Cheese Varieties In Kerala: A Cultural Culinary Experience

Kerala, a state in the southwest of India, is home to a variety of cheeses. Casaro Creamery, the first artisanal cheese maker in the region, offers a range of handcrafted cheeses. The state also boasts suppliers of fresh cheese, including Mascarpone, and Indian cottage cheese, or Paneer, is a staple in Kerala. Kodai Cheese, with its Parmesan, Cheddar, and Feta varieties, is another popular option. Kerala's diverse cheese selection showcases the richness of Indian cuisine, with cheeses playing a vital role in its tapestry.

Casaro Creamery, Kerala's first artisanal cheese maker, offers a range of handcrafted cheeses

Kerala's first artisanal cheese maker, Casaro Creamery, offers a range of handcrafted cheeses made from natural farm-fresh milk without adding any preservatives or emulsifiers. The brand was established in 2018 by Anu Joseph, a dedicated homemaker who embarked on a journey into cheesemaking out of her genuine love for the craft. Hailing from the picturesque state of Kerala in India, Casaro has garnered numerous awards and earned the admiration of cheese lovers across India.

Casaro Creamery's unique cheeses inculcate the flavours and aromas of Kerala. The founder, Anu Joseph, formulated cheese recipes best suited for local milk sources and the climatic conditions of Kerala after years of research on European cheesemaking techniques. As a promoter of natural and healthy food habits, Anu ensures that her cheeses are crafted without the use of artificial additives or preservatives.

Casaro Creamery has quickly become the preferred choice for healthy and tasty cheese and cheese-based food selections among the growing community of gourmets in Kerala exploring international cuisines. The brand is family-owned and committed to preserving and practicing traditional cheese-making methods, creating authentic cheeses that captivate the senses.

Some of the handcrafted cheeses offered by Casaro Creamery include Parmigiano Reggiano, Grana Padano, Smoked Cheese, and Goat Cheese. These cheeses can be found in various stores and hypermarkets across Kerala, including Host Hypermarket, Lulu Hypermarket, and Supreme Bakers.

Kodai Cheese offers Parmesan, Cheddar, and Feta cheese

Kodai Cheese, based in the picturesque state of Kerala, offers a range of fine cheeses, including Parmesan, Cheddar, and Feta varieties. These cheeses are crafted with passion and dedication, using traditional methods and the finest ingredients.

Parmesan, or Parmigiano Reggiano, is an Italian hard cheese produced from cow's milk and aged for at least 12 months. It is named after the Italian provinces of Parma and Reggio Emilia, where it originates. With its granular texture, Parmesan is perfect for grating over pasta, adding to soups and risottos, or simply enjoying on its own.

Cheddar cheese, a natural cheese variety, boasts a relatively hard texture and a sharp, pungent flavour. It ranges in colour from off-white to orange, depending on the addition of colourings like annatto. Cheddar has its roots in the English village of Cheddar in Somerset but is now produced worldwide, with each region imparting its unique style and quality.

Feta, a Greek brined white cheese, is made from sheep milk or a blend of sheep and goat milk. It has a soft, crumbly texture with small or no holes and no skin. Feta's tangy and salty flavour enhances salads, pastries, sandwiches, and numerous other dishes.

Kodai Cheese takes pride in its artisanal approach to cheese-making, capturing the essence of these classic varieties while adhering to traditional techniques. The result is a range of exceptional cheeses that delight cheese connoisseurs across Kerala and beyond.

Amul, Milky Mist, Mooz, and Akshayakalpa are some cheese brands available in Kerala

Kerala is home to a variety of cheese brands, including Amul, Milky Mist, Mooz, and Akshayakalpa. Each of these brands offers its own unique range of cheese products, catering to the diverse tastes and preferences of consumers in the state.

Amul, one of the well-known cheese brands in Kerala, offers a range of cheese products such as Amul Cheddar Cheese and Amul Pizza Cheese. Amul Cheddar Cheese, with its firm texture and rich flavour, is a popular choice for soups, sauces, dips, and snacks. It is also commonly used in sandwiches, omelettes, and pizzas. Amul's cheese products are easily accessible in top gourmet stores, APOs, MFS, e-commerce platforms, and retail stores across Kerala.

