Did you know that those white crystals that you find in cheese are not in fact flakes of salt? Affectionately known by cheesemongers as ‘cheese diamonds’ these little crunchy bits naturally occur within hard, long-aged cheeses. Read on if you would like to find out more…
What are the crunchy bits in cheese?
As cheeses mature, the chain-like structure of fats and proteins that form in the curd during the make slowly break down.
Many people confuse cheese crystals with mould or yeast growth. Cheesemakers have traditionally avoided crystallisation, afraid that their customers would not want cheese that looked unusually mouldy. However, these days cheese 'diamonds' are considered trendy and remain absolutely delicious. In addition to adding extra crunch to cheese, cheese diamonds indicate the cheese will have a rich and complex taste.
In cheeses like Goudas, such as the Old Groendal, these proteins break down into an amino acid called tyrosine. Tyrosine crystals unusually only occur within the paste of the cheese. Whilst these crystals don’t bring a huge amount of flavour to the cheese, they do create a really satisfying texture. Interestingly, when we eat tyrosine, this encourages the body to produce dopamine - perhaps that’s why people crave it so much!
In cheeses like Cheddars, those crunchy bits are more commonly calcium lactate. This is where lactic acid and calcium combine to form calcium lactate crystals. Whilst this crystalline texture is not historically found in cheddars, there has definitely been a rise in its popularity. Featured below are some of our delicious artisan cheeses which feature these incredible ‘cheese diamonds’.
1) Old Groendal
2) Schnebelhorn
3) Parmigiano Reggiano
4) Coolea
5) Paxton & Whtfield Cave-Aged Cheddar
FAQs
In addition to adding extra crunch to cheese, cheese diamonds indicate the cheese will have a rich and complex taste. In cheeses like Goudas, such as the Old Groendal, these proteins break down into an amino acid called tyrosine. Tyrosine crystals unusually only occur within the paste of the cheese.
What causes cheese crystals? ›
These crystals are the calcium salt of lactic acid. As cheese ages, the culture breaks down the lactose in the cheese and produces lactic acid. As lactic acid levels rise in the cheese they can begin to bind with calcium ions forming calcium lactate.
What are the crunchy crystals in cheese? ›
They're most likely calcium lactate crystals, also known as “cheese crystals.” They are completely safe to eat, and usually signify that a cheese is flavorful and well-aged.
Is black diamond real cheese? ›
Made from the Freshest Non-pasteurized Cow's Milk
The use of non-pasteurized milk allows Black Diamond Cheddar to be aged for up to 5 years to attain its exceptional taste and texture. The result is a distinctive full-flavored cheese appreciated by discerning cheese lovers.
Are chocolate diamonds junk? ›
Chocolate diamonds (of the Le-Vian variety) are of a much higher value than other brown diamonds due to their guarantee of rich color and high quality. However, Le-Vian does not own every high-quality brown diamond in existence, but it is considered the designer brand: the Gucci of diamonds.
Are lab created diamonds cheesy? ›
One common perception is that lab-grown diamonds are 'tacky' because they aren't sourced from the Earth. However, their formation process does not affect their quality or appearance. In fact, it's nearly impossible for even trained gemologists to distinguish between the two without specialized equipment.
Are cheese crystals mold? ›
A lot of people confuse the white powdery look of calcium lactate on the surface of cheese with mold—an easy mistake to make. Calcium lactate will lay flat on your piece of cheese, whereas mold will be raised, growing on top of it.
Are cheese crystals good for you? ›
Read on to learn, and impress your friends the next time you get together and eat cheese. Secondly, cheese that is crystallized is entirely safe to eat. Some people actually prefer crystals! Lastly, crystals are a sure sign of an aged cheese.
What do cheese crystals taste like? ›
These little crispy clusters are tyrosine crystals. And if you dig one out of your cheese and taste it, they will taste like nothing. They're a result of proteins. breaking down during the aging process.
Does Parmesan cheese have crystals in it? ›
The proteins in Parmesan cheese are composed of amino acids, including tyrosine. Over time, the tyrosine molecules bind together, forming small, crunchy crystals that give the cheese a unique texture. The crystals in Parmesan cheese can range in size from small, sand-like granules to larger, crunchy pieces.
Discard any soft cheese showing mold. For hard cheese, such as Cheddar, cut off at least 1-inch around and below the mold spot (keep the knife out of the mold itself). After trimming off the mold, the remaining cheese should be safe to eat. Re-cover the cheese in fresh wrap and keep refrigerated.
What are the crystals in aged gouda cheese? ›
Surface crystals are just calcium lactate and is not uncommon on an aged cheese, just scrape it off and enjoy. Tyrosine crystals are the ones referred to as the “flavor crunchies”, they develop inside the cheese during aging.
What is the rarest cheese? ›
1. Pule Cheese - $600 Per Pound. Pule cheese is the most expensive cheese in the world because it is produced exclusively at Serbia's Zasavica Special Nature Reserve. This rare cheese is made from the milk of Balkan donkeys which are endangered and native to Serbia and Montenegro.
Is Cracker Barrel cheese real cheese? ›
Cracker Barrel Aged Reserve Cheddar cheese is carefully cured for a rich, distinct, and balanced flavor. Our high standards come from a belief that cheese making is an art perfected by experts with decades of experience. The deliciously different taste of Cracker Barrel cheese will keep you coming back for more.
Does Moon cheese exist? ›
Moon Cheese is 100% real cheese that has had the moisture ejected to make it a tasty shelf-stable snack—no refrigeration needed! Most Moon Cheese flavors are made with just cheese but a few have natural seasonings as well.
What is cheese ring made of? ›
Ingredients: Corn, Vegetable Oil (May Contain Coconut Oil And/Or Palm Oil), Cheese Powder (Sugar, Cheese Powder, Dextrin, Iodised Salt, Whole Milk Powder, Non-Dairy Creamer, Flavour Enhancer (Contains MSG), Hydrolysed Vegetable Protein, Vegetable Oil, Acidulant (Citric Acid, Lactic Acid), FD&C Yellow#5 And #6, Iodised ...
Why are chocolate diamonds so expensive? ›
Chocolate Diamonds® are characterized by their specific mineralogical composition, which gives them a set of unique colors and quality. Chocolate Diamonds® are not just any brown diamond, but a rare subspecies of brown diamonds that are estimated to be 10,000 times rarer than your traditional white diamond.
How rare are chocolate diamonds? ›
Chocolate Diamonds® are rarer than any other diamond on earth. Last year alone, the entire planet produced fewer than 1,000 Chocolate Diamonds that were . 5 carat or larger.
