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FAQs

Q: What is– Who is– A “River Rat”?

A: “So, this-is-a-river? ventured the lad. “The River,” corrected the River Rat. “It’s the mighty St. Lawrence and all of its islands.” And you really live by the river? What a jolly life!” “By it and with it and on it and in it,” said the River Rat. “It’s brother and sister to me, friends and food and drink. It’s my world and I don’t want any other. What it hasn’t got is not worth having and what it doesn’t know is not worth knowing.” A “River Rat” can cleat his boat before he knows how to tie his shoe. River Rat is the essence of the North Country– the spirit of our region. “River Rat” Cheese is the trade name for our cheese.

Q: How long are cheese curds good for?

A: Cheese curd has a very short shelf life. It is best to consume them within 10-12 days of production if you want it to squeak. If you plan on consuming them right away it is best to leave them at room temperature. Otherwise, leave them in the fridge and when ready to eat let them come to room temperature.

Q: What are cheese curds?

A: Cheese curds are simply fresh cheddar cheese before it has been pressed into a block to age and thus become “aged cheddar”. Pure, simple, and wholesome, cheese curds are high in calcium and make a great nutritious snack for kids and adults alike!

1000 Islands River Rat Cheese - Cheese and Meat Platters

Cheese Facts

Cheese Fact #1

Cheese was created over 4,000 years ago-by accident.

Cheese Fact #2

It takes 10 gallons of milk to make just 1 pound of cheese.

Cheese Fact #3

Lactose-intolerant people can eat cheese.

Aged cheeses have less lactose than fresh and usually can be enjoyed without discomfort. Think cheeses like Brie, Camembert, cheddar, Gouda, Muenster, Parmesan, provolone and Swiss.

Cheese Fact #4

The biggest and heaviest cheese ever produced weighed 57,518 pounds and was 32 feet long.

Cheese Fact #5

People who love cheese are called turophiles.

(Hello, my fellow turo’s!)

Cheese Fact #6

There are over 2,000 varieties of cheeses.

Cheese Fact #7

Cheddar cheese is not orange by nature.

Cheese Fact #8

Cheese isn’t just made with cow’s milk, but also with sheep milk, goat milk and less commonly buffalo milk, horse milk, camel milk, donkey milk and even moose milk!

Cheese Fact #9

Cheese is most flavorsome when eaten at room temperature.

Cheese Fact #10

Studies have shown that eating cheese before bed can help you sleep.

Cheese Fact # 11

A little crunch in your cheese? Those bits are called tyrosine, and they’re actually amino acid clusters that form with age, a sign of a well-aged cheese!

If you have any other questions don’t hesitate to contact us:

1000islandsriverratcheese@gmail.com

We’d love to hear from you!