Queso Fresco

Characteristics:

  • Fresh, sweet and mild in flavor
  • A higher moisture cheese
  • Crumbly, fine-grained texture
  • Does not mask the flavor of the dish, unlike American and other ethnic cheeses; adds to the flavor of the dish

Background:

  • Queso Fresco translates to "fresh cheese"
  • Also, referred to as "Fresh Cheese" or "White Cheese" in the wholesale market
  • Queso Fresco originated from Mexico, and is traditionally identified as a hand-ground cheese

Serves as a substitute for:

  • Cottage Cheese -- Italian
  • Ricotta -- Hispanic
  • Queso Fresco Casero -- Hispanic
  • Ranchero -- Hispanic
  • Adobera -- Caribbean

Analytical:
  • Moisture45% - 49%
  • Salt2% - 3%
  • pH6.2 - 6.5
  • Fat25% - 28%
  • FDB44% - 51%

Microbiological:

  • Yeast/Mold0/g
  • E.Coli<10
  • Coliforms<10
  • Salmonella0
  • Staph0
  • L.Moncytogenes0
  • Lactobacilli0

Nutritional Information (per 28 grams):

  • Calories100
  • Calories from Fat70
  • Total Fat8g
  • Saturated Fat4g
  • Trans Fat0g
  • Cholesterol30mg
  • Sodium200mg
  • Total Carbohydrates<1g
  • Dietary Fiber0g
  • Sugars0g
  • Protein7g
  • Vitamin A6%
  • Vitamin C0%
  • Calcium20%
  • Iron0%

Ingredients:

    Pasteurized milk, cheese cultures, salt, and enzymes.

Packaging:

  • 40 lb. block
  • 5 lb. loaf
  • Retail Cuts

Shelf Life:

  • 40 lb. Block120 days
  • 5 lb. Loaf120 days
  • Retail cuts120 days

Temperature Requirements:

  • 34 - 40 degrees F.
    Queso Fresco is a fresh, sweet, hand-ground cheese with a crumbly texture and a fresh-milk flavor.

Application and Additional Serving Suggestions:

  • Very versatile in application, unlike American and Italian-style cheeses
  • Valued by cooks and restaurant chefs alike for use in dishes or entrees where cheese must retain its shape and character
  • Traditional application includes: enchiladas, burritos, chile rellenos, tostadas, refried beans, tacos; may be used within the dish, as well as crumbled on top
  • Stuffed chicken breasts, stuffed peppers and stuffed mushrooms
  • Baked in breads and pastries
  • As a garnish crumbled over meats, salads, fruit, desserts or any favorite dish
  • Layered in lasagna
  • Use in any baked dish or as a garnish