Cheddar to deeply savoury extra mature and vintage varieties, giving a cheese more time to develop can completely transform its flavour and texture.

So, what is the difference between mature and extra mature Cheddar?

Extra mature Cheddar is generally aged for longer, resulting in a stronger, deeper flavour and often a firmer, more crumbly texture, while mature Cheddar usually offers a slightly softer balance between richness, sharpness and versatility.

The best way to appreciate that difference is to taste it.

Explore our collection of British Cheddar and artisan cheeses, alongside chutneys, crackers and deli favourites chosen to complement them. Whether you're building your own cheeseboard, filling the fridge with something worth looking forward to or sending a hamper as a gift, there's always another great British cheese waiting to be discovered.