gritty cheese

[bubbles4920]

i bought a nice big piece of strong extra mature cheddar cheese. when eating it, i find it was gritty in places. is this common for extra mature or should i take it back?

[Amia]

I think the gritty bits are calcium crystals or something like that? I think its common so nothing to worry about

[sunflower68]

I love those bits in strong cheddar. Dunno what they are or why they are there tho.

[Xollob]

The gritty bits are crystals are calcium lactate and you should regard them as a sign of quality - just like a good parmesan.

[WendyS]

Yes, these gritty bits are perfectly normal in good matured cheddar. They are formed naturally and are nothing to worry about.

[bubbles4920]

thank you for your reassuring answers. i'll appreciate a cheese n pickle sandwich even more now. gosh, and i thought i was pretty cultured, glad i didnt return it tho supermarket returns mite not have known either. by the way no offence to supermarket workers!