# Cotija cheese

Cotija (/ˌkoʊˈtiːxə/, koh-TEE-khə) is an aged Mexican cheese made from cow's milk and named after the town of Cotija, Michoacán. White in color and firm in texture, its flavor is salty and milky. "Young" (or fresher) cotija cheese has been described as akin to a mild feta, while aged (añejo) cotija is more comparable in flavor to hard, aged cheeses like Parmesan. Cotija softens when exposed to heat, but does not melt. Made between the summer and fall seasons, this cheese is made with milk from local cattle and is salted before the fermentation process. The manufacturing processes of most cheeses in Mexico are still rustic and traditional, similar to the manufacturing process that was used upon its invention. Due to the traditional means of production of dairy products in Mexico some dairy products have a conflicting shelf-life which leads to earlier expiration. However, some studies suggest components in the fermentation of Cotija Cheese are natural preservatives that can extend the shelf-life of Cotija Cheese and other food products as well.

## Queso Cotija de Montaña

El queso Cotija de Montaña or "grain cheese" is dry, firm, and very salty (the cheese is usually several times saltier than typical cheese, traditionally so that it will keep better). It is a seasonal cheese produced in limited quantities only from July to October because the cows are fed only on the rich grass that grows naturally on the mountains during the rainy season, giving the cheese its unique color and flavor.

## Tajo variety

"Tajo" cheese is a moister, fattier, and less salty version that holds its shape when cut, with a flavor similar to Greek feta.

## Production

Queso cotija is an artisan cheese made by hand; thus, every cheese is unique. This cheese usually comes in 28 kg (62 lb) cylinders with a cream-colored crust. It is a queso de montaña (cheese of the mountains) because the cheesemakers live in the mountains as high as 1,700 m (5,600 ft).
The production method involves milling the curds into small pieces before pressing and aging. When cooked, it slightly softens, but does not otherwise change its shape or consistency. In the mouth, the cheese breaks up again to a sandy or grain-like consistency, adding to the texture of dishes.

## Distribution

Cotija can be purchased in small rounds or large blocks. Like Parmesan, it is often sold already grated.

## Uses

Cotija is often used as a "finishing" cheese in Mexican cuisine, crumbled or grated as a topping for burritos, soups, salads, beans, tostadas, or tacos, and Mexican elote (corn on the cob). If cotija cannot be found, acceptable substitutes for fresh cotija include feta or queso fresco. Acceptable substitutes for aged cotija include ricotta salata, Parmesan, or Romano cheese.
Cotija can be used as a substitute for the Salvadoran cheese queso duro (also known as queso duro blando) when queso duro is inaccessible, especially in applications such as the Salvadoran quesadilla, a pound cake-like sweet bread.

## Food-Borne Diseases And Cotija Cheese

Certain studies that suggest that Cotija Cheese can be used to target specific bacteria to help increase shelf-life and prevent the spread of food-borne disease. The manufacturing process of most cheeses comes with the benefit of extended shelf-life. However, like most dairy products Cotija Cheese is not immune from contamination. In some rare cases it can contain an infectious pathogen that can infect humans. This pathogen originates from infections found in the cows used in the manufacturing of Cotija Cheese. Certain enzymes also found in Cotija Cheese can be used in the prevention of food-borne diseases. With most cheeses there are good and bad bacteria: some bacteria that can harm humans when ingested, while other bacteria actually fight against the harmful bacteria. The manufacturing process of Cotija Cheese produces an abundance of this "antibacteria." Scientific studies have been conducted to isolate this "antibacterial enzyme" to combat the spread of food-borne diseases such as the various strains of E.coli.