Minas cheese

File:Romeo e Julieta e doce de leite.jpg

Romeu e Julieta to the left of a dollop of doce de leite.

Minas cheese ( or Template:Langx, , literally "cheese from Minas") is a type of cheese that has been traditionally produced in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais.

It comes in three varieties, named (fresh), (half-aged) and (aged). A fourth variety, branded as ("standard" cheese), has been developed more recently and can be found in nearly all supermarkets and grocery stores in Brazil. It is similar to , but not as immensely juicy, soft and mild, and also generally less salty.

Minas cheese is made from cow's milk according to traditional recipes. It used to be matured naturally in the open air or, much less often, over a cooker to dry with the heat. Primarily used by people who want to have a healthier diet, it is recommended in diets and even for those with gastritis.

cheese (as the name implies) is served quite fresh, about 4–10 days after preparation, still white and tender. Good must be juicy, soft, and slightly granulated (instead of rubbery), with a mild taste. The saltiness of its taste might vary widely across producers.

It is not suitable for cooking, except with beef or pork (the juice helps enhance its taste), or as an ingredient in a wider recipe, grilled with sauces such as soy sauce, until it becomes rubbery. It can be used to make sandwiches, pastries, and crêpes, but it gets slightly rubbery instead of stringy with heat. It pairs well with turkey breast and other low-fat cold cuts, cooked onions, tomatoes, as well as salad rockets, cooked spinach and other strong-tasting vegetables.

cheese is ready for consumption when the juice has evaporated and the cheese has solidified, acquiring a yellowish tint. Good cheese must have a white core, punctured with tiny bubbles of air, slightly more granulated than and with a stronger taste, tending to be bitter. It is excellent for cooking, being used for a huge variety of dishes of all types, including and the famous (cheese bun).

cheese is often served with goiabada, a sweet product made from guavas similar to quince cheese. When these two flavors are combined, it is known as Romeu e Julieta, and this combination can be eaten as it is or used in a wide variety of dishes like cake, pie or ice cream. cheese also pairs well with other forms of fruit preserves or Doce de Leite.

In December 2024, Minas cheese was recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible cultural heritage.

See also

• Brazilian cuisine
• Requeijão
• Coffee production in Brazil
• List of Brazilian dishes
• List of cheeses
• Cachaça

References

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