A Brief Guide to Mexican Cheeses | Lifestyle

by KcKudra

If you are like a lot of Americans, your conception of the role of cheese in Mexican food is a little skewed. Typically, what one sees a lot of in the US is an Americanized version of Mexican dishes; many people's only exposure to cheese in the context of Mexican cuisine is either cheddar cheese or perhaps Monterey jack in a taco or burrito.

However, Mexico has many cheeses to try for yourself and thankfully; many of these products are becoming increasingly available here as well. Ever since Mexican farmers began making cheese, it has been an important part of the country's culinary heritage, just as it is in the US; but of course, with its own unique spin.

Cheese (or queso as it is known in Spanish) came to the New World along with the conquistadors. The European colonists brought cows and goats before long, dairy products began being produced in the country, which were uniquely Mexican. There are now a wide variety of different Mexican cheeses, each with its own character and flavor. You will find these cheeses used in many different authentic Mexican recipes, which showcase them with ingredients, which complement their flavors and textures perfectly.

In Mexican cooking, queso Oaxaca, a sort of string cheese is often used for making quesadillas, as well as eaten on its own as a snack. This Mexican cheese is named for the Mexican state of Oaxaca from which it originates. Next time you're making quesadillas yourself, seek it out - it's well worth the effort and it's guaranteed to add a new dimension to an old favorite.

Cotija is a hard cheese, which is usually grated or crumbled. This cheese has a sharp, salty flavor, which makes it a terrific addition to salads. This cheese is also excellent as a topping for refried beans or soups. Cotija is very similar to Romano cheese in both flavor and texture, though it has a certain quality which is all its own. Cotija is named for the town in Michoacn state where the cheese originates from.

Queso criollo is a mild, nutty yellow cheese, which is not dissimilar to Munster. This cheese hails from the Mexican state of Guererro, is excellent on tortas (Mexican sandwiches), and grated for use in quesadillas and other Mexican recipes where cheese is to be melted. Try it anywhere you would use Munster cheese as well as in Mexican dishes.

Queso fresco is a cheese, which originates in Spain but has been enthusiastically adopted by Mexican cooks. This is a mild, soft cheese made from both cow's and goat's milk. Try queso fresco crumbled on salads or tacos, as a filling for chiles rellenos, or serve it with fruit; berries and pears make especially wonderful pairings with this mild cheese.

It would take a lot more space than we have here to go into detail about all of the many delicious Mexican cheeses, which can add little something extra to your favorite Mexican recipes. If you like to cook Mexican food at home, be sure to pay a visit to your local Mexican grocer and explore some new tastes.

DISCLAIMER: This article is provided as information only and is not to be taken as financial advice.

Although there is no set Cinco de Mayo food as such, it is a time when Mexicans like to cook all their favorite dishes and celebrate with the rest of the family. On Cinco de Mayo nothing is banned and you can feel free to indulge in all your favorite Mexican food recipes.