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WELCOME TO THE HOT SUMMER CURDBOX!
As the summer sun reaches its peak, it’s not just the weather that’s heating up—our taste buds are too. And this month, we're turning up the temperature and leaning into the bold, bright world of spicy flavor profiles with a curated selection of cheeses and pairing items that bring the heat, in all the right ways. From fiery peppers blended into creamy wheels to crackers and condiments with a kick, this box is designed to ignite the palate while adding depth and excitement to your summer spread. And while it may seem counterintuitive, enjoying spicy foods in the summer can actually help you cool down—a trick often used in some of the world’s hottest regions and one that pairs perfectly with the intense, vibrant flavors of the season.
So wake up your taste buds, and let's take a look at what we have for you in this month's box...
Prairie Breeze by Milton Creamery
First up, which we actually added to this box to take a bit of the heat off—we have Prairie Breeze, a distinctive, handcrafted cheese from Iowa’s Milton Creamery that defies simple classification. While rooted in the tangy, umami-rich tradition of aged cheddar, it reveals a sweeter, more nuanced character that sets it apart. Hints of pineapple and toasted almond emerge from its nutty profile, offering a layered flavor experience that nods to Alpine-style Emmental while retaining a bold cheddar backbone. Its texture is drier and more crumbly than typical cheddars, yet it melts luxuriously on the tongue with a fudgy richness, punctuated by the satisfying crunch of naturally occurring cheese crystals. This interplay of texture and flavor, paired with a lingering savory finish, gives Prairie Breeze a distinctive depth that speaks to both the creamery’s artisan craftsmanship and the spirit of the American Midwest.
Prairie Breeze from Milton Creamery with the Chili & EVOO Crackers from The Fine Cheese Co.
Peperoncino Primo Sale by I Sicilini
Peperoncino Primo Sale from I Siciliani is a bold and expressive cheese that captures the fiery soul of Sicily in every bite. Made in the heart of the island, this traditional Primo Sale is infused with vibrant Italian chili peppers, resulting in a striking visual and sensory experience. Its compact, elastic body boasts a straw-yellow hue flecked with vivid red from the peperoncino, hinting at the heat within. Beneath its smooth surface lies a delicate, milky saltiness balanced by rustic undertones of dry hay and fresh grass. The texture is soft yet structured—melting on the palate like a silky fusion of young cheese and fresh ricotta—while the spicy finish builds with intensity, lingering long after the first taste. Peperoncino Primo Sale is a celebration of Sicilian heritage and craftsmanship, where pastoral elegance mingles with a touch of sweet heat.
4 Alarm Cheddar by Milton Creamery
4 Alarm Cheddar from Iowa’s Milton Creamery is a fiery, flavor-packed twist on traditional cheddar, delivering both heat and depth in equal measure. Crafted by the award-winning makers of Prairie Breeze, this cheese lives up to its name with a bold blend of ghost pepper, chili, chipotle, and jalapeño—four distinct peppers that create a dynamic, layered heat. Its marbled body reveals flecks of vibrant spice, hinting at the complex burn to come. The flavor unfolds gradually: smoky chipotle and earthy chili give way to the sharper sting of jalapeño, all culminating in the stealthy punch of ghost pepper. Yet, beneath the intensity lies a rich, creamy cheddar base that tempers the fire just enough to let each note shine. With its balance of heat, smoke, and smoothness, 4 Alarm Cheddar stands as a bold testament to Milton Creamery’s innovative approach to a classic and versatile cheese.
Chili & EVOO Crackers by The Fine Cheese Co.
Crafted in England by The Fine Cheese Co., the Chili & Extra Virgin Olive Oil Crackers are a refined expression of balance and subtlety. Handcrafted with care and made using the finest extra virgin olive oil, these artisanal crackers offer a crisp, delicate bite infused with just a whisper of chili. The gentle heat adds a quiet spark without ever overshadowing the cheese, making them an ideal companion for bold, flavorful varieties. Thoughtfully designed to elevate rather than compete, their understated character and clean finish reflect The Fine Cheese Co.'s dedication to supporting the cheese, not stealing the spotlight.
Piquillo Peppers by Matiz
From the fertile Ribera del Ebro region in northern Spain, Matiz’s Piquillo Peppers embody the rich agricultural heritage of Navarra, a region renowned for its exceptional produce. Named for their distinctive pointed shape—“piquillo” meaning “little beak”—these deep red peppers are hand-picked at peak ripeness and prepared using traditional methods passed down through generations. Roasted slowly over open wood fires, they develop a smoky complexity that perfectly balances their natural sweetness with a subtle, lingering heat. Free from chemicals and processed entirely by hand, these authentic Piquillo peppers carry an official seal of origin, a testament to their purity and provenance. The result is a vibrant, flavorful pepper with a tender texture and a bold, nuanced character that speaks to the care and tradition behind every step of its creation.
Peruvian Pepper Jam by Divina
Divina’s Peruvian Pepper Jam is a vibrant expression of bold flavors and global craftsmanship, blending sweet Spanish piquillo peppers with fiery Peruvian Aji Limo chilies—also known as Lemon Drop peppers—for a dynamic balance of heat and sweetness. A splash of tart lime juice brightens the mix, while cane sugar smooths and rounds the flavors into a harmonious, layered profile. The Aji Limo, prized for its citrusy, fruit-forward heat, lends a subtle intensity that’s tempered through cooking, allowing its complex flavor to shine without overpowering. Crafted in New York with globally sourced ingredients and a commitment to ethical partnerships, this jam reflects Divina’s dedication to honoring traditional ingredients and supporting the communities that grow them. The result is a bold, sweet-spicy condiment with a citrus twist, as thoughtful in its sourcing as it is in its flavor.
Did you take some photos while enjoying this box that you were thinking of adding to Instagram? Please tag us @curdbox along with our cheese and pairing-partners:
@miltoncreamery, @thefinecheeseco, @matiz_foods, and @eatdivina. We love to see our cheese lovers enjoying their boxes!
