Jamaican Cheese: A Unique, Spicy Treat

Jamaican cheese is a pasteurized processed cheese spread made with cheddar cheese. It is produced by Dairy Industries Jamaica Limited, a company located in Kingston, Jamaica, and is considered a delicacy in Jamaica. The cheese comes in a can and is often paired with buns, bullas, bread, sauces, dips, fruits, vegetables, or chips. While it is a popular product in Jamaica, some people outside of the country may find the concept of canned cheese unusual.

Jamaican cheese comes in a can

Jamaican cheese, or Tastee Cheese, is a pasteurized processed cheese spread that comes in a can. It is made from top-quality cheddar cheese sourced from New Zealand, along with other ingredients, including water, butter, sodium phosphates, salt, citric acid, nisin (preservative), and annatto (colouring). It is a popular delicacy among Jamaicans, often paired with buns, bullas, or bread and enjoyed during Easter.

The brand name of Jamaican cheese is Tastee Cheese, and it is produced by Dairy Industries Jamaica Limited in Kingston, Jamaica. While the cheese is manufactured in Jamaica, the raw material, including the cheddar cheese, is imported from New Zealand. The company was formed in 1964 through a partnership between GraceKennedy Ltd. and the New Zealand Dairy Board, now known as Fonterra Co-operative Group, a leading exporter of dairy products.

Tastee Cheese has a unique blend of flavours and is often regarded as one of the finest cheddar cheeses in the world. It has a crisp, smooth taste and is rich in protein and calcium, making it a nutritious option for consumers. The cheese is sold in various sizes, including 8.8-ounce and 17.6-ounce cans, and can be purchased from local stores in Jamaica or online retailers like Amazon.

While some people enjoy the taste of Tastee Cheese, others have criticised it for not being "real cheese" due to its processed nature and the presence of other ingredients besides cheese. Some have also pointed out that the cheese does not melt easily and has a different texture compared to traditional cheese. Despite this, it remains a beloved part of Jamaican culture and cuisine, especially during Easter celebrations.

It is a pasteurised processed cheese spread

Jamaican cheese, or Tastee Cheese, is a pasteurised processed cheese spread. It is made from top-quality cheddar cheese sourced from New Zealand, which creates a unique blend of flavours. It is often referred to as one of the finest cheddar cheeses in the world.

Tastee Cheese is a must-have favourite among Jamaicans at home and abroad and is easily paired with buns, bullas, bread, crackers, sauces, dips, fruits, vegetables or chips. It is rich in protein and calcium, which helps the body maintain many functions, from a healthy metabolism to muscle regeneration.

The process of making Tastee Cheese involves using raw cheddar cheese as a base and adding water, butter, sodium phosphates, salt, citric acid, nisin (preservative), and annatto (colouring). The product is then canned, and the final result is a soft, spreadable cheese with a more mellowed-out flavour than typical cheddar.

While Tastee Cheese is a beloved part of Jamaican culture and cuisine, it is worth noting that the product is not actually manufactured in Jamaica. The recipe and original product were created by a company in New Zealand, which later merged with a Jamaican company, Dairy Industries Jamaica Limited, who now produce and package Tastee Cheese.

It is made with cheddar cheese from New Zealand

Jamaican cheese is made with cheddar cheese sourced from New Zealand. Dairy Industries Jamaica Limited, the company behind the popular Tastee Cheese, was formed in 1964 as a partnership between GraceKennedy Ltd. and the New Zealand Dairy Board, now known as Fonterra Co-operative Group.

The cheddar cheese sourced from New Zealand is considered to be of top quality and is often referred to as one of the finest in the world. It is blended with other ingredients, such as water, butter, sodium phosphates, salt, citric acid, nisin (preservative), and annatto (colouring), to create a unique flavour that Jamaicans know and love worldwide.

The process of converting the raw cheddar cheese into Tastee Cheese is done in Jamaica, and the product is packaged in a can. While the cheese itself is not made in Jamaica, the company Dairy Industries Jamaica Limited is based in Kingston, Jamaica, and the product is considered a part of Jamaican tradition and culture.

The canned cheese has become a beloved snack in Jamaica, often enjoyed with buns, bullas, bread, or crackers. It is a staple during Easter, particularly on Good Friday, when it is traditionally paired with spice bun.

While some may view canned cheese as "ghetto," it is important to note that canning is a common preservation method and does not diminish the quality or taste of the product. In fact, canning allows for a longer shelf life and easier transportation, making Tastee Cheese accessible to Jamaicans both locally and abroad.

It is produced in Jamaica by Dairy Industries Jamaica Limited

Jamaican cheese, or Tastee Cheese, is produced in Jamaica by Dairy Industries Jamaica Limited (DIJL). The company was formed on April 23, 1964, as a partnership between GraceKennedy Ltd. and the New Zealand Dairy Board, now known as Fonterra Co-operative Group. DIJL is located in Kingston, Jamaica, and Tastee Cheese is its flagship product.

Tastee Cheese is a pasteurized processed cheese spread made with cheddar cheese, water, butter, sodium phosphates, salt, citric acid, nisin (preservative), and annatto (colouring). It is often paired with buns, bullas, or bread and is a beloved snack by Jamaicans at home and abroad.

While the raw material for Tastee Cheese is imported from New Zealand, the process of converting it into canned cheese is distinctly Jamaican. The company takes pride in producing a product that meets the expectations of its consumers, and Tastee Cheese is widely enjoyed as a slice of Jamaican tradition.

It is a popular Easter food

Jamaican cheese is a popular Easter food, traditionally eaten with bun and cheese. This combination is a delicacy and a staple food for Jamaicans, especially during Easter.

The cheese is produced by Dairy Industries Jamaica Limited, a company based in Kingston, Jamaica. It is made from top-quality cheddar cheese sourced from New Zealand, creating a unique blend of flavours. The cheese has a soft texture and a mellowed-out flavour, and it is usually cut into slices and served with bread.

The canned cheese has become an iconic part of Jamaican culture and is enjoyed not only during Easter but also throughout the year. It is marketed as "a slice of tradition" and "a slice of the island's best-kept local delight".

The cheese is also rich in protein and calcium, making it a nutritious food option. It is often paired with sweet or savoury products, such as buns, bullas, bread, sauces, dips, fruits, vegetables, or chips.

While some people may have reservations about canned cheese, Jamaican cheese has become an integral part of the country's cuisine and cultural identity, especially during Easter celebrations.

Frequently asked questions