Savor the distinctive taste of regional Latin American cheese
In the heart of Quebec, a unique dairy has been making waves in the culinary world, specializing in traditional Latin American cheeses. Les Fromages Latino, located in Val-des-Sources, is the brainchild of Isabel Correa and Eduardo Ibanez, and their family, who sought to bring the taste of their homeland to the growing Latino communities in Canada.
One of their most popular creations is the Colombian Costeno cheese, a versatile cheese ideal for grilling on the barbecue, much like halloumi, but with a less salty twist. Costeno cheese is a finalist in the Grilled Cheese category of the Caseus Selection, a competition that rewards the best cheeses in the province.
Another favourite is D'hoja Queso Fresco, known for its soft, grainy texture and rich, creamy flavour. Perfect for crumbling, this cheese is a staple in many Latin American dishes.
Panela, a fresh, mild Mexican cheese, low in salt and often served as an appetizer or grilled, is another offering from Les Fromages Latino. Meanwhile, Oaxaca, a soft, mild cheese from the Mexican city of Oaxaca, is suitable for shredding and using in typically Mexican recipes like quesadillas.
The dairy moved to Val-des-Sources in 2015, after building their facility in Saint-Aimé. They began commercializing their cheeses in 2005, following their attendance at the Saint-Hyacinthe Agri-Food Technology Institute. Today, they produce 13 types of cheese and two types of cream, some of which are essential for traditional dishes.
In Montreal, Sabor Latino and Mercado Andes supermarkets stock these cheeses, and they can also be found in many Maxi supermarkets. For those who prefer to visit the dairy directly, the cheeses are available for purchase on-site in Val-des-Sources.
However, a search for Latin American cheeses made in Quebec or produced by Latin American cheese makers locally did not yield any clear evidence in the provided search results. If you're looking for these specific cheeses, it may be worth checking specialty import shops or Latin American grocery stores.
For the best Quebec cheeses, look no further than Zacharie Cloutier, a sheep milk cheese by Marie-Chantal Houde at Fromagerie Nouvelle France near Montreal, highly acclaimed as one of the best cheeses in Quebec. Another standout is Jersey Royal, a soft creamy cow milk cheese from Fromagerie Missiska in Bedford, Eastern Townships. Fresh goat cheeses at Fromagerie Les Biquettes à l’air on the Magdalen Islands and Fromagerie La Station de Compton in the Eastern Townships are also worth trying. Lastly, Fromagerie du Pied-De-Vent, also on the Magdalen Islands, is famous for "Pied-de-Vent" and "Tomme des Demoiselles" cheeses.
In conclusion, Les Fromages Latino in Val-des-Sources offers a taste of Latin America right here in Quebec, with their popular Mexican cheeses gaining recognition among Quebecers. For those seeking traditional Quebec cheeses, the likes of Zacharie Cloutier and Jersey Royal are highly recommended. Enjoy the diverse flavours of Quebec's artisanal cheeses!
[1] Zacharie Cloutier: https://www.fromagerienouvellefrance.com/produits/zacharie-cloutier [2] Jersey Royal: https://www.fromageriemissiska.com/produits/fromage-jersey-royal [3] Fresh goat cheeses: https://www.lesbiquettes.com/ [4] Fromagerie La Station de Compton: https://www.fromagerielastation.com/ [5] Fromagerie du Pied-De-Vent: https://www.fromageriedupieddevent.com/
- Les Fromages Latino in Val-des-Sources, known for their Colombian Costeno cheese and D'hoja Queso Fresco, are not limited to traditional Latin American cheeses, but also offer contemporary Quebec gastronomy by providing essential cheeses for traditional dishes.
- While Sabor Latino, Mercado Andes, and Maxi supermarkets in Montreal stock the cheeses from Les Fromages Latino, specialty import shops and Latin American grocery stores may have other Latin American cheeses not readily available elsewhere.
- For an authentic taste of Quebec, global cuisines enthusiasts can try other renowned Quebec cheeses, such as Zacharie Cloutier, Jersey Royal, fresh goat cheeses, and Fromagerie du Pied-De-Vent's unique Pied-de-Vent and Tomme des Demoiselles cheeses, showcasing the versatile and vibrant French-influenced lifestyle and fashion-and-beauty scene within the province.
