Ok all you cheese freaks...

When I lived in Boston (2002-2005), and would fly home to visit my folks in Georgia, I used to bring Kroger medium cheddar back with me!  I stuck a few blocks in the freezer for a couple of hours, then wrapped each brick in foil and threw them in my carry-on with a couple of frozen water bottles.  I wasn't sure the first time I did it that they'd make it there unscathed, but even the two hour drive, two hours at the airport, three hours on the plane and hour and a half T ride home couldn't stop the power of Kroger cheddar!

Kroger Cheddar is the best!!  I found it when I lived in Kennesaw for a year.  My then boyfriend used to tease me about my obsession with that cheese.  Still, I am going home to Texas this summer and I think that I will have to find a Kroger and bring some back home with me.  Now I am hungry just thinking about it!

Ok, when I am over in the UK in February, I am finding crystal-laden cheese.  I am so curious now!

Ok, when I am over in the UK in February, I am finding crystal-laden cheese.  I am so curious now!

I know, me too.  I'm going to check our specialty deli here and see if they have any.  I have to try it now!!

CRYSTALS?!   
I've never seen or tasted a crunchy cheese with crystals!
I'm sure it would make me feel sick...  but now i'm curious! 

CRYSTALS?!   
I've never seen or tasted a crunchy cheese with crystals!
I'm sure it would make me feel sick...  but now i'm curious! 

No, it wouldn't make you sick! At least, it shouldn't! It's a combination of the calcium and the sugar (or something like that) in the cheese, and usually occurs only in vintage (very mature) cheeses. You probably wouldn't find it in a mild or medium cheddar. Go for a very ripe hard cheese, and you'll most likely find crystals.

CRYSTALS?!   
I've never seen or tasted a crunchy cheese with crystals!
I'm sure it would make me feel sick...  but now i'm curious! 

Don't doubt the crunchy cheese!!! It's soooooo nice! Unless of course, it's ricotta or something...some cheeses aren't supposed to be crunchy!

I've never looked here, but I would love some cheese curd.  My friend lived in Wisconsin and when I went to visit, we got lots of cheese curd from the farmers market.

Yummy squeaky cheese.  Some of the restaurant chains came to Texas and sold fried cheese curd and it was fantastic.

~BEG

CRYSTALS?!   
I've never seen or tasted a crunchy cheese with crystals!
I'm sure it would make me feel sick...  but now i'm curious! 

It's in most mature cheddars you get at the supermarket.  The block of Anchor in our fridge has them. I wouldn't really describe it as crunchy myself.