Cotija cheese

El queso Cotija de Montaña or "grain cheese" is dry, firm, and very salty (the cheese is usually several times saltier than typical cheese, traditionally so that it will keep better). It is a seasonal cheese produced in limited quantities only from July to October because the cows are fed only on the rich grass that grows naturally on the mountains during the rainy season, giving the cheese its unique color and flavor. == Tajo variety ==

"Tajo" cheese is a moister, fattier, and less salty version that holds its shape when cut, with a flavor similar to Greek feta. == Production ==

Queso cotija is an artisan cheese made by hand; thus, every cheese is unique. This cheese usually comes in cylinders with a cream-colored crust. It is a queso de montaña (cheese of the mountains) because the cheesemakers live in the mountains as high as . It is made in the summer and fall seasons, with milk from local cattle. The milk is salted before fermentation. The production method involves milling the curds into small pieces before pressing and aging. When cooked, it slightly softens, but does not otherwise change its shape or consistency. In the mouth, the cheese breaks up again to a sandy or grain-like consistency, adding to the texture of dishes. == Distribution ==

Cotija can be purchased in small rounds or large blocks. Like Parmesan, it is often sold already grated. == Uses ==

Cotija is often used as a "finishing" cheese in Mexican cuisine, crumbled or grated as a topping for burritos, soups, salads, beans, tostadas, or tacos, and Mexican elote (corn on the cob). If cotija cannot be found, acceptable substitutes for fresh cotija include feta or queso fresco. Acceptable substitutes for aged cotija include ricotta salata, Parmesan, or Romano cheese. Cotija can be used as a substitute for the Salvadoran cheese queso duro (also known as queso duro blando) when queso duro is inaccessible, especially in applications such as the Salvadoran quesadilla, a pound cake-like sweet bread. == Food-borne diseases and Cotija ==

The manufacturing processes of most cheeses in Mexico are still rustic and traditional, changing little since its invention. Some dairy products have a conflicting shelf-life which leads to earlier expiration. However, some studies suggest components in the fermentation of Cotija cheese are natural preservatives that can extend the shelf-life of Cotija and other food products as well. These studies suggest that Cotija cheese can be used to target specific bacteria to help increase shelf-life and prevent the spread of food-borne disease. In some rare cases Cotija cheese can contain an infectious pathogen that can infect humans. This pathogen originates from infections found in the cows used in the manufacturing of Cotija cheese. == See also ==