Cheese story
What is Queso de Mano?
A soft hand-stretched Venezuelan cheese used in cachapas.
Origin
Venezuela, Venezuela
Milk
cow
Board role
Fresh / bright
Cheese profile
Country
Venezuela
Region
Venezuela
Milk type
cow
Texture
fresh stretched-curd
Rind
none
Ageing
fresh
Vegetarian
Check the rennet / producer
Milk treatment
varies
Flavour profile: mild, elastic, milky
Origin, protection and character
Queso de Mano comes from Venezuela, especially Venezuela. Its character comes from the balance of milk, texture, rind, ageing and local serving traditions.
Protected status
None
Typical ageing
fresh
How to serve Queso de Mano
cachapas, arepas, snacks
Good food matches
sweetcorn
coffee
Serving tip
Take it out of the fridge before serving so the texture softens and the flavour opens up. Softer cheeses usually need less time than hard aged cheeses.
Buying tip
Look for clean aroma, good texture and a style that matches the board: fresh and bright, soft and creamy, hard and nutty, blue and salty, or bold and washed-rind.
