National Cheddar Day is celebrated annually on February 13, created by the Tillamook County Creamery Cooperation to honor cheddar cheese and its various products. This day acknowledges the origins of cheddar cheese from the city of Cheddar in Somerset, South England, where the unique conditions of Cheddar Gorge contribute to the cheese's maturation. Cheddar cheese is a popular choice in the United States, accounting for over a third of all cheese sold. The celebration encourages cheese lovers to appreciate cheddar's distinct characteristics, including the cheddaring process that gives it a denser, crumbly texture. National Cheddar Day was established to share a passion for cheddar and commemorate the 110th birthday of Tillamook.