The Real Texture And Taste Of Eden Cheese

what kind of cheese is eden cheese

Eden Cheese is a processed filled cheese spread that was first launched in the Philippines in 1981. It is owned by Mondelez International and is a popular dairy product in the Philippines. The cheese has a mildly salty and tangy flavour and is used in a variety of dishes, including spaghetti, sandwiches, and Filipino desserts like bibingka. It is usually sold in a rectangular block wrapped in foil and needs to be refrigerated after opening. Eden Cheese is made from a combination of natural cheese, water, vegetable oil, milk powders, food starches, and other ingredients. It is considered a versatile and cultural significant ingredient in Filipino cuisine.

Characteristics Values
Type of Cheese Processed Filled Cheese Spread
Manufacturer Mondelez International
Year Introduced 1981
Variants Eden Melt Sarap, Eden Queso de Bola Flavor, Eden Sandwich Spread
Texture Slightly Crumbly but Smooth
Taste Mildly Tangy and Salty
Ingredients Water, Vegetable Oil, Milk Powders, Food Starches, Natural Cheese, Emulsifiers, Iodized Salt, Acidity Regulator, Vitamins and Minerals, Sugar, Preservative
Health Benefits Contains Vitamins A, B2, and Calcium
Storage Recommended at Room Temperature, Keep Away from Heat and Direct Sunlight

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Eden Cheese ingredients

Eden Cheese is a processed filled cheese food brand that was first launched in the Philippines in 1981. It is now owned by Mondelez International.

The ingredients in Eden Original Cheese are:

  • Water
  • Vegetable Oil (including Coconut Oil, Palm Oil, and/or Palm Olein)
  • Milk Powders
  • Food Starches (including Corn and/or Tapioca)
  • Natural Cheese
  • Emulsifiers (Sodium Phosphate and Monoglycerides)
  • Iodized Salt
  • Acidity Regulator (Acetic Acid)
  • Vitamins and Minerals (Calcium Phosphate, Iron Pyrophosphate, Retinyl Palmitate, and Riboflavin)
  • Sugar
  • Preservative (Potassium Sorbate)

Other Eden Cheese products, such as Eden Melt Sarap (quick-melt cheese food) and Eden Queso de Bola Flavor (available during the Christmas season), may have slightly different ingredients.

Eden Cheese is suitable for vegetarians and is a good source of vitamins and calcium. It is recommended to be stored at room temperature in a cool, dry place, and kept away from heat, high humidity, direct sunlight, and freezing temperatures. Once opened, it should be stored in an airtight container.

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Eden Cheese recipes

Eden Cheese is a processed filled cheese spread that was first launched in the Philippines in 1981. It has a smooth and creamy taste, and can be enjoyed with toast, crackers, or even by itself. Here are some delicious recipes that use Eden Cheese:

Special Halo-halo with Eden

This Filipino dessert is a delicious and unique way to enjoy Eden Cheese.

Ingredients:

  • Saging na Saba (Plantain Banana)
  • Sago (Tapioca Pearls)
  • Nata de Coco (Coconut Jelly)
  • Small slices of Langka (Jackfruit)
  • Cubed Macapuno (Coconut Sport)
  • Brown sugar
  • Shaved ice
  • Evaporated milk
  • Ube
  • Leche flan
  • Grated Eden Cheese

Instructions:

  • Place the following ingredients in a glass: saba, sago, munggo (mung bean), langka, jelly, macapuno, pinipig, kaong and nata de coco.
  • Add brown sugar and then shaved ice until the glass is full. (A pro-tip is to freeze the evaporated milk and shave that instead of using plain ice!)
  • Drizzle with evaporated milk and garnish with ube and leche flan.
  • Top it off with grated Eden Cheese. Mix and enjoy!

Ube Ice Cream Pandesal with Eden

This creative recipe combines the sweetness of ube ice cream with the savoury goodness of Eden Cheese.

Ingredients:

  • 2 Scoops of Ube Ice Cream
  • 1 Pandesal roll
  • Grated Eden Cheese

Instructions:

  • Slice the pandesal roll in half.
  • Let the ube ice cream sit at room temperature for five minutes.
  • Place one or two scoops of ice cream on the bottom half of the pandesal.
  • Add grated Eden Cheese before covering with the top half.
  • Enjoy this delicious treat on a hot afternoon!

