Cheese curds are a popular treat among most people around the world. They came into popularity because they are the main ingredient of the famous Canadian dish ‘poutine’. They can also be eaten plain or deep-fried in beer batter, and I am already drooling.
They have mild, milky taste and soft texture. Another distinguishing feature of cheese curds is that they squeak when you bite into them. This is the reason why cheese curds are also called ‘squeaky cheese’.
Unfortunately, cheese curds only squeak when they are fresh, the fresher they are, the louder they squeak.
Cheese Curds and the ‘Squeak’
The cheese curds squeak because of the protein network found in cheese curds which are woven tightly, allowing it to “rebound” from our teeth as we bite, creating a sound.
Cheese curds do not squeak after being 24 hours old because the temperature that is too warm or too cold may change the composition of proteins. If the proteins break down, it does not squeak.
Most people have experimented on how to retain the squeak of the cheese curds, and they have succeeded too.
Extend the ‘Squeak Life’ Of Cheese Curds
Freezing is the key to extending the ‘squeak life of cheese curds. After refrigerating, the squeak of cheese curds will last for 4 to 5 days, but the squeak will only last if they have enough moisture.
You will have to leave the cheese curds in room temperature for 24 hours before you eat them. Also, when freezing, pack them in small portions so that you don’t have to defrost them all at once.
Or if you are in a hurry, you can also gently warm the cheese curds for 5 to 10 seconds in the microwave, and this will help you get back the squeak of cheese curds. Make sure you don’t heat them up for more than 10 seconds, or else cheese curds will melt leaving you with a cheese curd sauce.
Honestly, I haven’t tried these methods to regain or retain the squeak because, for me, Pure Dairy does it. When I buy fresh cheese curds from Pure Dairy, I never have to worry about the squeak of cheese curds.
Let me tell you why? Because they use Individually Quick Frozen (IQF) method, meaning a faster freezing time. By limiting the freezing time, taste, texture, nutritional value, and the squeak are all better preserved.
Their storing and freezing process also allows to better control portion sizes and reduces wastage. If you also want to have the fresh cheese curds in Australia which are directly sourced from Wisconsin, contact Pure Dairy. Contact them, and they will get back to you with additional details about the distributor near you.
