Can You Freeze Queso Fresco?
Fresh cheese is undoubtedly an extremely satisfying food around. It’s not surprising that we include it in everything from cake to steak. So, here, in this blog post, I am going to answer the question, along with a few others, that people often ask in kitchen forums: Can you freeze Queso Fresco?
Queso fresco, one of the most well-known cheeses from Mexico and among the top fresh cheeses available, is a great example. It is loved by many and is used in a vast range of dishes, even outside of Mexican food.
If you’ve become with more queso fresco that you could comfortably eat in the next couple of days, you could be thinking:
Can you freeze queso fresco? Technically, it is possible to put queso fresco in the freezer. However, due to its excessive moisture content, it is not advised to do so. The quality of the flavor and texture as well as its integrity is severely compromised if you do that. Queso Fresco can be stored for up 2 months, without having to freeze it.
I will discuss the reasons why you shouldn’t store queso fresco, and offer alternatives to keep the cheese in good condition and available for all occasions. I will also address the commonly asked questions on queso fresco.
What is Queso Fresco?
Queso fresco is a Spanish word meaning “fresh cheese” from Spanish and that’s precisely the definition of. It has a mild milky flavor due to the fact that it’s un-aged. Soft in texture but it is still solid. It will break when cut instead of being cut precisely.
Like most fresh cheeses, this one has an astringent or salty finish. And, while it’s creamy, it’s also not overly heavy.
Queso fresco is typically eaten fresh, alongside fruits or salads, but it’s also a fantastic food ingredient to prepare for specific recipes. It’s great with heavier dishes.
Many Mexican dishes are prepared with many eggs or beans and this light, fresh cheese is a great way to counterbalance the heaviness of the food.
The best way to describe this particular cheese even if you’ve never had it before is to examine it against the most popular cheeses.
Queso Fresco Substitutes
Paneer, a renowned dairy product, is similar to cheese and utilized in Indian cuisine, as well as halloumi which is a popular unripened Greek cheese are among the most similar options to queso fresco with a similar texture and mild taste.
Cottage cheese and ricotta have identical flavors, however, they differ in texture and are softer than queso fresco.
Bocconcini, also known as baby mozzarella, is a close cousin, but it’s far more solid and less crumbly than queso fresco.
Many will also consider goat cheese or feta with queso fresco as they are similar in texture, but both possess stronger, more tart flavor.
Why Shouldn’t You Freeze Queso Fresco?
Queso fresco, which is extremely fresh, is also characterized by a high amount of moisture when compared with older cheeses, such as cheddar, for instance. This makes queso fresco a poor option for freezing.
When queso fresco is thawed the moisture forms tiny ice crystals inside the cheese that smash through the proteins which keep your cheese in place. After queso fresco has thawed it melts the ice and the firmness of the fresh cheese is removed.
The end result will be a separated, gritty queso fresco.
How to Freeze Queso Fresco?
If you’d like to freeze your queso fresco, you can follow the steps listed below to accomplish this.
In the beginning, you’ll need to decide on the amount of cheese that you would like to freeze. Make sure it isn’t spoiled (no change in smell or visible evidence from mold).
Cover the cheese as tightly as is possible in the original packaging, or in some foil, if have made the cheese yourself. Place it in an airtight bag container, ensuring that it is sealed securely.
The most effective method is to speed up freezing to -9F in order to stop the formation of ice crystals. This is a common occurrence when using queso fresco, but it is the best way to reduce the amount of crystals that form.
Anyone with an option to quickly freeze queso fresco in their freezer should consider using this option if it is available.
It is best not to store the cheese for too long, as this prolonged exposure to cold could affect the texture more. A period of 6 to 9 months is ideal for hard cheeses. For soft cheeses like queso fresco, you need to give them a shorter time.
How to Defrost Queso Fresco?
To melt your cheese, remove it from the freezer and put it in the fridge with its package intact.
It can take between 7 to 8 hours to let the cheese thaw according to the quantity you freeze. However, defrosting the cheese overnight allows it to completely freeze (and provides you with ample time to prepare your meals!)
Be sure that the cheese has completely thawed prior to trying to make use of it. As I mentioned the queso fresco that has been defrosted will contain excess water because the ice crystals are gone through the process of defrosting.
This could cause your cheese to have grains that could be evident while eating.
Be sure that all excess water has been eliminated from the cheese prior to making use of it, since it can alter the flavor.
Keep queso fresco within the refrigerator at all time to ensure that it doesn’t get stale. It is best to use it within a couple of days after cooling.
It is not advisable to freeze queso fresco that has been defrosted. It is already likely that you will observe a major change in the cheese and it might be inedible.
Refreezing causes more crystals of ice to form, which will result in a liquid cheese that is unpalatable. To prevent this from happening, you should consume the cheese as fresh as possible. However, if you’re at risk of freezing, make sure to only defrost as much of it as you’re able to.
How to Store Queso Fresco
If you’re not ready to risk the freezer route we’re here to help. Instead, it’s a good idea to store queso fresco inside your fridge.
Protected and wrapped properly, this is the most effective method to prolong the life of your cheese, even though eating it fresh is always the best way to enjoy it.
