Curd is the _____ cheese making process.

Curd is primarily related to the coagulation process in cheese making. This stage involves the transformation of liquid milk into solid curds, which is a crucial step in cheese production. The coagulation occurs when milk proteins, primarily casein, are activated by the addition of rennet or acid, causing the milk to thicken and separate into curds and whey.

This process is fundamental because it influences the texture and flavor of the final cheese. The size, shape, and treatment of the curds will further determine the type of cheese that can be produced. By emphasizing the curd formation through coagulation, we are recognizing that it is the initial step that sets the stage for subsequent processes in cheese making, such as fermentation and ripening.