The Venezuelan cheese occupies a prominent and versatile place within our gastronomy.
From breakfast to dinner, the Venezuelan cheeses are always present at our table, enriching a variety of traditional and modern dishes.
Their presence is so fundamental that there is no food typical Venezuelan that does not benefit from its unique flavours and varied textures.
The Venezuelan cheeses are essential in the preparation of numerous emblematic dishes. For example, the fresh white cheese is a perfect complement to the creole paviliono, one of the Venezuelan national dishes.
And, the arepas, cheese is also an indispensable ally, whether it is in its classic or filled with various combinations.
The richness of dairy products in Venezuelan gastronomy is not limited to a single variety of cheese; in fact, the offer is so wide that it covers both both savoury and sweet cheeses, allowing for a great flexibility in the kitchen.
From fresh and soft cheeses up to options cured and more robusteach type of cheese offers different possibilities for enhance and diversify meals.
Whether you are preparing a traditional food or experimenting with new recipes, know the different types of Venezuelan cheese that exist will help you get the most out of them in the kitchen. So read on!
Explore the world of Venezuelan cheeses
Our country offers a rich variety of cheeses that are essential in your kitchen.
Each type of Venezuelan cheese has unique characteristics that make it ideal for different dishes and preparations.
In the following, we will explore some of the most representative cheeses of Venezuela. Don't miss it!
Hand cheese
The hand cheese has origins dating back to around the turn of the century. XVI.
Its name comes from the traditional process to give it a circular shape by hand after curdling and boiling the milk.
This cheese is creamy, juicy and smoothand is famous for its use in cachapas, arepas and cassava.
Your The texture is refreshing and the taste is a delight. that fills the mouth with a unique experience.
Cheese
The cheese is one of the Venezuela's most emblematic cheesesespecially in the region of the Plains.
It is made with cow's milk and cooked pastastretched in the style of mozzarella, resulting in a creamy, soft and elastic cheese.
It is ideal to accompany cachapas and is known for its elastic texture and delicate flavour.
Guianese cheese
Originating from the Bolivar Statethe guayanese cheeseespecially that of Upatais a legacy of the region. It is characterised by its softness similar to hand cheesebut with a stronger and saltier taste.
This cheese should be consumed cool and at room temperature to maintain its properties and flavour.
It is an excellent complement in cachapas and other dishes where its intense flavour and delicate texture can be appreciated.
Palmizulia cheese
From the state Zuliathe palmizulia cheese has a fresh taste, medium salt and a firm texture with numerous hollows.
Its versatility allows it to be enjoyed in many ways, from eating it on its own to using it in different culinary preparations.
Paisa cheese
The paisa cheese is pasteurised and commonly consumed in sliceswhich makes it ideal for sandwiches and to accompany biscuits.
It is one of the Venezuelan cheeses abroad, and its artisanal production has reached the most important markets. Europewhere Venezuelan cheesemakers in Madrid and Barcelona maintain the traditional technique.
Its taste and texture make it a favourite for various culinary applications.
Braid cheese
The braid cheesewhich is produced with a mixture of cow and goat milkis braided like a hair, which gives it its name.
This cheese has a elastic consistency and a texture similar to chewing gum.
It is typical of eAnzoátegui, Aragua and Falcón statesIt is used in a variety of preparations because of its ability to hold its shape when cooked.
Plains cheese
The llanero cheeseproduced in the area of thes Llanoshas a somewhat stiff consistency that makes it perfect for grate.
It is a classic complement to tequeños, arepas, empanadas and other traditional Venezuelan dishesadding a characteristic texture and flavour.
Recipes and tips to make the most of Venezuelan cheese
The Venezuelan cheese are not only a delight in their own right, but are also essential to enhance and complete a variety of traditional dishes of Venezuelan gastronomy.
Here's how you can make the most of these cheeses in your kitchenfrom typical recipes to conservation tips.