Milky Mist, another prominent brand in Kerala, is committed to delivering nutritious and healthy products to its customers. While they offer a diverse range of products, including milkshakes, ice cream, and Greek yogurt, they also provide a variety of cheese options. Milky Mist prioritises quality and ensures strict monitoring and control during the production process, guaranteeing consumers receive top-notch cheese products.

Mooz is a brand that offers a range of cheese products, including mozzarella cheese. Their products are available in Kochi, Kerala, and can be purchased through various suppliers and retailers in the region.

Akshayakalpa, an organic cheese brand, is also available in Kerala. They offer a wide range of handcrafted, artisanal cheese varieties, including cheddar, smoked cheddar, mild cheddar, chilli cheddar, and pepper cheddar. Akshayakalpa's cheese is made from 100% organic milk sourced from cows living on chemical-free organic farms. Their cheese is crafted using traditional methods without any artificial additives or preservatives, resulting in a product that is not only delicious but also nutritious and healthy.

In addition to these brands, Kerala also boasts Casaro, the first artisanal cheese maker from the region. Casaro, established by Anu Joseph in 2018, embodies the passion and vision of its founder, crafting cheeses that captivate the senses without the use of artificial additives or preservatives.

Host Hypermarket in Kochi and Lulu Hypermarket in Trivandrum stock a wide range of imported cheeses

Kerala is home to a variety of cheeses, both locally produced and imported. For those seeking a wide range of imported cheeses, Host Hypermarket in Kochi and Lulu Hypermarket in Trivandrum are the go-to places.

Host Hypermarket, Kerala's first integrated B2B store for hotels, restaurants, and cafes, offers a vast array of products for the state's thriving F&B industry. With a 24,000 sq. ft. two-story facility, Host introduces the cash-and-carry wholesale concept, providing competitive prices for caterers, restaurants, and even star hotels. While they cater to the local F&B industry, it is unclear whether they offer a diverse selection of imported cheeses.

On the other hand, Lulu Hypermarket, the retail division of the multinational LuLu Group International, is known for its quality retailing. With 210 stores, Lulu has become a popular destination for discerning shoppers across the Gulf region. The Lulu Online India app offers a convenient shopping experience with a wide range of products, including groceries, electronics, and home appliances. However, it is uncertain if imported cheese is among their offerings.

In terms of cheese availability in Kerala, Kochi stands out with its numerous suppliers and distributors. Various businesses in Kochi offer a range of cheese products, including Amul cheese slices and pizza cheese, Emulsifying Salt for Cheese, and Cheese Life Cocktail Burrata Cheese. Additionally, suppliers like Arun Dairy Farms & Cows & Baffalo Supplier and European Foods India Private Limited contribute to the cheese offerings in the region.

While Host Hypermarket in Kochi and Lulu Hypermarket in Trivandrum are renowned stores, it is challenging to confirm if they specifically stock a wide range of imported cheeses. Nevertheless, they are likely to have a diverse selection of products, and it is worth exploring their offerings or contacting them directly to inquire about their cheese selections.

Big Basket offers Laughing Cow cheese wedges and slices, and Gulf stores have Craft cheese slices

Kerala is a picturesque state in India with a burgeoning artisanal cheese scene. One of the first artisanal cheese makers from the region, Casaro Creamery, offers a range of cheeses crafted using traditional cheese-making methods.

Big Basket, an online grocery store, offers a variety of cheese options, including The Laughing Cow cheese wedges and slices. The Laughing Cow cheese is available in two different quantities: 200 grams (10 slices) and 408 grams (24 slices). Big Basket assures customers of the quality and trustworthiness of their products, offering a no-questions-asked return policy.

Gulf stores, on the other hand, provide customers with Dairy Craft's Craft cheese slices. Dairy Craft has been creating quality cheese in India since 1993, combining traditional cheesemaking techniques with technological innovation. Their commitment to excellence includes happy farmers, well-treated animals, pure milk, and sustainable production practices.

With a diverse range of products, Dairy Craft caters to various customer needs, from fresh cheeses to pizza solutions, butter, and ghee. Their on-time supply, logistical management, and last-minute delivery capabilities have made them a preferred partner for food businesses in India.

Whether shopping at Big Basket or visiting Gulf stores, cheese lovers in Kerala can enjoy a variety of cheese options to suit their preferences and culinary needs.

Frequently asked questions