Panquehue is a type of artisan cheese that is made in Chile. The cheese’s name is derived from the Chilean town of Panquehue, which is located in the fertile Aconcagua Valley. The valley, which lies at the foot of the Andes Mountains, is known for its wine production. Panquehue is produced using a traceability system that ensures consistent quality. The cheese is available in a variety of flavors and can be used to complement a wide range of dishes.
All aspects of the production of Panquehue cheese are monitored to ensure the quality and safety of the finished product. The cheese is made from cow’s milk, which is sourced exclusively from cows bred and raised in the Andes. Even the feed these animals consume is sourced from nearby pastures. As a result, the cheese is said to be free of growth hormones and artificial ingredients.
There are several varieties of Panquehue cheese to choose from. This semi-soft cheese is typically described as a whitish cheese with a creamy, nutty flavor and a velvety texture in its traditional form. With a dash of Merken pepper, you can make a spicier Chilean pepper version. Because of the red chill peppers, coriander seeds, and cumin flakes in this Chilean spice blend, the cheese has a distinct smokiness and heat. A version with fresh chives is also available, which is more zesty than the traditional version.
All versions of Panquehue cheese have around 100 calories per 1-ounce (28 gram) serving. Each serving contains 8.5 grams of fat, with saturated fat accounting for more than 5 grams of that total. A serving of this dish also has a lot of calcium and protein in it.
Panquehue is frequently consumed by simply placing it on the table and pairing it with crackers or wine. However, in order to maintain a healthy diet, full-fat cheeses should be consumed in moderation, usually as part of a dish. The cheese can be melted to make a cheese dip or added to omelets or salads, for example. It’s also fine to use the cheese as a substitute in recipes that call for other mild cow’s milk cheeses, such as lasagna, pizza, or pasta dishes. In Chile, the cheese is frequently cooked inside empanadas, a savory stuffed pastry.
It’s possible to find Panquehue outside of Chile. The cheese can be found in some upscale grocery stores as well as specialty outlets that specialize in natural products in the United States. Chilean cheese may be available for purchase in some cheese and wine shops, as well as online retailers.