Kamil Perry
Jamaican cheese, or Tastee Cheese, is a popular processed cheese product in Jamaica. It is a canned, soft cheese with a mild flavour, often compared to cheddar or American processed cheese. While it is considered a Jamaican staple, particularly during Easter, there is some debate about the origins of the product, with some sources claiming it was originally manufactured in New Zealand.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Texture | Smooth, slightly processed |
| Taste | Salty, creamy, similar to cheddar |
| Ingredients | Cheese, unfermented dairy, emulsifiers, extra salt, food colorings, whey |
| Fat Content | >47% |
| Packaging | Metal container with a plastic lid |
| Weight | 2.2 lbs |
| Storage | Requires refrigeration |
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What You'll Learn
Jamaican cheese is canned and processed
Jamaican cheese, or Tastee Cheese, is a canned and processed cheese product. It is a staple food in Jamaica, especially during Easter, when it is traditionally eaten inside a Jamaican spiced bun—a variation on the British hot cross bun brought to the island by colonists in the mid-1600s.
The canning and processing of Jamaican cheese is a unique aspect of this dairy product. While the exact production process may not be known, processed cheese products are typically made from regular cheese and sometimes other unfermented dairy ingredients, emulsifiers, extra salt, food colourings, or whey. The processing gives the cheese a softer texture and a more mellowed-out flavour than regular cheddar cheese.
As a canned product, Jamaican cheese has a longer shelf life and is convenient for storage and transport. The can also protects the cheese from oxygen and light, which can affect the quality and freshness of the product. The canning process involves sealing the cheese inside a metal container, which is then sealed with a plastic lid. This packaging ensures that the cheese remains intact and preserved until consumption.
While the exact process of canning and processing Jamaican cheese may not be publicly available, it is known that the raw materials for Tastee Cheese are imported, and the product is manufactured in Jamaica. The unique processing and canning of Jamaican cheese contribute to its status as a beloved Jamaican staple, enjoyed by locals and sought after by those with a taste of nostalgia for this salty and creamy treat.
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It's a staple food in Jamaica
Jamaican cheese, or Tastee Cheese, is a staple food in Jamaica. It is a processed cheese product with a texture that is similar to cheddar cheese but softer and with a more mellowed-out flavour. It is often described as salty and creamy, and it is commonly paired with buns, especially during Easter. The pairing, known as "bun and cheese", is a Caribbean twist on the British hot cross bun. The tradition was brought to Jamaica by colonists in the mid-1600s, and locals made changes to the recipe, such as shaping it into a loaf, using molasses instead of honey, and adding dried fruit. A slice of Tastee Cheese in the middle completes the holiday treat.
Tastee Cheese is produced and canned in Jamaica by Jamaicans, although the raw materials are imported, and the recipe and original product are from New Zealand. The cheese comes in a 250g tin and is a popular ingredient in Jamaican cuisine, used in dishes such as soups, sauces, and dips. It is also enjoyed on its own or with accompaniments like pretzels and beer.
While some people enjoy the taste of Jamaican cheese, others have criticised it as being highly processed and unnatural. Despite this, it remains a beloved part of Jamaican food culture and is enjoyed by many, both in Jamaica and internationally.
The exact ingredients of Jamaican cheese may vary, but it typically contains cheese, emulsifiers, extra salt, food colourings, or whey. It has a fat content of more than 47%, which contributes to its creamy texture and flavour.
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Tastee Cheese is a popular brand
Tastee Cheese is produced in Jamaica and is widely enjoyed by locals and expatriates alike. It is often paired with Jamaican spiced buns, creating a beloved holiday treat during Easter. The combination of Tastee Cheese and spiced buns is a unique tradition that has evolved from the British custom of eating crossed buns on Good Friday to symbolize Jesus' crucifixion.
The brand has gained a reputation for its distinct flavour and texture, which some compare to American processed cheeses like Velveeta or Kraft cheese. While the exact ingredients may vary, processed cheese typically contains normal cheese and other unfermented dairy ingredients, along with emulsifiers, extra salt, food colourings, or whey.
Tastee Cheese is available in different package sizes, including 2.2-lb tins, and can be purchased online or in stores. It is a convenient and nutritious option for those seeking an authentic taste of Jamaica or simply looking for a delicious and versatile cheese to incorporate into their recipes.
