Monterey cheese is a type of cheese that is commonly found in many parts of the United States. It has a distinct flavor and texture that sets it apart from other available cheeses. The cheese has a rich, creamy texture and a mild, yet sharp flavor. It is a great accompaniment to a variety of dishes, including tacos, enchiladas, and chips.
The history of Monterey cheese is said to have originated in California in the early 19th century. According to some historians, the cheese was initially produced in the Los Angeles area by Spanish settlers who used it for a variety of dishes. Due to its popularity among locals, the popularity of Monterey cheese quickly spread throughout the state and eventually throughout the nation, from the east to west coast.
Monterey cheese is most commonly produced from cow’s milk, though some producers use goat’s milk as well. The cheese itself is made from a combination of cow’s and goat’s milk, but the percentage of each that is used varies from producer to producer. Monterey cheese is traditionally made using raw milk, which gives it its distinct rich flavor. The pasteurized process is used in some Monterey cheese as well, though this tends to create a milder and less flavorful cheese.
Once the cheese has been made, it is aged for around one year and then cut into blocks. The blocks are then sold in most grocery stores, where they can then be stored in the refrigerator. Monterey cheese must be refrigerated due to its high moisture content and the growth of mold and bacteria, which can ruin the pasteurized cheese over time. Monterey cheese ages well and can last for up to two years when it is properly stored.
Monterey cheese is often used for grating, slicing and melting. It is exceptionally smooth when melted and is often used as the key ingredient in dishes like quesadillas, nachos and enchiladas. It also makes a wonderful addition to tacos and is frequently used as a garnish of cheese on salads and sandwiches.
Monterey cheese is also popular in cheese plate preparations, as it adds a unique flavor to many dishes. In particular, it makes a great pairing with apples, pears and other fruits. It can also be used as a center piece to any cheese plate, as its deep flavor stands out among other mild flavored cheeses.
Overall, Monterey cheese is an exceptional cheese that has been popular for centuries and will likely remain so for many more years to come. It is a great choice for a variety of dishes, from tacos to salads, and is a great addition to any cheese plate. Its mild yet sharp flavor makes it an all-around favorite among cheese lovers. So, next time you are in the market for a delicious cheese for your next meal or cheese plate, be sure to consider Monterey cheese!
The Journey of Monterey Cheese from Farm to Table
Monterey cheese is a famously flavorful cheese, distinctively orange and with a mild, semi-firm texture. It is versatile, providing a smooth accompaniment to many dishes, from simple snacks to gourmet delights. But how does it go from farm to the dinner table? Let's explore the journey of Monterey cheese to understand how it is crafted and ends up gracing our plates.
The Creation of Monterey Cheese
Cheese production typically involves animals, milk, starter cultures, milk coagulants, salt, and enzymes. All of these ingredients come together to form the finished product. In the case of Monterey cheese, part of the process that sets it apart is the use of culture and enzymes. An enzyme called chymosin is used to create the separability of the cheese's texture, whereas starter cultures create the unique flavor. The cattle used in the process are typically either American Jersey, Holstein, Brown Swiss, or a combination.
The Milk
The milk used for Monterey cheese production is collected from local dairy farms in the Central Valley region of California. The cows are raised organically, according to regulations set forth by the American Association of Organic Dairy Products. The milk is pasteurized, separating the cream from the milk and producing a consistent product.
The Coagulation
The milk is then treated with a bacterial culture specific to Monterey cheese making combined with chymosin. This creates the separation of the proteins in the milk, thus triggering the process of coagulation. The coagulation process creates curds, which are later separated and placed into molds lined with wax paper. Alternatively, the curd can be cooked in a cloth to remove the residual liquid.
The Pressing
After the curd is placed in the molds, the cheese is sent to the pressing room. Here, the cheese is pressed with a mechanical exertion of pressure to create a semi-firm block of cheese.
The Salting
The next step for Monterey cheese is to add flavor. The cheese is put into a brine (salt and water) bath, soaked for 12 to 24 hours. The increased salinity of the mixture causes the proteins in the cheese to denature, creating the firm texture of the cheese. The longer the cheese is left in the bath, the more the firm the texture will be. This step also helps to preserve the cheese and give it a salty flavor.
