Discovering The Mystery Cheese: Cacique's Unique Flavor

what kind of cheese is cacique

Cacique is a brand of Hispanic cheeses, chorizos, and cremas. The company was founded by the de Cardenas family, who were new immigrants from Mexico in 1973. They began by selling queso fresco, a type of fresh cheese, out of the back seat of their car. Today, Cacique is the largest fresh cheese company in the US, with facilities and distribution centres across the country. The company offers a range of Mexican-style cheeses, including Panela, Cotija, Queso Oaxaca, and Queso Fresco, as well as blends such as the Four Quesos Blend.

Characteristics Values
Company Name Cacique
Company Type Family-owned
Specialization Hispanic Cheeses, Chorizos, and Cremas
Year of Foundation 1973
Founders De Cardenas Family
Founder's Origin Mexico
Founder's Profession Handyman
Founder's Starting Capital $1,500
Current Owners Gilbert B. de Cardenas, Ana de Cardenas-Raptis, Maria de Cardenas-Krakovic, Antonio de Cardenas
Current Position Largest fresh cheese company in the U.S.
Daily Milk Usage 1.2 million pounds
Milk Type Hormone-free, Kosher-certified
Popular Products Queso Oaxaca, Panela, Cotija, Ranchero Queso Fresco, Four Quesos Blend, Crema Salvadorena, Crema Mexicana, Ranchero Crema Natural, Ranchero Crema Con Sal

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Cacique is a family-owned company

The name Cacique, which means "the chief" or "the pinnacle" in Latin America, reflects the family's ambition and dedication to producing the highest-quality, authentic products. Today, the company is run by the children of its founders, who continue to uphold the values of family, quality, integrity, and authenticity.

Cacique has grown significantly since its early days, now processing 1.2 million pounds of hormone-free, Kosher-certified milk per day and distributing its products across the country. The company has expanded its product line beyond queso fresco to include a variety of Mexican-style cheeses, such as Panela, Cotija, and Queso Oaxaca, as well as chorizos and cremas.

Cacique has established itself as the leading brand of Hispanic cheeses, chorizos, and cremas, known for its commitment to quality and authenticity. The company's success is a testament to the hard work and vision of the de Cardenas family, who turned a small business into the largest fresh cheese maker in the United States.

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Cacique makes Mexican and Italian cheeses

Cacique is a brand of Mexican-style cheeses, chorizos, and cremas. They are the number one brand of Hispanic cheeses, chorizos, and cremas. Cacique has been a family-owned company for over 50 years and is dedicated to producing the highest-quality authentic products.

Cacique was founded in 1973 by the de Cardenas family, who were new immigrants from Mexico. They saw an opportunity to create a product that was not yet available in the Los Angeles marketplace—queso fresco. They named their company Cacique, which in Latin America means "the chief" or the head of the tribe, the very best, or the pinnacle.

Today, Cacique is the largest fresh cheese company in the U.S., with facilities and distribution centers across the country. They offer a wide range of Mexican-style cheeses, including:

  • Queso Oaxaca: Similar to mozzarella, this cheese is formed into a long rope that is then coiled into a ball. It can be pulled apart into strings, like string cheese.
  • Panela: An all-natural, crumbly curd-style cheese with a mild, milky flavor. It softens when heated but doesn't become stringy, and can be seared into a golden slab without becoming runny.
  • Cotija: A robust-flavored artisan cheese with a dry, crumbly texture similar to Parmesan. It can be used as a topping or as a substitute for Parmesan.
  • Ranchero Queso Fresco: A signature Cacique cheese that is mild and buttery, with a fresh milky flavor. It softens when heated but doesn't become stringy, and pairs well with spicy flavors.
  • Four Quesos Blend: A shredded cheese blend of four authentic Mexican-style cheeses: Manchego, Oaxaca, Quesadilla, and Asadero.

In addition to their Mexican-style cheeses, Cacique also offers a variety of Italian-style cheeses, such as shredded cheddar, Kraft Parmesan, and Laughing Cow creamy Swiss.

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Cacique is the largest fresh cheese maker in the US

Cacique was founded in 1973 by the de Cardenas family, who were new immigrants from Mexico. They began by selling queso fresco, a type of fresh cheese that wasn't yet available in the Los Angeles marketplace. The name "Cacique" comes from Latin America, where it means "the chief" or the head of the tribe; the very best or the pinnacle.