While some have expressed concerns about the packaging, with a few customers finding it challenging to remove the cheese from the tin neatly, overall, Tastee Cheese is well-loved by many. It has become an iconic part of Jamaican culture and cuisine, offering a blend of flavours that satisfies cravings and creates lasting memories.
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It's similar to cheddar but softer
Jamaican cheese, or Tastee Cheese, is a processed cheese product with a flavour comparable to cheddar but with a softer texture. It is a staple in Jamaica, and while it is produced in Jamaica, the raw materials are imported, with some sources stating that the recipe and product originated in New Zealand.
Tastee Cheese is canned and often enjoyed at Easter, as part of a traditional pairing with a Jamaican spiced bun. This combination, known as "Bun and Cheese", is a Caribbean twist on the British hot cross bun. The tradition dates back to the mid-1600s when colonists brought their custom of eating crossed buns on Good Friday to Jamaica. Over time, locals adapted the recipe by shaping the bun into a loaf, using molasses instead of honey, and adding dried fruit. A slice of Tastee Cheese in the middle completes this holiday treat.
The cheese has a salty and creamy flavour and is described as similar to American processed cheeses like Velveeta. It is a versatile ingredient, used in dishes such as soups, sauces, dips, and snacks like soft pretzels with a beer cheese dip. While some appreciate its taste and convenience, others are critical of its processed nature and the challenge of removing it neatly from the can.
Despite the mixed reactions, Tastee Cheese holds a cultural significance in Jamaica, and its unique flavour and texture have made it a beloved part of the country's culinary landscape.
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It's a key part of Jamaican Easter celebrations
Jamaican cheese, or Tastee Cheese, is an essential part of Easter celebrations in Jamaica. The canned, processed cheddar cheese is paired with a Jamaican spiced bun, creating a beloved holiday treat. This tradition dates back to the mid-1600s when colonists brought the custom of eating crossed buns on Good Friday to symbolise Jesus' crucifixion. Over time, Jamaicans adapted the recipe by shaping the dough into a loaf, using molasses instead of honey, and adding dried fruit. A slice of Tastee Cheese in the middle completes this unique Easter delicacy.
Tastee Cheese, produced in Jamaica, has become an iconic part of the country's culinary culture. It is described as having a smooth, slightly processed taste, reminiscent of American processed cheeses like Velveeta. The cheese is often enjoyed in sandwiches, paired with buns, or used as an ingredient in various dishes, including soups, sauces, and dips. Its salty and creamy flavour makes it a versatile ingredient in Jamaican cuisine.
The significance of Tastee Cheese during Easter extends beyond its delicious taste. It has become a symbol of Jamaican culture and a source of national pride. Despite some criticism and debates about its origins, with some claiming it was initially manufactured in New Zealand, Jamaicans have embraced it as their own. The cheese's popularity and importance in Easter traditions unite people across the island, creating a sense of community and shared identity.
For many Jamaicans, Easter without Tastee Cheese would be incomplete. It represents a fusion of cultural influences, adapting traditions brought by colonists to create something uniquely Jamaican. The combination of the spiced bun and Tastee Cheese has become an enduring symbol of the country's rich culinary heritage and a beloved part of their Easter celebrations.
In conclusion, Jamaican cheese, or Tastee Cheese, holds a special place in the country's Easter traditions. Its role in the "bun and cheese" pairing, alongside the Jamaican spiced bun, has become an essential culinary and cultural practice during the Easter holiday. Beyond its taste and versatility, Tastee Cheese embodies the spirit of innovation and cultural blending that characterises Jamaican cuisine, making it a key part of their Easter festivities.
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Frequently asked questions
Jamaican cheese, also known as Tastee Cheese, is a type of processed cheese that is a staple food in Jamaica. It is often paired with a Jamaican spiced bun during Easter.
Jamaican cheese has a smooth, creamy, and slightly salty taste. Some have compared its flavour to that of cheddar cheese, but softer and with a more mellowed-out flavour.
Jamaican cheese is made from normal cheese and sometimes other unfermented dairy ingredients, plus emulsifiers, extra salt, food colourings, or whey.
You can buy Jamaican cheese, or Tastee Cheese, from some online retailers and possibly from international grocers.