The Aging
Once the cheese has been salted, it is placed in a climate-controlled room, usually at a temperature of 55 degrees Fahrenheit, to age. The exact time frame for aging depends on the desired texture and flavor, but most Monterey cheese is aged for at least three months. During this time, the cheese develops its signature characteristics, including a pleasantly nutty aroma and an even mellow flavor.
The Scoring and Wax
Once the aging process is complete, the cheese is cut into shape and then scored with a sharp blade. This is done to create aesthetic value and to ensure that the cheese is not too thick or too thin. The cheese is then cooled and then coated with food-safe wax. This wax helps to protect the cheese from environmental elements and serves as a visual display for customers.
The Final Product
At this point, the Monterey cheese is ready for market. It is packaged, labeled, and transported to distributors and customers. When it is presented on the dinner table, the cheese is sure to impress with its signature orange color and mild, semi-firm texture. Conserved and refrigerated, it can last for up to two weeks and regardless of how it is served, Monterey cheese will always make for a wonderful culinary experience.
In summary, Monterey cheese is a delicious specialty cheese produced through a particular process that includes collecting and pasteurizing local California milk, applying starter cultures and enzymes, pressing and salting the curds, aging it in a temperature-controlled room, cutting and scoring, and then wrapping in wax. But the most important and final step of the journey is when Monterey cheese graces the dinner table and enhances the flavors of your favorite dishes.
Vitamin A | 0.198 mg | |
Beta-Carotene | 0.078 mg | |
Vitamin D | 0.6 ug | |
Vitamin D3 | 0.6 ug | |
Vitamin E | 0.26 mg | |
Vitamin K | 0.0025 mg | |
Vitamin B1 | 0.02 mg | |
Vitamin B2 | 0.39 mg | |
Vitamin B3 | 0.09 mg | |
Vitamin B4 | 0.0154 grams | |
Vitamin B5 | 0.21 mg | |
Vitamin B6 | 0.08 mg | |
Vitamin B9 | 0.018 mg | |
Vitamin B12 | 0.83 ug |
Calcium | 0.746 grams |
Daily Value 1.3 g
|
Iron | 0.72 mg |
Daily Value 0.018 g
|
Magnesium | 0.027 grams |
Daily Value 0.4 g
|
Phosphorus | 0.444 grams |
Daily Value 1.25 g
|
Potassium | 0.081 grams |
Daily Value 4.7 g
|
Sodium | 0.6 grams |
Daily Value 2.3 g
|
Zinc | 0.003 grams |
Daily Value 0.011 g
|
Copper | 0.03 mg |
Daily Value 0.9 mg
|
Manganese | 0.01 mg |
Daily Value 0.0023 g
|
Selenium | 0.0145 mg |
Daily Value 0.055 mg
|
Tryptophan | 0.315 grams | |
Threonine | 0.871 grams | |
Isoleucine | 1.519 grams | |
Leucine | 2.344 grams | |
Lysine | 2.037 grams | |
Methionine | 0.641 grams | |
Cystine | 0.123 grams | |
Phenylalanine | 1.289 grams | |
Tyrosine | 1.182 grams | |
Valine | 1.635 grams | |
Arginine | 0.925 grams | |
Histidine | 0.859 grams | |
Alanine | 0.691 grams | |
Aspartic Acid | 1.573 grams | |
Glutamic Acid | 5.99 grams | |
Glycine | 0.422 grams | |
Proline | 2.759 grams | |
Serine | 1.431 grams |
Total Sugars | 0.5 grams |
per 100g
|
Caproic acid (6:0) | 0.24 grams |
|
Caprylic acid (8:0) | 0.31 grams |
|
Capric acid (10:0) | 0.56 grams |
|
Lauric acid (12:0) | 0.4 grams |
|
Myristic acid (14:0) | 3.61 grams |
|
Palmitic acid (16:0) | 7.76 grams |
|
Stearic acid (18:0) | 3.42 grams |
|
Butyric acid (4:0) | 0.98 grams |
|
Total Saturated fatty acids: | 17.28 g | |
Oleic acid (18:1) | 7.37 grams |
|
Palmitoleic acid (16:1) | 0.92 grams |
|
Total Monounsaturated fatty acids: | 8.29 g | |
Linolenic acid (18:3) | 0.26 grams |
|
Linoleic acid (18:2) | 0.64 grams |
|
Total Polyunsaturated fatty acids: | 0.9 g | |
Cholesterol | 0.09 grams |
|
Total Sterols: | 0.09 g |