panela vs cotijapanela vs cotija

What recipe are you looking to make that calls for panela cheese? Queso Oaxaca is a great choice in heated dishes if you want the cheese to melt, rather than hold its shape. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Hungry yet? Cotija vs Queso Fresco All you need to know about these two iconic Mexican cheeses, Cotija vs Queso Fresco What are the Differences and Similarities. What are the Most Popular Cheeses from Mexico? Queso chen panela. Stir the curds well and transfer them into a colander. Which is better, panela cheese or cotija? Sprinkle it on enchiladas, tacos, or refried beans for a touch of salinity. Crumbly panela cheese is harder to find than rubbery panela cheese. Try in: Corn and Fregola with Grilled Halloumi Cheese. It is commonly used as part of the filling for chiles relleos, enchiladas, and burritos or used to finish off a dish with a touch of creaminess. QUESO FRESCOis probably Mexicos most famous cheese. Queso fresco (fresh cheese) is made with whole milk and is soft and almost spongy in texture. It is a hard, semi-soft cheese with a mild flavor. Aged Cotija, as you would expect, is harder and drier and is perfect for grating. In some parts of the world, finding panela can be a challenge. For Intensely Caramelized Gravy, Give Chicken the Bhuna Treatment. Okay, okay no morecheesypuns. It has a creamy and salty flavor and melts well. Panela - Cheese.com How are Panela and Paneer different? Panela (pronounced pa-NEH-lah) cheese is commonly referred to as queso canasta or queso de la canasta. "@context": "https://schema.org", This cheese is mainly used for frying. The salty, moist, and spongy flavor makes a delicious alternative for panela. (This way for more secrets to quesadilla making. abril 26, 2023 por David Moros. In this blog, we will discuss the differences between panela cheese and cotija so that you can make an informed choice next time youre at the store. "logo": { All rights reserved. Milk, a plant-based acid and perhaps a touch of salt are all that is required to make fresh Paneer cheese. Table of ContentsWhat are the best panela substitutes? Battle of the Cheeses: Comparing American Cheese and Velveeta, Discover the Delicious Difference Between Port Salut and Muenster Cheese, 5 Cheeses Every Submarine Sandwich Lover Needs to Try, Discover the Difference Between Feather and Fancy Shredded Cheese. Panela cheese is considered one of the most widely used Mexican cheeses. Cotija falls into the category of Mexican aged cheese and must mature from 100 days up to one year or more. 10 Perfect Cheeses to Elevate Your Quiche Lorraine to the Next Level! Of course, Mexican dairy products do not begin and end with cheese. Its origin dates back centuries, when refrigeration did not exist and it was necessary to add a good amount of salt to preserve food. Cotija Vs Paneer: Everything You Need To Know - Alien Recipes It is a cheese made from pasteurized cows milk with a semi-hard consistency. De cilantro, chile verde, de agua, el. Queso Oaxaca takes its name from the region of Oaxaca in the South of Mexico, where its called quesillo. It is moist and crumbly with less saltiness great for adding rich, creaminess to food. If you are not aware of the use of queso panela and its health benefits, substitutes for panela, etc, this article will clear all your doubts regarding this Mexican cheese. The main characteristic of this cheese is that its surface is covered with a paste of dried red chili peppers that is sometimes mixed with vinegar and garlic. This Mexican rendition is used in Yucatn State to prepare queso relleno, a delicacy created by partially hollowing out a whole queso de bola, filling it with a special picadillo mixture then baking it or steaming it until the cheese is soft. Doctors suggest that queso panela is a highly recommended cheese that helps to resist hypertension, high cholesterol, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. Mexican manchego cheese shares a name with a famous Spanish cheese that is made with goats milk. How do migas and chilaquiles compare? Here are some of the best alternatives that can replace queso panela. De queso panela. When it comes to queso panela, you dont need to be afraid of eating this Mexican cheese. It takes its name from the baskets in which the cheese is commonly made Read more Panela and Spinach soup July 26, 2022 Queso panela is a highly remarkable Mexican cheese for its different uses in making cuisines. So, which is better? Updated on December 9, 2020 .entry-meta { display: flex; align-items: center; }. Panela is also called queso canasta, or basket cheese, referring to the basket that is used to mould the cheese. Try in: Cornmeal Biscuits with Chorizo Gravy and Scallions. Queso Oaxacas unusual appearance owes itself to its production process: upon curdling, many strings are formed. "dateModified": "2021-05-19" What's the difference between a taco and burrito? Named for the Mexican state from which it originates, this cheese is also sometimes referred to as queso menonita, for the Mennonite farmers who first made this cheese. Whether youre the subtle and mild cheese type, or an aged stinky cheese lover, cheese is a common weakness amongst most. If youve ever had the pleasure of eating at a Mexican restaurant, youve probably encountered the queso dip, a. This Mexican invention changed the standard of Mexican cuisine and it helped to reach wide acclaim among other international cuisines. Cotija; Often served crumbled rather than melted or sliced, this Mexican cheese variety is aged, and has a much saltier flavor and granular texture. We see it shredded on tacos and tortas, melted in enchiladas and burritos, and crumbled on salads and soups. Panela cheese - Mexico Cheese When it is ready, you can cut it into slices by using a knife. . Other useful options are baking or slicing and adding to sandwiches, tortas, or cemitas. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Dress up a batch with rose petals and pistachios, crushed potato chips and marshmallows, or any number of clever combinations. Continue to 9 of 10 below. This method helps to soften and melt the cheese completely. Kennedy recommends seeking out these two productsa textured, ricotta-like product and a smooth, thick creamto add even more variety to your fridge. Panela is made with skimmed milk and is a firmer cheese. Caroline is originally from Scotland, where she grew up hiking and skiing, both things she still loves to do when her two young boys give her a chance. The sliced panela cheese is added to sandwiches. Its namesake is a town in the state of Michoacn. Although cooking will soften queso fresco, it wont melt. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. It is mass-produced all over Mexico and becoming more and more popular in the United States. These strings are wound in such a way to form a ball of cheese. The Ultimate Showdown: Grilled Cheese vs Melt Who Will Reign Supreme? Cotija vs Queso Fresco - The similarities and differences Then transfer it to the bowl and add some salt to the cheese and mix well using your hands. Panela cheese has a mild, fresh milky flavor with a hint of salt. It's better to stay away from Mexican-style soft cheeses, even if they're produced with pasteurized milk, just to be cautious. Queso panela is a versatile Mexican cheese that can be crumbled on top of a salad or enjoyed by itself, either fried or baked. While cotija is a hard and salty cheese made in Mexico, panela is a firm, fresh cheese made in Colombia. Commercially produced Queso Panela has an almost rubbery consistency and seems to squeak when you bite into it. It does not store any personal data. Traegers Flatrock Griddle Might Get You to Quit Your Gas Grill. Mexicos answer to ricotta cheese, requesn is so soft that it can actually be spread. Privacy PolicyTerms and ConditionDisclaimerOur TeamContact Us, 2/45 Tower Street,New York, USA00126788899, Best Grilled Cheese Recipes: A Taste That Melts In The Mouth, Try This Tasty Bread Swap For Your Next Grilled Cheese, National Cheese Lovers Day: Behold The Power Of Cheese, Monterey Jack Cheese History, Substitutes, Taste, and Uses. Cotija and Queso fresco are both widely used in many popular Mexican dishes. One of the distinctive features of panela is, it does not melt like other cheeses. It is considered one of the best choices for diet and it helps to lose weight. It is often used for quesadillas, stuffed chilis, or other dishes when meltedbut not runnycheese is desired. Instead, stuff it into enchiladas, peppers, or quesadillas for a deliciously creamy, cheesy dish. Panela is a good substitute for mozzarella or provolone cheese and can be used in many of the same dishes. Paneer or halloumi will work well as a substitute ingredient for fried or slow-cooked meals. It needs at least 3 months of aging to be able to be sold as Cotija cheese. Panela vs Paneer - Learn the similarities and differences Add in the peppers, cook until soften. Lets learn more about these two popular Mexican cheeses and how each can bring out the best in your cuisine. Its name comes from the panella molds used to shape the cheese. Okay, so all of these are technically white cheeses, but queso blanco is a cheese of its own. Es fcil cambiar queso fresco por feta suave o Cotija por Pecorino, pero por qu conformarse con sustituciones? Making cheese at home sounds fun and interesting. Last updated: Jun 7, 2021 1 min read. They are also more cold-tolerant and heat-tolerant than pansies. If you already love queso cotija, you must also try queso panela. Protein. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Considered Mexico's answer to an aged parmesan, Cotija cheese takes its name from the town of Cotija in Michoacn state. Made from pasteurized cow's milk, this Mexican cottage cheese is fresh, white and smooth, bearing similarity to Indian paneer. Look for Cotija and Queso fresco in your favorite grocery store where other Mexican cheeses like queso Oaxaca and panela cheese might be sold. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); The one-stop destination providing knowledge about healthy recipes and tips for healthy cholesterol and better quality of life. Forget the grocery store! You can follow along with her cooking adventures on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest. Paneer clubs well with sandwiches, soups, or curry. However, it will not melt and lost its shape when heated. Dairy-Free Substitutes for Feta Cheese Tofu Tofu is a soy product that's a common ingredient in vegetarian dishes. Mild tasting with a pleasant acidity, this fresh cheese is slightly chewy and tender. "@type": "ImageObject", Since it is so naturally crumbly, queso fresco is often used sprinkled over beans or antojitos. Cornmeal Biscuits with Chorizo Gravy and Scallions, Corn and Fregola with Grilled Halloumi Cheese. Food writer who lived in Mexico City for 20 years, learning key flavors and techniques to create Mexican food recipes. Queso panela is sold as frozen cubes. }, It is often used to make quesadillas, pizzas, queso fundido (melted cheese served as an appetizer or side dish) or for cheese-topped baked dishes. When fresh, it resembles a mild cheddar in taste and texture. Cotija cheese is commonly referred to as the parmesan of Mexico as the flavor and texture of aged Cotija are quite similar. Dip some fresh tortilla chips on this classic and delicious Mexican salsa! Its a personal choice. What is the best Mexican cheese for melting? - From Hunger To Hope Ricotta is a mild-tasting, fresh cheese with a creamy, somewhat grainy texture. The cheese is also excellent for frying as it holds its shape and softens but does not melt. Like, panela it has a salty flavor and is easy to crumble by hand. If you cant find them in your local supermarket, there are some excellent resources to purchase it online. Grating fresh mozzarella can be a challenge so break up the cheese with your hands and sprinkle it over the dish. Cotija Originally, Cotija was made like the great mountain cheeses of Europe, like Gruyere or Comte - by moving cows . It is a white cheese with a fresh milky taste and a slightly salty aroma. It has a variety of uses in the kitchen and is excellent crumbled over tacos, nopale salads, quesadillas, or huevos rancheros. Do you wanna try other alternatives which give a similar taste to your recipes? These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. They call it adobero for its likeness to adobe bricks. Once cooked, the strong taste disappears, and the cheese takes on the flavors of the other ingredients in the dish. Its true. However, the most notable quality of Panela cheese is its ability to stand up to high heat. We've collected a few suggestions for the most iconic Mexican quesos based on uses for fresh cheeses, melting cheeses, and aged cheeses. Interesting reading: Aged Cotija can be used in dishes calling for parmesan, romano or asiago cheese. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. }, If youre a fan of Mexican food, theres a good chance youve encountered cotija cheese. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Soft, creamy, and mild-tasting, this ricotta-like ingredient is a by-product of cheesemaking. "image": "https://wearecocina.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/adobera-min.jpg", We all know that France takes the crown when it comes to cheese creation and quality, however, I think most people would agree that its a toss-up between Italy and Mexico for which countrys dishes are complemented most by cheese. However, the most popular are queso fresco, panela and asadero for the fresh cheeses and Cotija and Chihuahua for the aged ones. In such situations, what would you do? Traditionally, Panela cheese is made from 100% cows milk while Queso fresco can be made with a combination of cow's and goats milk Panela cheese is commonly made with low-fat or skimmed milk while Queso fresco is made from full-fat milk Commercially produced Queso Panela is more smooth and uniform than Queso fresco The texture can range from a firm "cottage cheese" with the curd structure evident to a more dense, smooth consistency more commonly seen in industrially processed cheese. 5 Mexican Cheeses you Need to Know - Cocina The name translates as white cheese, and this is another soft, crumbly cheese. Like queso fresco, panela is easy to make. Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. The maker of our favorite pellet grill has a new flattop griddle. #feast-advanced-jump-to { z-index: 999; border: none; opacity: 0.97; background: #FCFCFC; border-left:4px solid #CCC; padding:5px 0 10px 20px; margin-bottom: 57px;} #feast-advanced-jump-to summary, #feast-advanced-jump-to ul{ margin-left:0;min-height:50px;} #feast-advanced-jump-to li { list-style-type:none; } #feast-advanced-jump-to li a { text-decoration: none; } It's mild and smooth and known for its ability to blend well with pastes and sauces. Heat to 180F and hold 5 minutes. The website of Ubuy is selling cacique panela cheese which is imported from the USA store. She still fits in some travel with her family, but often settles for traveling through food instead. Then go forth and make the best damn quesadillas of your life. Queso Chihuauhua is named after the state of the same name and is also known as queso menonita, after the Mennonite farmers who first made the cheese. Queso doble crema (double cream cheese) is a very soft, white cheese made with additional cream to make it, well, creamier. Emily Wong is an Asian-American food writer the founder of Cookindocs.com. There is a milky and slightly salty quality to Queso Fresco and it is often compared in taste and texture to flavor to mild feta cheese. Its soft, creamy and crumbly, even spongy and has a slight saltiness, though that can vary. It is light yellow in color, with a delicate flavor and aroma, its texture allows it to melt easily. It is perfect for stuffing chiles. It is a strong-smelling and tasting, salty, aged cheese. Its similar to a cotija cheese but more savory and far more versatile. Manchego is similar to the Spanish cheese of the same name that it is based on. These days, though, cheeses made in Mexicoas well as domestic products made in the Mexican stylecan be found much closer to home. Comparatively, young queso Blanco works well with fried or grilled recipes. But whats the difference is that cotija is an aged cheese. Drizzled or dolloped over dishes, crema adds a rich, tangy bite. Queso Panela Queso Panela is another white Mexican cheese with a smooth texture. From Cotija to Queso Fresco: A Mexican Cheese Primer Pansies have a wider variety of colors. The cheese has a basket pattern on its outside which comes from the basket it is set in. Emily's vision for Cookindocs.com is to create a community of food lovers who are passionate about cooking, eating, and sharing their experiences with others. How to Use Queso Panela in Mexican Cooking. Because of its similarities to the well-known Italian cheese, Parmesan, panela is also called Colombian Parmesan. Panela cheese is commonly known as "queso canasta" or "queso de la canasta". Panela is a fresh Mexican cheese that has a mild taste and a soft creamy texture. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. To produce it, wheywith its residual small pieces of curdis heated. Ricotta has a close resemblance to panela cheese in soft texture and mild flavor. The structure of Queso Panela allows it to be baked, fried or even grilled. Cotija cheese and paneer are distinctively similar in terms of their textures. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. However, this does not impact our reviews and comparisons. Taste Test: Which Cheese is Better Kroger Nice N Cheese or Velveeta? It is a strong-smelling and tasting, salty, aged cheese. However Mexican Manchego is more typically made from cow's milk rather than sheep's milk. The Only Thing You Need To Know! It can be sliced and grilled to be served as a snack (it doesn't melt), and is commonly seen in cubes in salads, served up in tortilla soup, and makes a great filling for enchiladas. 6g. They may be yummy in some contexts, but they are notMexican!) This hard, dry cheesewhich is often compared to Parmesanadds a salty, savory flavor to tacos, tostadas, quesadillas, and more. Because Oaxaca cheese is so mild in flavor, it is known as a kid favorite and complements most dishes beautifully without overpowering any flavor. Panela is one of Mexicos most popular fresh cheeses and is widely produced and distributed throughout the country and internationally. Somejoking aside; cheese, like Pitbull, is Mr. Worldwide. Paneer is an Indian cheese that has a mild, milky flavor similar to panela. Farmers cheese is a type of cottage cheese that is pressed, resulting in a firmer texture with less moisture. Fast facts about panela Its slightly rubbery texture makes it squeak a little bit when it is bitten into. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. 55 min. Queso fresco, or fresh cheese, is a mild, fresh-tasting cheese that balances out heavy, meaty recipes deliciously. In Mexican markets, youll often find Requesn sold wrapped in corn husks. Kennedy also recommends sourcing certain cheeses online, from retailers like the Mozzarella Company. This elastic cheese browns but won't melt. It is also a good cheese to use in a cheese and charcuterie board. . Our recommended recipes is roasted panela cheese with soy sauce, the panela casserole with nopales and epazote, the zucchini caprese sandwiches or the tuna stuffed chili peppers. Like ricotta salata or feta, it wants to be crumbled on everything from tacos to egg dishes. So, if youre looking for a cheese thats a little different from the norm, panela might be just what youre looking for! This guide to Mexican cheeses gives you an overview of some of the most common types and how you might use them. It is a white, semi-soft variety that belongs to the pasta filata family. In the United States, paneer is a common product that can usually be found in mainstream supermarkets. Fresh panela occupies a similar moisture environment to mozzarella. Violas will be full of petite blooms. Explore recipes inspired by global flavors: By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. It will break apart into nice, savory chunks which you can then sprinkle onto fresh salads, soups or beans. Substitutes for queso Oaxaca: mozzarella or string cheese. Remove the cheese. Queso Chihuahua is a firm, light yellow aged cheese. Written by MasterClass. queso Blanco is a better option for garnishing on the top of salads and tostadas. Made from cow's milk, the cheese is an adaptation of Greek basket cheese. Often served crumbled, Cotija doesn't melt so much as soften, so it's great sprinkled over dishes as a finishing touch or mixed into corn salads. Oaxaca has a mild, buttery flavor and is a little salty. The origins of panela cheese are disputed but theres no question that it is one of Mexicos most used and loved cheeses. Just kidding, I dont knowJack. Paneer cheese has a mild, milky, slightly buttery flavor. To revisit this article, select My Account, thenView saved stories, To revisit this article, visit My Profile, then View saved stories. Bon Apptit may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers. Diana Kennedy shares the scoop on Mexico's most popular cheeses and dairy products, including Cotija, queso fresco, and aejo. 6g. Queso panela is used in a wide variety of Mexican dishes. 5 Delicious Cheeses That Take Your Mushroom Omelet to the Next Level. Queso Oaxaca is a Mexican cows milk cheese. When you think of Mexico, you probably think of corn, avocados and chiles before you think of cheese. The curds then form a layer on the surface that is skimmed off and strained. Queso Fresco vs Queso Blanco - The similarities and differences, Cotija vs Queso Fresco - The similarities and differences, Panela vs Paneer - Learn the similarities and differences, Both Panela cheese and Paneer are fresh cheeses, Panela and Paneer cheese are white in color, Paneer and Panela cheese are both mild in flavor, Panela and Paneer are both easy to crumble and slice, Paneer and Panela cheese both hold their shape when exposed to high heat, Commercially produced Panela and Paneer are made from pasteurized milk, Commercially produced Panela and Paneer are both smooth and uniform in texture, Traditionally, Panela cheese is made from 100% cows milk while Paneer can be made with buffalo and/or cows milk, Panela cheese is commonly made with low-fat or skimmed milk while Paneer is made from full-fat milk, Paneer cheese is generally higher in fat and calories than Panela, Panela cheese is generally slightly saltier than Paneer cheese, Panela cheese may be made with rennet while Paneer cheese is made with vegetable or fruit-based acids, Paneer is always vegetarian-friendly, Panela cheese may not be. As a result, it is firm and flexible, will not melt if heated, and is salted lightly. Its fat content is very low, which is why it is widely used in light dishes. 10 Best Oaxaca Cheese Substitutes - Substitute Cooking 10 Cheeses That Make Macaroni Even More Delicious! The dishes where this cheese is usually used is quesadillas, stuffed chili peppers or zucchini. Here are some of the best uses for cotija. Panela (also known as queso canasto) is a fresh, Italian-style cheese made from cow's milk. Panela cheese is slightly salty and is most often eaten alone or with other ingredients as a snack or an appetizer or cut up into a salad. We try our best to keep things fair and balanced, in order to help you make the best choice for you. 5 Popular Mexican Cheeses, from Panela to Cotija Cotija, on the other hand, is a hard, crumbly cheese that is often used as a topping for tacos and other Mexican dishes. Capable of being sliced and used as a sandwich filling it is gently salted and can be eaten plain as a snack. When we say queso, were talking the many varieties of fresh white Mexican cheeses, which are distinctly salty and springy. Paneer is consumed in Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Afghanistan and is the primary protein source for vegetarian Buddhists. In America, people are using different alternatives to panela cheese. It has just been aged for less time, generally just over 3 months. The Panela Cheese of 2023 - savedbythemax.com This white, fresh and smooth cheese is similar to Indian paneer and is gluten-free. This choice is also very affordable and popular, which makes it an easier option. Cookidoo. ), Try in: Winter Squash and Short-Rib Enchiladas. It will be more delicious and natural. According to its texture, it is divided into a cut (when slicing it does not crumble) and grain (when cutting it, it overflows). There are salty varieties and non-salty varieties. Panela - Panela is a soft white cheese which is both firm and flexible. The Only Thing You Need To Know!Continue, Your email address will not be published. "description": "Cheese. Lets look at the ingredients and the process of making panela cheese. Cotija and Queso fresco are sold in rounds, wedges or already grated and ready to sprinkle onto your food. Panela is among the lowest-calorie cheeses while being high in calcium and protein. You can brown the outside and the inside will be warm and gooey. The soft and grainy texture allows for easy crumbling, grating, melting and shredding. The latter two, along with Oaxaca are purely Mexican . Molded in a basket, this fresh cheese is sometimes sold as queso de canasta. Pansies have a mounded shape in contrast to the spreading habit of violas. The cheese is stretched and kneaded into a long rope, then sold in balls. As aforementioned, Queso panela is available in most grocery stores in Mexico. Its flavor is strong, salty and with a distinctive aroma. Its an aged cheese that has a mild yellow color and comes in a few levels of aging that vary in flavor from relatively mild to tangy. Pour the added vinegar and stir until you see the cheese curds are separating from the mixture. It is easy to melt and often used to make queso fundido (melted cheese eaten with chips or other dippers). Some other ideas to use it in different dishes like gratin mushrooms stuffed with shrimp, eggplant lasagna, or the potato pie with spinach. Its the perfect topping and complement to most dishes, but has earned the respect and admiration to stand on its own. However, there are some differences between the two. We tested eleven popular models to find the best. Taste the Difference Between Panela Cheese and Cotija, The Differences Between Panela Cheese And Cotija, Panela Cheese Vs Cotija: How To Choose The Right One For You. What is the Best Substitute for Feta Cheese? - Simply Healthy Family "@type": "WebPage", Seek out these inexpensive favorites (and their rad retro packaging) at your local Latin grocery. Use it on refried beans, enchiladas, or stuffed in chiles. Weve perfected the process and now have over 1,800 types of cheeses being made around the globe. While it may not be the best cheese for quesadillas, it can be used in a pinch. Ad Choices. Manchego cheese is also easy to shred and melts easily. You can usually find it in salads or quesadillas, which makes it a good substitute for Oaxaca cheese. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Panela can't be crumbled, but it's very easy to cut into. Mexican Cheese Queso Fresco is soft and great as a topping. You can buy this cheese from Indian or Asian markets. Queso Fresco vs Queso Blanco - The similarities and differences, Cotija vs Queso Fresco - The similarities and differences, Panela vs Paneer - Learn the similarities and differences, Cotija cheese and Queso fresco are both white in color, Young Cotija and Queso fresco can be mild and slightly salty, Queso fresco and young Cotija cheese both crumble easily, Young Cotija and Queso fresco can both be cubed or sliced, Queso fresco and Cotija do not melt when exposed to high heat, Commercially produced Cotija and Queso fresco are both made from whole or partly skimmed, pasteurized cows milk, The curd structure of Cotija cheese is much finer than Queso fresco, Queso fresco is meant to be eaten immediately after it is made while Cotija needs to be aged 100 days or more, Aged Cotija is much saltier and stronger in flavor than Queso fresco, Some varieties of Cotija may have a rind while Queso fresco does not, Aged Cotija cheese is quite hard and must be shaved or grated, In Mexico, Queso fresco can be made with a combination of goat and cows milk, Cotija is made from 100% cows milk.