Today, Cacique has facilities and distribution centres across the country. The company processes 1.2 million pounds of hormone-free, Kosher-certified milk per day and offers a wide range of Mexican-style cheeses, including:

  • Panela: A crumbly curd-style, all-natural fresh cheese with a mild, milky flavour. It softens when heated but doesn't become stringy, and can be easily crumbled to stuff jalapenos.
  • Cotija: A robust-flavoured artisan cheese with a dry, crumbly texture similar to Parmesan. It's often used as a topping and can be substituted for Parmesan.
  • Ranchero Queso Fresco: This signature cheese is mild and buttery, with a fresh milky flavour. It softens when heated and pairs well with spicy flavours.
  • Four Quesos Blend: A blend of four authentic Mexican-style cheeses: Manchego, Oaxaca, Quesadilla, and Asadero. This blend is smooth, buttery, and rich, making it perfect for enchiladas, omelettes, soups, and salads.

In addition to their cheese products, Cacique also offers a range of fresh creams called "cremas" and yogurt smoothie drinks. The company's success and widespread distribution have made it easier for people across the US to enjoy authentic Mexican cheeses and enhance their recipes with Cacique's unique flavours.

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Cacique's Queso Oaxaca is similar to mozzarella

Cacique is a brand of Hispanic cheeses, chorizos, and cremas. Queso Oaxaca, one of the cheeses produced by Cacique, is similar to mozzarella. Queso Oaxaca, which originates from Oaxaca, Mexico, is made by hand and formed into a long rope that is then coiled into a ball. As you eat it, you can uncoil it, and if you pull it apart further, you can create strings, much like string cheese. Queso Oaxaca is also one of the cheeses used in Cacique's Four Quesos Blend, which combines four authentic, Mexican-style cheeses: Manchego, Oaxaca, Quesadilla, and Asadero.

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Cacique's Four Quesos Blend combines four Mexican-style cheeses

Cacique is a brand of Mexican-style cheeses, chorizos, and cremas. The company was founded by the de Cardenas family, who were new immigrants from Mexico in 1973. They began by selling queso fresco, a type of fresh cheese not yet available in the Los Angeles marketplace. The term cacique, in Latin America, means “the chief” or the head of a tribe, representing the very best.

Today, Cacique is the largest fresh cheese company in the U.S., producing a wide range of Mexican-style cheeses. One of their popular products is the Four Quesos Blend, a shredded cheese blend combining four distinct Mexican-style cheeses. This blend includes Manchego, Oaxaca, Quesadilla, and Asadero cheeses, resulting in a smooth, buttery, and rich flavour. The Four Quesos Blend is versatile and can be used in various dishes, including enchiladas, omelettes, soups, and salads.

In addition to their Four Quesos Blend, Cacique offers a diverse selection of cheeses, such as Panela, Cotija, and their signature Ranchero Queso Fresco. The company also produces a range of fresh creams, known as cremas, which are useful for home cooks. Crema Salvadorena, a sour cream with a hint of cheesy flavour, can be used as a flavour booster. Crema Mexicana Agria, a tangy and pourable Mexican-style sour cream, differs from the gelatinous American variety. Additionally, they offer Crema Mexicana, a pourable table cream suitable for both sweet and savoury dishes, and Ranchero Crema Natural and Con Sal, unsalted and salted cultured sour creams, respectively.

Cacique has stayed true to its roots, with the de Cardenas family carrying on the vision and ideals established by their parents. The company remains family-owned and dedicated to producing the highest-quality, authentic Mexican-style cheeses and other products.

Frequently asked questions

Cacique is a brand of Hispanic cheeses, chorizos, and cremas.

Cacique, in Latin America, means "the chief" or the head of the tribe; the very best or the pinnacle.

Cacique sells a variety of Mexican-style cheeses, including:

- Queso Oaxaca

- Panela

- Cotija

- Ranchero Queso Fresco

- Four Quesos Blend (Manchego, Oaxaca, Quesadilla, and Asadero)

- Queso Quesadilla

- Chihuahua

Some recipes that use Cacique cheese include:

- Cornbread Waffles with Chicken, Avocado, and Sweet and Spicy Crema

- Wonton Wrapped Queso Fresco

- Pan-Fried Cotija with Cilantro Chutney

- Citrus Salad with Queso Fresco, Panela, and Cotija

- Tostadas with Chorizo, Cotija, and Crema Agria

- Enchilado and Pasilla Stuffed Chicken Breast with Crema Enchiladas and Chipotle Crema

- Banana Creme Pie with Crema Salvadorena

Cacique cheese can be found at Target, Walmart, and Hispanic markets. You can also use their store locator to find a retailer near you.

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