What Kind of Cheese is a Cheese curd?

A Cheese Curd refers to the solid part of soured milk usually eaten alone especially in the area of cooking or cuisine. Basically, Cheese curds are used in several kinds of regional dishes especially in the US and Canada. Oftentimes, they are also called Squeaky Cheeses.

In most cases, Cheese Curds are produced in Cheese factories. When making cheddar cheese, the milk is formed into curds and whey using cultures. Cheese curds are the curds that form in the vats during this process. After the whey is drained off, the cheese curds are removed from the vat and cooled. These curds can be put into cheddar presses if making cheddar and set aside for aging, but can also be eaten at this stage in production. They are normally eaten few hours after they are produced. They do have mild flavor. The only difference is that they do have springy texture.

When eaten or bitten, most fresh curds do squeak against the teeth. Oftentimes, the squeak sounds like a balloon that is trying to neck. In most cases, Cheese curds do lose their freshness after 12 hours of being refrigerated. Hence, they are mainly eaten when they are still very fresh from production. However, their squeakiness can be preserved when they are kept at room temperature.

Again, Cheese curds can be salty while maintaining their mild flavor. In the US, the varieties of Cheese curds normally eaten usually have orange or yellow color. This is usually the case with many of the American Cheddar Cheese. They don’t normally require artificial coloring. Some other kinds of Cheese Curds used in Canada or some parts of New York City also have natural colors.

How Cheese Curds are used
Cheese curds can be used in their fresh state. They are usually eaten as snacks. Many people also use them as appetizers. You can serve them alone by dressing them with additional flavor. You can equally serve them with other kinds of foods like cured pork or smoked sausage. Among the flavorings you can add to fresh Cheese Curd include garlic, Chili Peppers, herbs and so on. They normally taste great when served with such flavors.

Again, Cheese Curds can be in a fried form. Fried Cheese curds are usually served at various community festivals in some parts of the US. For instance, they are served in Minnesota in a deep-fried form. They are usually served at fun fairs and Carnival events in some parts of the US. They are also served at bars and restaurants. Fried Cheese curds can be served with a batter. They can also be breaded as well. Such fried Cheese curds are known as Cheeseballs in some locations. They are always known to be very tasty when fried.

Cheese Curds are also served as Poutine in Montreal. Poutine refers to a nice dish that is made up of French fries mixed with French Cheese Curds. It’s usually garnished with brown gravy and other ingredients. Poutine has its origin in rural areas of Quebec way back to 1950. It used to be a kind of sauce enjoyed by many people as at then. Today, Cheese curds are usually served as Poutine in various parts of Montreal, Quebec and other cities in Canada.

From the above, it’s very clear that Cheese curd has come a long way. It’s indeed a quality meal you can always enjoy in its fresh or fried state.