The Canned Cheese That Unexpectedly Has A Cult Following

When it comes to cheese, some people are downright passionate about their favorite brands. This is especially true with many high-end cheese products, which are often subject to meticulous processes and careful ingredient selection. Unlike the ubiquitous Kraft Singles, which have the unfortunate taste and texture of plastic, good cheese offers potent flavors, pleasing textures, and a sensory experience that induces the same sort of feelings a person gets when partaking in drugs, according to Mount Sinai.

When you think about the best cheese brands in the world, names like Kerrygold, Tillamook, and Cabot are synonymous with quality. However, there's one brand of cheese that fans truly go crazy for, but most people aren't even aware of its existence. Even more surprising is that this highly beloved brand has a storied history, and is packaged and sold in a can. Cougar Gold is a legendary type of cheese that isn't easy to come by, but definitely worth looking for if you consider yourself a cheese enthusiast.

As reported by Moscow-Pullman Daily News, Cougar Gold cheese is a product of Washington State University. More than seven decades ago, a dairy professor named Norman Golding developed WSU 19; a lactic acid culture shrouded in secrecy that is still used to make Cougar Gold today. This canned cheese was originally concocted to last longer on store shelves, as wax storage can lead to issues with spoilage if the protective layer becomes compromised. However, the bacteria living inside cheese produces carbon dioxide, which causes the cheese to expand and even possibly the can to explode when pressure is too high.

Golding's WSU 19 reduced carbon dioxide release, preventing cans from exploding on store shelves and in homes. Along with the practical benefits, Golding's new culture created a distinct taste and texture unlike most other cheese products for sale today. It's described as having nutty notes with a creamy texture and subtly sweet milkiness. The cheese also has impressive longevity thanks to the storage method, with claims that it can be stored indefinitely when refrigerated and unopened. If your interest is sufficiently piqued, keep in mind that this cheese is often hard to find.

To enjoy your very own can of cheese, you can get in touch with WSU directly. The university offers a convenient online ordering form, but customers can also place their orders via phone, fax, or snail mail if they prefer non-digital methods. In addition to Cougar Gold, you can also choose from Smoky Cheddar, Dill Garlic, and many other flavors. Each 30-ounce can is priced at $33, which fans of the cheese say is more than worth it. And based on how difficult it can be to procure a can of Cougar Gold, it's easy to see why people are so passionate about it.

Speaking with Moscow-Pullman Daily News, John Haugen, manager of the WSU creamery, states that the cheese routinely sells out yearly. In fact, Haugen warns that orders not placed before Thanksgiving are unlikely to be filled due to the seasonal rush. In some instances, up to 3,000 cans of cheese are sold in a single day. While Cougar Gold is highly lucrative, Haugen expresses concern about focusing on cheese production alone. Students at the university are an integral part of the cheese-making process, and bringing in additional staff could deprive these students of learning opportunities. Maybe it's best that Cougar Gold is only available in limited quantities. That way, it will remain a unique, sought-after treat for its many adoring fans.