Cheese story
What is Queso Llanero?
A firm salty Venezuelan cheese often grated or sliced into arepas.
Origin
Venezuela, Venezuela
Milk
cow
Board role
Hard / mature
Cheese profile
Country
Venezuela
Region
Venezuela
Milk type
cow
Texture
hard white cheese
Rind
none/natural
Ageing
aged
Vegetarian
Check the rennet / producer
Milk treatment
varies
Flavour profile: salty, firm, lactic
Origin, protection and character
Queso Llanero 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
aged
How to serve Queso Llanero
arepas, grating, cachapas
Good food matches
plantain
maize
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.
