Cheeses are milk-based food products that are a result of adding enzyme to milk which causes coagulation of the casein portion of the milk protein. The combination of the protein and the milk-fat form the cheese curd. Curds are then formed in to the final cheese product. Cheese is typically made from cow, goat, buffalo or sheep milk. There are several methods to processing cheese curd, all of which typically involve draining or pressing the curd to remove the whey. After removal of the whey other techniques that influence flavor and texture are:

Stretching (Mozzarella, Provolone): Curd is stretched and kneaded in hot water, developing a stringy, fibrous body.

Cheddaring: (Cheddar, other English cheeses) the cut curd is piled or “stacked” up and as the pile increase, moisture is pushed away. The curd is also mixed (or milled) which involves stirring or turning of the curd to take the sharp edges off the cut curd pieces.

Washing: (Edam, Gouda, and Colby) the curds are washed in warm water which results in lower acidity and more mild tasting cheese.

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION:
Cheese is made from fresh milk by processing it, adding starter culture and coagulant and then processing it further – cutting, stirring, heating, draining, pressing and finally curing.

CHARACTERISTICS:
Pale yellow color (from deep yellow to nearly white), rich milk taste and smell without foreign odor.

APPLICATIONS:
Convenience food production (especially pizza), processed cheese, retail sector, catering and hotel industry.

BENEFITS:
High fat, protein and minerals content, low lactose, long shelf life, ease of transportation, texture allows grating.

STORAGE:
Product must be stored in a cool, dry place, at temperatures between 2 and 4°C and relative humidity below 80%, product has 12 – 18 months shelf life in the original packaging.

PACKAGING:
Individually coated blocks packed in cardboard boxes, various sizes.

REMARKS:
Cheese powder is available.

PROCESSED  CHEESE

Pasteurized processed cheese is a cheese made by heating and blending together several natural cheeses with an emulsifying agent excluding certain cheeses such as cream cheese and cottage cheese. However, Pasteurized Cheese may contain one or more specified “optional ingredients” (includes both dairy and nondairy items). Moisture and fat content percentage requirements vary according to standards for constituent cheeses, but in most cases fat content must be 47% or greater.

Butter

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION:
Butter is made from pasteurized, aged and ripened milk by churning, draining buttermilk, washing, working and forming to desired shape.

CHARACTERISCTIC:
Pale yellow color (from deep yellow to nearly white), rich milk taste and smell without foreign odor.

APPLICATIONS:
Bakery – cakes, tarts and other sweet products, convenience food production, catering and hotel industry, retail sector.

BENEFITS:
Very nutritious, long shelf life in right conditions, alternative to cooking oil, imparts a natural and unique flavor benefit improved moisture retention.

STORAGE:
Refrigerated: 60 days in ≤ 7°C, frozen: 90 days in -20 to -30°C under controlled humidity 80 – 85% conditions, when kept in the original packaging.

PACKAGING:
Individually wrapped blocks packed in cardboard boxes, various sizes.