Cheese Curds: It’s Not Too Late To Celebrate This National Food Holiday
Cheese curd lovers rejoice. There’s still time to celebrate National Cheese Curd Day. According to Restaurant News, this holiday came to be on October 15, 2015. Thanks to the Culver’s Restaurant, it pays homage to the chain’s signature side order in the most festive and yummy way possible.
Culver’s is sponsoring a contest that runs now through October 30. If you love cheese curds, you don’t want to miss the “Curd Nerd Sweepstakes.” There are scads of prizes, including the grand prize of free Wisconsin cheese curds for a year and $1,000 worth of Culver’s gift cards.
You know you’re in WI when the grand prize is cheese curds for a year! pic.twitter.com/8AvdsZGCSy
— BrotherHoman (@BrHoman) October 6, 2016
Although it’s entirely possible to make cheese curds at home, it’s much more convenient to buy them ready-made. The easiest way to do so is online. However, a growing number of grocery stores are starting to carry them as well.
Eat Curds explains that cheese curds are the small chunks of cheesy goodness that end up as blocks or wheels of cheddar or other flavor varieties. They have a more rubbery texture than traditional cheese. Believe it or not, there’s actually a science behind why cheese curds squeak when you eat them.
They contain numerous strands of protein, which are very elastic nature. As you chew, each curd rubs against your teeth. This causes the squeak. The noise also indicates that you’re consuming a fresh product. Sadly, the curds typically lose their squeakiness, after about 12 hours. But, there is good news. Place them in the microwave for a few seconds and the squeak will return like magic.
Recipe-wise, you can do a whole lot with the mighty little cheese curd. Use them to make mini pizza crusts, as an antipasto salad ingredient, and even as part of a sweet dessert. You’re only limited by your imagination!
Cheese curds aren’t cheap. It might be because it takes 10 pounds of milk to make one pound of cheese curds. But, many people feel that the amazing taste makes up for the additional cost. Only you can decide if it’s worth it.
Some cheese lovers are quite surprised to learn that cheese is actually a living thing. Don’t let that scare you off. Bristol Farms indicates that this food actually keeps evolving, even after you bring it home. More times than not, when mold starts to develop, simply remove the spot and re-refrigerate the rest.
In addition, even though the majority of cheese curds are made with cow’s milk. You can feasibly make them with sheep, goat, or even buffalo milk. Along the same lines, the most popular cheese curd flavor is cheddar. However, other flavor profiles include garlic, Cajun, ranch, and taco.
Cheese curds typically don’t get mold. Because they’re so delicious, they just don’t have the chance to sit around and get moldy. There’s seemingly no “middle ground” to cheese curd admiration. You either love them or you hate them.
If you don’t fully understand what cheese curds are, we’ve got you covered: https://t.co/k5WWn9gsfP pic.twitter.com/RYVvAPImT2
— Tasting Table (@TastingTable) October 16, 2016
How do these cheese nuggets measure up when it comes to nutritional value? According to LIVESTRONG, one ounce of cheese is approximately the same size as four dice. It contains roughly 110 calories, most of which come from fat. That being said, eating cheese curds in moderation is highly recommended.
Are you addicted to squeaky cheese curds? If so, you’re definitely not the only one. Scores of curd lovers feel exactly the same way you do. Please take a minute to share your favorite way of eating cheese curds. Who knows? You might even start a new trend!
[Featured Image by Julie Deshaies/Shutterstock]
