American cheese is often the choice when melted cheese is called for, in
such favorites as grilled-cheese sandwiches.
American cheese is smooth and light yellow or orange in color. It is usually sold in blocks
or squares. More than half of all cheese consumed in the United States is processed cheese of
this kind. American cheese is essentially young cheddar cheese, made of pasteurized
cows’ milk, which then goes through a shredding and heating process. Various other dairy
ingredients, such as dyes and emulsifiers, are added to create a smooth, mild, odorless,
meltable, and stable product.
Varieties
American cheese is usually sold in packets of ready-cut single-square
slices, but can also be bought in larger blocks. This is the cheese that is often used in
prepackaged cheese spreads.
Buying and storing tips
American cheese should be refrigerated at 46 to 55°F (8 to
13°C). It keeps well for several weeks in the refrigerator.
Availability
American cheese is widely available at natural food, grocery, and
specialty stores.
Preparation, uses, and tips
With its smooth texture and mild taste, American cheese goes well
with apples,
pears, and red grapes. It’s used in sauces,
dips, and spreads, and is typically the cheese that’s melted or grilled in sandwiches
and on hamburgers. It frequently appears in such dishes as macaroni and cheese, and is an
ingredient in a great variety of cooked dishes, from salads to casseroles, biscuits, and
pies.
Nutritional Highlights
American cheese, 1 slice (1 oz.) (28g)
Calories: 106
Protein: 6.3g
Carbohydrate: 0.45g
Total Fat: 8.8g
Fiber: 0.0g
*Excellent source of: Calcium (174mg)
*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.
Copyright © 2002 Healthnotes, Inc. All rights
reserved. www.healthnotes.com
Learn more about Healthnotes, the company.
Learn more about the authors of
Foodnotes.
The information presented in Foodnotes is for informational
purposes only and was created by a team of U.S. registered dietitians and food experts.
Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using
any supplements, making dietary changes, or before making any changes in prescribed
medications. Information expires December 2003.
|
