TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best Brazilian Cheese Types
Queijo de coalho is a traditional cow's milk cheese from the northeastern regions of Brazil. The cheese is characterized by its firm, yet elastic texture and a slightly yellow color. Coalho is often sold on sticks for roasting, because it can withstand high temperatures and does not melt easily.
Its flavor is salty and acidic, making it an ideal snack on numerous Brazilian beaches, where it is usually grilled and sprinkled with oregano.
Canastra is a Brazilian cheese made from raw cow’s milk. It originates from the area of Serra da Canastra in the state of Minas Gerais, hence the name. The cylindrical cheese is either semi-hard or slightly softer, and its flavor is mildly acidic and slightly spicy.
Traditionally, Canastra matures for 21 days, but some producers leave it to mature even longer, up to 40 days, when its flavor resembles that of Grana Padano. In the past, the cheese was made for special occasions such as visits from royalty and captains.
Queijo Minas is a handmade cheese made from raw cow's milk, characterized by its tender, spongy texture and moistness. The flavor of Minas cheese is mild and slightly salty, depending on its ripeness and the region of production. The cheese is often used in the preparation of sandwiches, pancakes, and pastries.
It is recommended to pair it with cold cuts, salads, and various vegetables that develop intense flavors after cooking.
Queijo prato is a traditional cheese hailing from Minas Gerais. This gouda-stye cheese is made from pasteurized cow's milk. It's semi-cooked and pressed, and the texture is soft and open, with many small eyes in the body. The flavors are mild and the salt and lactose content is low.
The name queijo prato means plate-shaped, referring to the original shape made by Danish immigrants. This cheese is often compared with Danbo and Pategras.
Queijo Borbinha is a soft cow's milk cheese produced by the Bolderini cheese factory. It has a milky flavor and aroma, mild acidity, and a slight earthiness due to the rind. The cheese is aged for approximately 30 days. The top of the cheese is sliced off, the soft insides are consumed, and the rind is not.
The cheese can be spread on bread and paired with jellies, sweets, and fruity drinks.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best Brazilian Cheese Producers
Serra das Antas is a cheese producer located in Brazil, known for its traditional techniques in cheese-making. The company specializes in producing a variety of cheeses, including artisanal and colonial styles. They are situated in the region of Minas Gerais, which is famous for its cheese production.
Serra das Antas places an emphasis on quality and the use of local ingredients.
AWARDS
World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2022
World Cheese Awards - Gold
2021
BEST Serra Das Antas Cheeses
Queijaria Belafazenda is a Brazilian cheese producer based in the state of Minas Gerais. They specialize in crafting artisanal cheeses using traditional methods. The company sources its milk from local dairy farms, ensuring high quality and freshness.
Their product line includes various types of aged and fresh cheeses, reflecting the rich dairy heritage of the region.
AWARDS
World Cheese Awards - Gold
2023
World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2024
BEST Queijaria Belafazenda Cheeses
AWARDS
World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2023, 2022
World Cheese Awards - Gold
2023, 2021
BEST Pomerode Alimentos Cheeses
Fazenda Atalaia is a cheese producer located in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. The farm has transitioned from coffee production to cheese making, adopting traditional European techniques adapted to local conditions. They specialize in artisanal cheeses, winning awards for their products, which emphasize quality and the use of natural, regional ingredients.
Fazenda Atalaia offers a variety of cheeses, including some that have been aged to enhance their flavors.
Laticinios Paiolzinho is a cheese producer based in Brazil. They are located in the region of Minas Gerais, an area known for its rich dairy tradition. The company specializes in the production of artisanal cheeses, particularly those in the Canastra style.
Their products are made using traditional methods, often with milk sourced from local cattle. The company has gained attention for the high quality and authentic taste of their cheeses.
AWARDS
World Cheese Awards - Gold
2022
BEST Laticinios Paiolzinho Cheeses
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2023
BEST Iberqués Extremadura Cheeses
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best Brazilian Cheeses
Morro Azul was created here in Pomerode and its name pays homage to one of the symbols of the city. After undergoing a production process focused on retaining moisture, always with the aim of giving the cheese a high creaminess, it is salted and then wrapped in a wooden ring, which ensures structure and helps in the composition of the aroma and flavor.
Morro Azul is a very smooth and creamy cheese. Buttery and dairy notes are predominant.
AWARDS
World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2023, 2022
Lua Cheia is a handmade cheese produced by the Serra das Antas dairy in Portugal. Known for its rich and creamy texture, it is crafted using traditional methods passed down through generations. The cheese has a distinct flavor profile that reflects the quality of the milk and the careful maturation process.
Each wheel of Lua Cheia is made from the milk of sheep and goats that graze in the lush pastures of the region, contributing to its unique taste.
AWARDS
World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2022
AWARDS
World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2024
Tulha is an artisanal cheese produced by Fazenda Atalaia, a renowned Brazilian farm in the São Paulo state. This cheese is known for its rich, complex flavors, which develop through an extended aging process. Tulha is made from raw cow’s milk and can be recognized by its distinctive yellow rind and crumbly texture.
The farm emphasizes traditional methods and sustainable practices in the production of Tulha, aiming to maintain high-quality standards.
AWARDS
World Cheese Awards - Gold
2022
AWARDS
World Cheese Awards - Gold
2022
Vale do Testo is a semi-hard cheese with a washed rind. With flavors of almonds, meat broth and smoked meats, the pieces weigh approximately 120g and are matured. The name Vale do Testo pays homage to the region of the Vale do Rio do Testo, which runs through the city of Pomerode (where the factory is located) and flows into the Itajaí River.
Vale do Testo Vermont cheese, aged for 12 months.
AWARDS
World Cheese Awards - Gold
2023
Vale do Testo is a semi-hard cheese with a washed rind. With flavors of almonds, meat broth and smoked meats, the pieces weigh approximately 150g and are matured. The name Vale do Testo pays homage to the region of the Vale do Rio do Testo, which runs through the city of Pomerode (where the factory is located) and flows into the Itajaí River.
Vale do Testo Vermont cheese, aged for 3 months.
AWARDS
World Cheese Awards - Gold
2023
AWARDS
World Cheese Awards - Gold
2023
AWARDS
World Cheese Awards - Gold
2021
AWARDS
World Cheese Awards - Gold
2021
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