What is a cheese curd?
Simply put, Cheese Curds are squeaky fresh delectable cheddar cheese in its natural, random shape and form before being processed into blocks of cheddar.The curd is salted and quick chilled to retain its curd shape.
Why are your cheese curds white?
We’ll answer that one with a question… what color is your milk?
Did Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery invent cheese curds?
Sorry, but we can’t take the credit. Cheese curds have been around since the beginnings of cheese making. However, legend has it that cheddar cheese curds became popular when Wisconsin cheese makers would take handfuls of these delicious and nutritious cheese morsels home to their children. Of course they loved them, and the rest is history.
Who first thought to deep fry a cheese curd?
Oh how we wish we could shake the hand of this genius! Alas, the first person to plop those battered blobs of cheese into hot oil is a mystery that will go down in history. Urban legends abound, including tales of east Ellsworth restaurants frying batches of curds for our cheese making crew after hours on Friday nights. Unfortunately, we’ve yet to prove any of these tales as true. We love hearing the stories, though.
Is it best to eat cheese curds fresh or deep fried?
That is up to you and your personal preference. Fresh cheese curds are warm and salty with that iconic squeak as you chew them. We offer several flavors of fresh cheese curds including Cajun, Garlic, Ranch, Dill Pickle, Hickory Bacon, Hot Buffalo, and Taco. Cheese curd fans enjoy experimenting with cheese curds in their favorite recipes, too.
Deep fried cheese curds are hot and slightly stringy, perfect to enjoy with an ice-cold beverage and your favorite dipping sauce. Ketchup, marinara and ranch dressing are a top choice for dipping, although cocktail, steak and BBQ sauces have a growing fan base.
When can I buy the first cheese curds of the day?
The fresh curds of the day are available at our Ellsworth, WI retail store 7 days a week at 11:00am.
Why do fresh cheese curds squeak?
Cheese curds are often referred to as “squeaky cheese” because of the sound they make when eaten. It’s a telltale sign of a truly fresh cheese curd!The elastic protein strands in cheese curds rub against the enamel of your teeth and create the familiar sound. Sadly, as the cheddar curds begin to age, they also lose their squeak; to restore it, simply microwave for a few seconds until warm.
When is the Cheese Curd Festival?
The annual Cheese Curd Festival is held in Ellsworth, WI, each year in June. A collaborative effort between our creamery and the members of the Ellsworth Area Chamber of Commerce, the event celebrates our town’s designation as the Cheese Curd Capital of Wisconsin. Cheese curd cuisine and other regional specialties, along with live music and family-friendly activities make this a must-attend event. You can learn more about the annual event here.
Do you offer tours?
Due to Health Department regulations and logistics within our production facilities, we are unable to offer tours to the public. Our Comstock location features a large viewing window where the public can catch a glimpse of the artisan cheesemaking process.
Visitors can also enjoy an ice cream treat, wave to the milk haulers as they drive by, and of course browse our expansive selection of Wisconsin cheeses. Fresh curds are made available for sale at 11am daily at our Ellsworth retail store!
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