How Long Does Queso Fresco Last in the Fridge?
If you’ve purchased queso fresco at a shop, it will stay fresh in the fridge for up 2 months, provided that you protect it by wrapping it in a proper manner. For that long, there’s no reason to store it in a freezer.
The freshness of the cheese you purchase depends on the fact that it’s manufactured commercially or homemade and also when you take it out of the package.
Queso Fresco that has not been opened will last for the longest time in the fridge. It’s vacuum-sealed by a commercial company to shield it from exposure to bacteria that could affect the quality.
It’s likely to last for two months unless stated. It’s best to store your food in the primary compartment of your fridge and is not the middle drawer, which is typically used to store cheeses and deli meats.
Keep your queso fresco away from the entrance as that’s the place where the greatest temperature variation takes place, and this could reduce the shelf life of the cheese.
How Long Is Queso Fresco Good For After Opening?
After your queso fresco is opened, you’ll want to wrap it in a protective manner and get it secured.
Freshness, as well as the texture of the cheese, will begin to diminish quickly, but it will not be noticeable for around 2 weeks, at which point you might not appreciate it as often.
Queso fresco is an extremely wet cheese and may dry out if exposed to lots of air moving. Wrapping it loosely in plastic wrap or cheesecloth is the best method for your cheese to breathe, and not become dry.
How Long Is Homemade Queso Fresco Good For?
Queso Fresco that you make yourself won’t last as long as the store-bought commercially-produced cheese. When you make your own cheese, it is important to ensure you’re able and willing to consume it within a couple of days.
Then, you’ll likely see significant quality improvements.
How To Tell If Queso Fresco Has Gone Bad
A majority of cheeses show green or white spots of mold once they’ve become stale. If you have a fresh, white cheese that is crumbly it can be hard to spot.
Of course, if there is obvious mold, that’s an indication that you need to remove the cheese.
It is also common to smell an odor that is musty or tangy. If none of these smells indicate anything is wrong A small tasting test will alert you to any moldy or soured cheese.
Contrary to hard cheeses, it’s not a great idea to slice off an affected area and then eat around it. Soft cheeses are more prone to the bacteria known as listeria that you must stay clear of.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Queso Fresco Pasteurized?
Queso fresco you can are likely to find in stores across North America is made from pasteurized milk. However, it is not uncommon to see queso Fresco that’s not pasteurized, especially on the continent of Mexico as well as some other Central American countries.
If you’re pregnant or are otherwise worried about the pasteurization process, your label needs to be clear on the pasteurization process. If it’s not that it is pasteurized, you should stay clear of it to ensure you are secure.
Queso Fresco Vs Paneer
Paneer is a dairy-like cheese product that is widely used in Indian food, whereas queso fresco can be found to prepare Mexican cooking. Paneer is a lot more sturdy commonly employed for frying and cutting.
Queso fresco however it crumbles when cut. It is also fried however, it’s more similar to the cheese feta in its crumbly texture.
When it comes to flavors, they are remarkably alike. They’re both light and creamy tasting.
Queso Fresco Vs Queso Blanco
Queso Blanco and queso fresco are similar, yet quite different cheeses. Queso Blanco is white Mexican cheese, while queso fresco, a fresh cheese that is white.
Queso fresco is produced by adding rennet and culture to milk. Queso Blanco is made by adding an acidifying agent, such as vinegar or lemon juice to the milk.
If you’re making your own cheese, Queso Blanco is the easiest way to go.
Queso fresco can’t be included in certain vegetarian diets due to the fact that Rennet is a byproduct that comes from calves.
Can You Melt Queso Fresco?
Queso is soft after heating but it’s not melting as mozzarella or cheddar might. It has a large melting temperature, making it ideal for cooking.
It’s much more usual to make use of queso fresco fresh, but it is a great choice in situations where a filling is required.
It’s likely to be too hard for American-style pizza for instance however, for quesadillas, it’s perfect. It is one of the most widely utilized cheeses in Mexico which means that any savory Mexican dish will be very good using queso fresco.
What is the Nutrition Value of Queso Fresco?
Queso fresco is generally thought of as one of the healthiest selections of cheese.
It’s fresh, not overly processed, delicious, and is a tasty low-carb snack.
In a serving of 1 ounce in a 1-ounce serving, you’ll find these nutritional values:
85 calories
Seven grams of fat with around 3.5-4g of saturated fat
- Gram of carbs
5plus grams of protein
The values may vary dependent on the brand used and the type of milk used to make Queso Fresco.
Wrapping up
So, can you freeze queso fresco? In fact, I’ve already provided the answer in the earlier part of the article.
However, just like the case for soft cheeses that are fresh, freezing them isn’t always advisable. There are a variety of ways to accomplish this, however, it is essential to note that the texture of cheese will change, so you should select stronger cheeses when you plan to freeze some.
Queso can be frozen fresco cheese, but keep in mind that there are significant modifications to the texture. Also, that it should be completely defrosted prior to consumption to ensure the safety of your digestive system.
When you open it, you’ll receive 2 weeks’ worth of queso fresco kept in a tightly sealed container. To stay clear of any watery, inedible cheeses, it’s recommended to buy only that you can eat within this time frame.
