White American Cheese vs. Yellow: What’s the Difference?
I remember being a kid and being so excited to get a grilled cheese sandwich for lunch. I would always ask my mom to make it with “the yellow cheese” because I thought it tasted so much better than the white cheese. But as I got older, I started to wonder, what’ s the difference between white American cheese and yellow?
It turns out, the difference between white American cheese and yellow American cheese is actually quite simple. White American cheese is made with annatto, a natural food coloring derived from the seeds of the achiote tree. Annatto gives white American cheese its characteristic yellow color. Without annatto, American cheese would be white.
Shades of Yellow
There are actually several different shades of yellow American cheese, ranging from a pale yellow to a deep orange. The color of the cheese depends on the amount of annatto that is added. The more annatto that is added, the darker the cheese will be.
In addition to annatto, American cheese may also contain other ingredients, such as salt, milk, cream, and whey. The specific ingredients and proportions used will vary depending on the manufacturer.
The History of American Cheese
American cheese was first developed in the late 1800s by James L. Kraft. Kraft was looking for a way to create a cheese that would melt smoothly and evenly. He experimented with different ingredients and proportions until he finally developed a recipe that he was satisfied with.
Kraft’ s American cheese quickly became popular, and it soon became one of the most popular cheeses in the United States. Today, American cheese is used in a wide variety of dishes, including grilled cheese sandwiches, macaroni and cheese, and pizza.
The Different Types of American Cheese
There are two main types of American cheese: processed American cheese and natural American cheese. Processed American cheese is made with a blend of cheeses that are melted and mixed together. Natural American cheese is made with milk, cream, and rennet.
Processed American cheese is more commonly used in commercial applications, such as in pre-packaged sandwiches and pizzas. Natural American cheese is more commonly used in home cooking.
Which is Healthier: White or Yellow American Cheese?
There is no significant difference in the nutritional value of white and yellow American cheese. Both types of cheese are a good source of protein and calcium. However, processed American cheese is often higher in sodium than natural American cheese.
If you are concerned about your sodium intake, you may want to choose natural American cheese over processed American cheese.
Tips for Choosing the Best American Cheese
When choosing American cheese, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, consider the type of cheese you want. If you are looking for a cheese that melts smoothly and evenly, you will want to choose processed American cheese. If you are looking for a cheese with a more natural flavor, you will want to choose natural American cheese.
Second, consider the color of the cheese. The darker the cheese, the more annatto it contains. If you are looking for a cheese with a mild flavor, you will want to choose a pale yellow cheese. If you are looking for a cheese with a more robust flavor, you will want to choose a deep orange cheese.
FAQ
Q: What is the difference between white American cheese and yellow American cheese?
A: The difference between white American cheese and yellow American cheese is that yellow American cheese contains annatto, a natural food coloring derived from the seeds of the achiote tree.
Q: Which is healthier: white or yellow American cheese?
A: There is no significant difference in the nutritional value of white and yellow American cheese.
Q: What is the best way to store American cheese?
A: American cheese should be stored in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 2 weeks.
Conclusion
White American cheese and yellow American cheese are two of the most popular cheeses in the United States. They are both good sources of protein and calcium. However, there are some key differences between the two types of cheese. White American cheese is made with annatto, a natural food coloring derived from the seeds of the achiote tree. Yellow American cheese does not contain annatto. As a result, white American cheese is white, while yellow American cheese is yellow.
When choosing American cheese, consider the type of cheese you want, the color of the cheese, and your nutritional needs.
Are you interested in learning more about different types of cheese? If so, be sure to check out our other articles on the topic.
