Dorset Red is created in the same way that Ford Farm makes its traditional cheddar, using milk sourced from local grazing herds and with the process conducted predominantly by hand.
However, the heat of the milk is lowered and less stirring is done, resulting in a milder flavour as well as a softer texture. It is pressed into block moulds and left to mature for around three months.
Dorset Red has a deep amber colour, due to the addition of annatto, a commonly used natural colouring which gives it a similar appearance to a Red Leicester.