Cheese takes many forms.
All cheese contains milk. It's the curdling of the milk that begins the cheese-making process.
Curds and Cream
Cheese curds are the coagulated, semi-solid pieces formed during curdling. The liquid remaining is whey. Cream cheese is a soft, white, smooth-textured, spreadable cheese.
Processes
Cheese curds are really a step in the process of manufacturing cheese. Cheese curds are pressed into molds to form into blocks and wheels of cheese, which are then aged and ripened. is unripened cheese made from cow's milk.
Uses
Fresh cheese curds are often eaten as a snack, deep fried or used as a topping. Cream cheese is used in cheesecake and other recipes, can be mixed into dips or can be spread onto bread, bagels or crackers.
Taste and Texture
Cream cheese is mildly tangy. Cheese curds have a rubbery texture and a milky flavor. Cheese curds "squeak" when they're chewed.
Freshness
Cheese curds lose freshness rapidly, within 10 to 12 hours of production. Refrigerated cream cheese should be used within a week after opening.
Where to Buy
Cream cheese, often combined with ingredients like fruit or herbs, can be found in most supermarkets. The freshest cheese curds are sold at or in areas close to cheese factories.
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