Difference Between Curds & Cream Cheese

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. Cream cheese 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.

References

• Cheese curds are semi-solids
• Cream cheese is made from cow's milk

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish