Asadero cheese facts for kids
Asadero cheese (pronounced ah-sah-DEH-roh) is a yummy, white Mexican cheese. Its name, queso asadero, means "cheese for roasting" or "for grilling." You might also see it spelled "azadero."
This cheese is made fresh from the milk of goats and cows. "Asadero" is the type of cheese, and each piece of it is also called an "asadero."
Contents
How Asadero Cheese is Made
Making Asadero cheese is a cool process!
- First, milk is mixed with a special liquid called rennet. Rennet helps the milk curdle, or thicken.
- This mixture is then boiled for about 30 minutes.
- After boiling, the mixture is churned, which means it's stirred vigorously.
- It's cooked again.
- Finally, while it's still hot, the cheese is flattened into round, flat shapes.
What Makes Asadero Special?
Asadero is a mild cheese, which means it doesn't have a strong, sharp taste. It's also known for melting really well! This makes it perfect for many dishes.
People often enjoy Asadero cheese with:
- Bread
- Tortillas
Sometimes, Asadero cheese can be confused with other Mexican cheeses like Chihuahua cheese or Oaxaca cheese.
Where Did Asadero Cheese Come From?
Asadero cheese first started being made during the Mexican Revolution. This was in the Mexican state of Chihuahua. It was also made in another state called Durango.
Later, when people moved from Mexico to the Southwestern United States, they brought the recipe for Asadero cheese with them. This helped the cheese become popular in new places.
In the past, some old recipes for Asadero cheese might have used berries from a plant called silverleaf nightshade to help the milk curdle. Today, rennet is used instead.
See also
In Spanish: Queso asadero para niños