Cheesy Bibingka with Eden

Bibingka is a traditional Filipino rice cake, and this recipe adds a cheesy twist with Eden Cheese.

Ingredients:

  • 75g Eden Cheese, grated
  • 2 Cups of All-purpose flour
  • 2 Salted Eggs, sliced
  • 2 teaspoons of Baking Powder
  • 2 Cups of Coconut Cream at Room Temperature
  • 2 Teaspoons of Melted Butter

Instructions:

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
  • Line three round baking pans with wax paper or banana leaf and set aside.
  • In a bowl, mix rice flour, all-purpose flour and baking powder.
  • In another bowl, combine water, eggs, sugar, coconut cream and butter. Mix well.
  • Slowly pour the dry ingredients over the wet ingredients and mix until you get a smooth consistency. Use a sieve to remove any lumps.
  • Fill the round baking pans with the mixture until 75% full. Top with sliced Eden Cheese and salted egg.
  • Bake in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes. To check if it's cooked through, stick a toothpick in the centre and make sure it comes out clean.
  • Serve hot and enjoy the cheesy goodness!

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Eden Cheese health benefits

Eden cheese is a processed filled cheese food, also known as a "processed filled cheese spread", owned by Mondelez International. It was first launched in the Philippines in 1981 by Kraft Foods, the predecessor of Mondelez International.

While Eden cheese is high in calories, it is also rich in vitamins and minerals, including phosphorus, calcium, and copper. It is also a good source of protein.

Bone Health

A serving of Eden cheese provides 20% of the recommended daily intake of calcium, which is essential for healthy bones and teeth. Calcium also plays a role in blood clotting, wound healing, and maintaining normal blood pressure.

Dental Health

The calcium content in Eden cheese contributes to dental health by aiding in tooth formation. Additionally, a study has shown that eating cheese can raise the pH level in dental plaque, offering protection against dental cavities.

Weight Loss

Cheese is a good source of calcium, and studies have shown that people with a high body mass index (BMI) tend to have low calcium levels. Therefore, including calcium-rich foods like Eden cheese in a weight-loss diet may offer benefits.

Gut Health

As a fermented food, cheese may help boost healthy gut bacteria, which can positively affect blood cholesterol levels, according to a small study.

Preventing Common Cancers

The calcium content in cheese may help prevent common cancers, such as colorectal cancer. Additionally, the vitamin D and lactic acid in cheese may also offer protective effects.

It is important to note that Eden cheese is also high in saturated fat and sodium, so it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

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Eden Cheese substitutes

Eden cheese is a processed cheese spread from the brand Mondelez International. It was first launched in the Philippines in 1981 and quickly became a household name. It is a soft cheese with a creamy, lightly salty flavour and a hint of tang. It is also known for its melt-in-your-mouth texture, making it a popular ingredient in Filipino dishes.