Traditional recipes
Cheese Arepas:
The arepas are a Venezuelan classicand the hand cheese is the perfect partner to make them even more delicious.
For a simple cheese arepa, but exquisite, fill it with hand cheese and creamand then heat it until the cheese melts gently.
This basic dishbut full of flavour, highlights the quality of the cheese without the need for complicated ingredients.
Tequeños:
The tequeños are an iconic appetizer in the Venezuelan culture.
These fingers of cheese stuffed doughideal for snacking at celebrations and gatherings, they are an excellent way to enjoy the Venezuelan cheese.
Venezuelan cheese empanadas:
The cheese empanadas, with its form of crescent and cheese fillingoffer a delicious alternative to the arepa.
Stuffed before frying and sealed to preserve the flavour, these empanadas are perfect for both the breakfast and lunch. Serve with a sauce of your choice for an extra kick of flavour.
Venezuelan Cachapas:
The cachapas, sweetcorn pancakes, are a versatile dish which can be served at any meal of the day.
Combined with guayanese cheesethe cachapas are transformed into a delicious and complete meal. You can add other ingredients such as meats or avocado for an even richer meal.
Some conservation and storage tips
The proper preservation of Venezuelan cheeses is essential to preserve their unique flavours and textures.
Each type of cheese has its own characteristics and requires specific care to maintain its quality.
Don't miss our tips on how to properly store your favourite cheeses and enjoy them to the fullest!
Fresh cheeses:
- Fresh white cheese: In addition to preserving it in whey, you can wrap it in cling film and place it in an airtight container. For a more intense flavour, you can add aromatic herbs such as coriander or chives to the whey.
- CheeseFor longer storage, you can salt lightly wrap the cheese in cling film before wrapping it in cling film. Avoid exposing it to the air for too long, as it will dry out quickly.
Cured cheeses:
- Guiana cheese: Although it is eaten fresh, you can grate the leftover guiana cheese and freeze it for use in other preparations.
Other cheeses:
- Grated cheese: To prevent the grated cheese from clumping, you can sprinkle it with a little cornflour before storing it.
- Creamy cheeses: Creamy cheeses such as goat's cheese should be kept in their original packaging or in an airtight container. Avoid exposing them to the air to prevent them from drying out.
Additional advice
- Avoid sudden changes in temperature: Sudden changes in temperature can affect the texture and flavour of cheeses.
- Do not store cheeses near foods with strong odours: Cheeses absorb odours easily, so it is important to keep them away from foods such as onions, garlic or fish.
- Use different cutting boards: Avoid contaminating cheeses by using the same cutting board for other foods, especially meat or poultry.
- Try different preservation techniques: There are many ways to preserve cheeses, such as vacuum-packing or storing them in olive oil. Experiment and find the one that best suits your preferences.
Where can I find and buy them?
Do you miss the flavours of home? Find out where to find your favourite Venezuelan cheeses at Spain and enjoy the flavours of your land again.
Specialised shops
In cities such as Madrid and Barcelona, there are specialised shops at Latin American products which often have Venezuelan cheeses.
Supermarkets such as Latin Corner usually offer a variety of imported cheeses, including the paisa cheese and fresh white cheese.
These specialised shops usually have a selection of authentic and fresh products.
Online shops
Online platforms such as Mandalo Market y All of P.A.N have sections devoted exclusively to Venezuelan cheeses.
In these you will find a wide range of variety of cheeses y other Venezuelan products you need to make your recipes.
International supermarkets
Large supermarket chains such as Carrefour and Alcampo sometimes have sections of international products where you can find imported Venezuelan cheeses.
Although the selection may be limited, these supermarkets often offer good quality and fresh options.
As we have been able to see, all these flavours and foods are part of our own Venezuelan essence.
For this reason, in Curiara we have prepared this article so that you can find these little pieces of our land in your new home and so that you can feel a little closer to Venezuela.
And, if you want to know the Venezuelan knick-knacks that you can find in SpainYou can't miss our article!
