National Cheese Curd Day

A joyful person holding a plate of cheese curds, wearing a cheese-themed hat, surrounded by dairy farm landscape.. — National cheese curd day illustration

Wanna talk curdy to me? Well, you've hit the jackpot, because we're here to talk about a day dedicated to little, lumpy dairy miracles that make our taste buds do a happy jig - National Cheese Curd Day! It's a day that unites all curd nerds, and quite frankly, it's un-brie-lievable!

When is Cheese Curd Day?

It's national cheese curd day on the 16th October.

Evolution of the Curd

For those who've been living under a rock and think cheese curds might be some sort of rowdy rodent rebellion, allow us to enlighten you. Cheese curds are delightful nuggets of freshly solidified cheese before it's been aged or pressed into blocks. They're known for their distinct 'squeak' against your teeth when they're fresh, which is music to any cheese lover's ears!

The Internet's Love Affair with Cheese Curds

The internet first started its love affair with cheese curds around the early 2000s, with mentions springing up on food blogs and in passionate cheese forums. Cheesy jokes aside, it wasn't until 16th October 2019 that the internet's love for these chewy bites peaked, with a record 4123 mentions of National Cheese Curd Day! It led to a worldwide rush on cheese stores and several Google searches on 'how to make cheese curds'.

The Day Dedicated to Curds

National Cheese Curd Day celebrates the unsung hero of the cheese world. Be it battered and fried or fresh and squeaky, everyone has their own way of saying 'curds and whey hey!'. And how do people celebrate, you ask? Well, whether it's indulging in these bite-sized pleasures straight from the packet or integrating them into their culinary masterpieces, people are saying 'Gouda-night' to their diets, and we are here for it! This day is feta than Christmas for some!

History behind the term 'Cheese Curd'

1611

The Birth of Cheese Curds

Cheese curds can trace their origins back to 1611. The term 'cheese curd' first appeared during this year, referring to the delicious, bite-sized pieces of cheese that form during the cheese-making process. These little gems are created when the milk is coagulated and then cut into small pieces. The resulting curds are typically soft and moist, with a mild, milky flavor. Cheese curds are most commonly associated with cheddar cheese, but they can also be made from other types of cheese.

1841

The Squeaky Cheese Sensation

In 1841, the term 'squeaky cheese' began gaining popularity alongside cheese curds. This term describes the squeaky sound made when you bite into a fresh cheese curd. As a key characteristic of cheese curds, their squeakiness became a unique selling point. The squeakiness is a result of the elastic protein strands, known as casein, found in the curds. When bitten into, the casein strands rub against the teeth, causing the delightful squeak. This distinctive feature has become synonymous with cheese curds and has contributed to their immense popularity.

1911

Poutine and the Rise of Cheese Curds

The year 1911 saw a significant shift in the history of cheese curds with the invention of poutine. Poutine is a famous Canadian dish that consists of french fries topped with cheese curds and smothered in gravy. This iconic dish quickly gained popularity across Canada and soon became a cultural phenomenon. Poutine's association with cheese curds played a major role in expanding the reach and recognition of these delectable little cheese bites. Today, poutine is a beloved dish worldwide, often served with various toppings and flavor combinations.

1957

Deep-Fried Cheese Curds

In 1957, the innovation of deep-frying cheese curds took the culinary world by storm. Deep-fried cheese curds became a beloved snack, particularly in the Midwestern United States, where they are often associated with state fairs and festivals. The process involves dipping cheese curds in a batter and then frying them until they achieve a crispy, golden exterior while maintaining their gooey, melty interior. This indulgent treat continues to captivate food enthusiasts and has further cemented the popularity of cheese curds in the modern gastronomic landscape.

2001

National Cheese Curd Day

In 2001, the celebration of cheese curds reached a new high with the establishment of National Cheese Curd Day. Celebrated annually on October 15th, this day honors the irresistible charm and mouthwatering appeal of cheese curds. People across the United States indulge in this cheesy delight, whether on its own, as part of poutine, or in other creative recipes. National Cheese Curd Day has become an opportunity to savor and appreciate the history and cultural impact of these popular cheese treats.

Did you know?

Did you know Wisconsin is considered the Cheese Curd Capital of the World? Oh, with over 600 varieties of cheese, let's just say they know their curds!