  • Velveeta Cheese: This processed cheese food is a good substitute for Eden cheese in terms of texture. However, Velveeta has a saltier taste and an orange shade, which differs from Eden's light yellow hue.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Mild cheddar cheese is a suitable substitute as it has a similar flavour and texture to Eden cheese—not too salty and smooth. Sharp cheddar can also be used but may need to be adjusted in recipes due to its more intense flavour.
  • Feta Cheese: Feta is widely available and has a similar salty taste to Eden cheese. However, it is not an exact match as it is tangier and does not melt well.
  • Ricotta Cheese: Ricotta is rich and creamy cheese that can be used as a substitute for Eden cheese, especially in sandwiches and sauces. It has a neutral and mild taste and does not melt as well as Eden cheese but blends well with other ingredients.
  • Swiss Cheese: Swiss cheese, specifically Emmentaler, is a good substitute for Eden cheese in terms of flavour and melting ability. It has a creamy taste and less sodium, making it a better option for those watching their salt intake.
  • Gouda Cheese: Gouda is a popular and accessible cheese that melts beautifully. It has a firmer and drier texture than Eden but differs in flavour due to its distinct sweetness.
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Mozzarella is a good alternative for Eden cheese if you're looking for a milder flavour. It becomes stringy when heated, giving a different texture from Eden cheese, which melts into a pool of cheese.
  • Fontina Cheese: Fontina is a good melting cheese that can be used in cheese dips. It has a nutty taste that can add richness and uniqueness to dishes.
  • Pepper Jack Cheese: This variety of Monterey Jack is a great substitute for Eden cheese if you want to add a kick to your cheese dishes. It melts well and has a spicy and complex flavour with specks of different spices and chili peppers.
  • Edam Cheese: Edam cheese is a good substitute for Eden cheese, especially in most Filipino dishes. It has a mild flavour and a similar creamy texture. Aged Edam is firmer and sharper, while young Edam is softer and milder.
  • Gruyere Cheese: Gruyere is a Swiss cheese with a nutty, rich, and creamy flavour. It can be used as a substitute for Eden cheese, especially in sandwiches, sauces, and dips. Young Gruyere has a milder flavour, while aged Gruyere is earthier.
  • Cheez Whiz: Cheez Whiz is a processed cheese dip from the same company that makes Eden cheese. It is a good substitute when a recipe calls for melted cheese, as it has a paste-like consistency.
  • Appenzeller Cheese: This Swiss cheese has a nutty and fruity taste that differs from Eden cheese but can still be used as a substitute. It has a mild aroma and a smooth texture.
  • Cream Cheese: Cream cheese has a smooth, creamy texture and a subtly tangy flavour. It is a good substitute for Eden cheese in dishes like mac and cheese, grilled cheese sandwiches, and even desserts like cheesecake.
  • Monterey Jack Cheese: This cheese is mildly creamy and less salty than Eden cheese. It has a similar milky-yellow colour and is easy to grate and slice.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan can be used to introduce a nutty, full-bodied flavour to dishes. It is slightly salty, so it should be used sparingly and tasted as you go.

While Eden cheese is a popular ingredient, these substitutes offer similar characteristics and can be used to create delicious dishes when Eden cheese is not available.

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Eden Cheese packaging and storage

Eden cheese is a processed filled cheese food, labelled as "processed filled cheese spread", owned by Mondelez International. It was first launched in the Philippines in 1981 by Kraft Foods.

When it comes to storing cheese, the guiding principle is that cheese is a living food and needs to breathe. This is because cheese is teeming with beneficial microbes—bacteria, yeasts, and moulds—that transformed it from a pale, flavourless curd into rich, aromatic cheese. Therefore, it is important to store cheese in a way that allows it to breathe without drying out.

In general, cheese should be stored in the refrigerator until about an hour before you’re ready to eat it. The cold temperature helps to preserve it and keep premature mould growth at bay. It is best to keep cheese in the cheese drawer or crisper drawer of the refrigerator to protect it from the drying air.

For most varieties of cheese, plastic wrap is not the ideal storage option as it does not allow the cheese to breathe. This means gases like ammonia can build up and create unpleasant flavours and aromas. Plastic wrap also traps moisture, which can promote the growth of undesirable bacteria. Translucent plastic also lets light in, which can create off-flavours on the cheese's outer surface.

Aluminum foil can be used to store cheese but it is not breathable and can affect the flavour of certain cheeses.

Cheese paper, on the other hand, is a good option for storing cheese. It is opaque and wraps tightly around the cheese to protect it. It is made from a layer of paper and a layer of plastic fused together, with tiny perforations to allow air and moisture to flow out. However, it can be pricey and is not reusable or easily recyclable.

Reusable, compostable food wraps made from fabric coated with beeswax, resin, and jojoba oil can also be used to store cheese. These wraps protect cheese from air while allowing it to breathe but they are not ideal for soft cheeses as they need to be wrapped tightly.

For Eden cheese, which is a processed cheese spread, it is best to follow the storage instructions on the packaging. Processed cheese typically has a longer shelf life than other types of cheese due to the addition of preservatives. It is likely that Eden cheese can be stored in its original packaging in the refrigerator until opened, after which it should be consumed within a certain timeframe.

Frequently asked questions

Eden Cheese is a processed filled cheese food brand, owned by Mondelez International. It was first launched in the Philippines in 1981.

It has a mild, slightly tangy and salty taste. It is known for its smooth and creamy texture.

Eden Cheese is made from pasteurised cow's milk, water, butter, and emulsifiers. It also contains vegetable oil, milk powders, food starches, natural cheese, salt, sugar, and preservatives.

Eden Cheese can be part of a balanced diet, but it should be consumed in moderation due to its high fat and sodium content. It does provide some health benefits, as it is rich in essential nutrients like vitamins A, B2, and calcium.

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