Which of the following is a characteristic of extra hard cheeses?

Extra hard cheeses are characterized by a long aging period, which contributes to their distinct texture and flavor profile. During this aging process, moisture is gradually removed, resulting in a drier, firmer cheese. The extended maturation allows for complex flavors to develop and enhances the cheese’s ability to be grated or shaved.

In contrast, high moisture content, low aging period, and soft texture are features associated with other types of cheeses. Cheeses with high moisture content, for example, are typically fresh or soft varieties that have not undergone a lengthy aging process. Similarly, a low aging period would indicate a cheese that is still young and has a softer texture, which is contrary to the characteristics of extra hard cheeses. Thus, the long aging period is what distinctly identifies extra hard cheeses.