Cheese curd
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=Production
[edit]Characteristics
[edit]Their flavour is mild, but the taste can differ depending on the process by which they were made. It has about the same firmness and density as cheese, but with a springy or rubbery texture.[1] Fresh curds squeak against the teeth when bitten into. This "squeak" has been described by The New York Times as sounding like "balloons trying to neck".[2] After 12 hours, even under refrigeration, cheese curds lose much of their "fresh" characteristic, particularly the "squeak", due to moisture entering the curd.[1] Keeping them at room temperature can preserve the squeakiness.[citation needed]
The curds have a mild flavour and are sometimes somewhat salty.[1] Most varieties, as in Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, Vermont, or New York State, are naturally uncoloured.
Uses
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Fresh
[edit]Fresh cheese curds are often eaten as a snack, finger food, or an appetizer. They may be served alone, dressed with an addx |archive-date=2011-10-26}}</ref> They are often served by Russian Mennonites as part of a traditional light lunch called faspa.[3]
Fried cheese curds
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Deep-fried cheese curds are often found at carnivals and fairs, and often local non-chain fast-food restaurants and at regular restaurants and bars, as well as a few chain restaurants of local origin, such as Culver's.
Minnesota style deep-fried cheese curds are covered with a batter similar to one used for onion rings, and placed in a deep fryer. Wisconsin style deep-fried cheese curds use breading instead of batter.[4] They are sometimes served with a side of ketchup, marinara sauce, or ranch dressing. [5]
In many areas where fried cheese curds are common, the term "cheese curds", or simply "curds", refers to the fried variety; non-fried curds are distinguished by calling them "raw" or "plain" cheese curds.
In some areas, deep-fried cheese curds are also known as cheeseballs. Whereas in Wisconsin they are usually referred to as fried curds. [6]
Poutine
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Cheese curds are a main ingredient in poutine, which originated in the 1950s in rural Quebec, Canada. It consists of french fries topped with fresh cheese curds, covered with brown gravy and sometimes additional ingredients.[1]
See also
[edit]- Fried cheese
- Halloumi
- Leipäjuusto (Finnish squeaky cheese)
- List of cheeses
Food portal
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d Cite error: The named reference
Squeakywas invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ Louisa Kamps, "Cheese Curds," NY Times, October 17, 2004
- ^ Nathan Orsi. "A Historic look at the Importance of Cheese in Mennonite Society".
- ^ "Where to Go in Minneapolis-St. Paul For the Best Cheese Curds". The Cheese Professor. 2022-05-23. Retrieved 2023-08-04.
- ^ Lewis, Chelsey (April 21, 2016). "Are Fried Cheese Curds Wisconsin's Most Important Food Innovation?", Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Retrieved May 21, 2016.
- ^ Belleville, Kansas Dairy Queen website Archived April 25, 2010, at the Wayback Machine
