Queso Fresco

The origin of Queso fresco in Mexico begins with the Spanish who settled in the country in the early to mid-1800s. Queso fresco was a humble farmer’s cheese – easy to make with few ingredients. Queso fresco translates literally to “fresh cheese”. Unlike queso blanco which is made solely from whole cow’s milk, queso fresco may be made with a combination of cow and goat milk. 

How is Queso Fresco Made?

Contents

Queso fresco is widely found in supermarkets in Mexico but because it is so easy and fast to make, many households prefer to make their own. The only ingredients are whole milk, salt and vinegar. The milk is acidified with vinegar and left to curdle. It is then strained in cheesecloth and pressed into the desired shape. This fresh cheese can be sold immediately or allowed to mature for a few days before being packaged for sale. In Mexican markets, queso fresco is often sold wrapped in a banana or corn leaf, adding to its rustic charm. 

How Does Queso Fresco Taste?

The texture is soft and spongy and crumbles easily. There are salty varieties and non-salty varieties and it is generally used as a garnish to add a touch of creaminess to a dish. Since it is so naturally crumbly, queso fresco is often used sprinkled over beans, street corn, enchiladas, egg dishes and grilled meats.

What is Queso Fresco Similar To?

Queso fresco is often described as comparable to a milder, less-salty feta cheese. It can also stand in the place of dry ricotta or even goat cheese although it will be slightly less tangy than the latter. Some people even drain and press cottage cheese in place of queso fresco.

Glossary of Cheese Terms

Glossary of Cheese TermsContents Welcome to the MexicoCheese.com Glossary of cheese terms, a comprehensive listing of terms and vocabulary you need to know while learning about Mexican cheese, Mexican food and cheesemaking in general.  Cheese Terms – Listed Alphabetically  Acid Set Acid set: Using bacteria in milk to coagulate the milk without the use of … Read more

Feria del Queso Tonantzintla 2022

21st Annual Feria del Queso Tonantzintla 2022 Held in Puebla On August 5, 6 and 7, Puebla celebrated the twenty-first edition of the traditional Tonantzintla Cheese Fair in the municipality of San Andrés Cholula, Puebla. This long-running cheese festival was canceled in 2020, and due to pandemic restrictions, significantly modified in 2021. Dairy producers, cheesemakers … Read more

8th Annual Festival del Queso Artesanal

8th Annual Festival del Queso Artesanal held in Tenosique, Tabasco Last weekend, after being postponed for two years, this highly anticipated, gastronomic festival was held in the state of Tabasco in the Tenosique Convention Center. The three-day event featured over 250 exhibitors and was attended by over 58,000 visitors. Respected as one of the largest … Read more

Queso Fresco vs Queso Blanco

Queso Fresco vs Queso Blanco – Are they the same?Contents Queso blanco and Queso fresco are both white Mexican “fresh cheeses”. Their appearance, texture and flavor profile are nearly identical and they can be used interchangeably in almost any Mexican dish. But are they the same cheese? Let’s learn more about these two popular Mexican … Read more

Cotija vs Queso Fresco

Cotija vs Queso Fresco – All you need to know about these two iconic Mexican cheesesContents Cotija and Queso Fresco are two of the most used cheeses in a Mexican household. They are both white and crumbly and one may easily be mistaken for the other. While Cotija and Queso fresco fall into completely different … Read more
Mexican Cheese, the ultimate guide

Panela vs Queso Fresco

Panela vs Queso FrescoContents How to Use Panela Cheese and Queso Fresco in Your Cuisine Cheese is one of the most popular food items in modern Mexican cuisine. Despite the fact that cheese and cheesemaking techniques were introduced to Mexico just over 500 years ago, it now seems inconceivable to imagine a Mexican kitchen without … Read more
Mexican Cheese, the ultimate guide

The Ultimate Guide to Mexican Cheese

It is nearly impossible to imagine the Mexican cuisine we know and love without Mexican cheese as a vital component. Enchiladas, chiles rellenos, chilaquiles, quesadillas and esquites….what would they be without cheese? Would these ubiquitous dishes even exist on the modern Mexican menus of today without the introduction of cheesemaking to Mexico? While cheese seems … Read more

Can I Eat Queso Fresco While Pregnant?

Can I Eat Queso Fresco While Pregnant?Contents According to the CDC, pregnant women should avoid eating soft cheeses, such as queso fresco, while pregnant, unless they are made with pasteurized milk. This will lower the risk of getting Listeriosis. The high moisture and lower salt content in these cheeses create a potential breeding ground for … Read more