Colby

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Colby cheese has a mild flavour that goes nicely with pears, apples, and apple cider.

This cheese was developed in Colby, Wisconsin, about a hundred years ago. Colby is similar to cheddar, but because it is produced through a washed-curd process, it is a softer, moister, and milder cheese. The washed-curd process means that during the cooking time, the whey is replaced by water; this reduces the curd’s acidity, resulting in Colby’s characteristically mild, pleasant flavour. It takes a little more than a gallon of milk to produce just 1 pound (454g) of cheese.

Varieties

Longhorn is the best known of the Colby cheeses, all of which are typically sold in half-rounds.

Buying and storing tips

Colby should not be aged. It is best used shortly after purchase; otherwise, it soon dries out. Note that a few brands of Colby have been associated with Listeria contamination and recalls, so purchase pasteurised Colby, rather than a raw-milk variety.

Availability

Colby is widely available in health food stores, specialty stores, and markets.

Preparation, uses, and tips

Because it is such a mild cheese, colby is seldom used in cooking. It is used as a table cheese, for grating and grilling, and in snacks and salads. Like cheddar, it complements pears, apples, and apple cider nicely. It also goes well with barbecued dishes, chilli, burgers, fajitas, and frittatas. When making sandwiches, enjoy Colby on rye bread.

Nutritional Highlights

Colby, 1 slice (1 oz.) (28g)
Calories: 111
Protein: 6.7g
Carbohydrate: 0.73g
Total Fat: 9g
Fiber: 0.0g
*Excellent source of: Calcium (214mg)

*Foods that are an “excellent source” of a particular nutrient provide 20% or more of the Recommended Daily Value, based upon United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) guidelines. Foods that are a “good source” of a particular nutrient provide between 10 and 20% of the USDA Recommended Daily Value. Nutritional information and daily nutritional guidelines may vary in different countries. Please consult the appropriate organization in your country for specific nutritional values and the recommended daily guidelines.