Keju Kefir: A Traditional Indonesian Cheese
Discover Keju Kefir, a unique Indonesian cheese. Enjoy its tangy flavor and creamy texture, perfect for snacking or enhancing dishes.
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Pandan Infused Cheese
Definition and Scope
Pandan infused cheese is a dairy product where pandan leaf extract or essence is incorporated into the cheese matrix. This infusion process imparts a distinct aromatic quality and subtle green hue to the cheese. The style represents a fusion of traditional cheesemaking with Southeast Asian botanical flavors.
These cheeses typically use fresh or soft cheese varieties as their base due to their high moisture content. The pandan flavoring is added during the curd processing stage before pressing or molding. This category showcases how global ingredients can expand conventional cheese classifications.
Production Process
Manufacturers begin by extracting pandan essence through steam distillation or by blending fresh leaves. The resulting liquid is carefully measured and added to warm milk before rennet introduction. Temperature control during this stage is crucial to preserve both the cheese culture viability and pandan’s volatile compounds.
The infused milk undergoes standard coagulation, cutting, and draining procedures. Some producers layer whole pandan leaves within the cheese curds for visual appeal. The final product requires shorter aging periods than hard cheeses to maintain the delicate herbal notes.
Sensory Profile
Pandan infused cheese presents a unique aromatic combination of creamy dairy and fragrant botanicals. The dominant scent resembles sweet, floral notes with hints of vanilla and coconut. This aromatic profile distinguishes it immediately from traditional herb-crusted varieties.
On the palate, these cheeses balance rich butterfat content with pandan’s subtle sweetness. The texture ranges from semi-soft to spreadable depending on base style. The aftertaste typically carries lingering floral notes without bitterness.
Culinary Applications
This cheese variety functions exceptionally well in both sweet and savory preparations. It complements tropical fruits like mango and pineapple in dessert courses. The aromatic quality makes it suitable for filling pastries or as a topping for Asian-inspired pizzas.
Chefs utilize pandan cheese in modern interpretations of traditional Southeast Asian dishes. It melts smoothly into sauces for noodles or rice dishes. The distinctive color and flavor profile make it popular for contemporary cheese boards and fusion canapés.
Regional Examples
Southeast Asia leads production, particularly in Malaysia and Thailand where pandan is native. Local creameries often combine pandan with coconut milk in fresh cheese variations. These regional versions typically emphasize brighter, more pronounced pandan characteristics.
Western artisan producers in Australia and California have developed their interpretations. These often blend pandan with local dairy traditions, creating hybrid styles. The global spread demonstrates how ingredient exchange continues to evolve cheese taxonomy.