Know the difference between natural and processed cheese, which one is the best?

Hi Peekay friends, who doesn't like cheese? Cheese has become a favorite food for many people. In the past, we only found cheese in western food, but now cheese is easily found in various national culinary dishes. 

There are various types of cheese commonly used, ranging from cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, to parmesan cheese. All types of cheese that we encounter can actually be categorized into two types of cheese based on their composition and manufacturing techniques, namely natural cheese and processed cheese. Do you know the difference between these two types of cheese? Let's see the explanation below.

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What is Natural Cheese?

Natural cheese is cheese made from 100% natural fresh milk with no additives or further processing after aging. The manufacturing process involves clumping the milk protein (casein) using rennet or lactic acid bacteria. After clumping, the cheese is further processed by maceration which can last for several weeks to years to develop its flavor and texture.

Since natural cheese only contains milk, it is very sensitive and prone to deterioration if subjected to extreme temperature fluctuations, direct sunlight exposure and dry air. Therefore, storing natural cheese requires proper handling.

Natural cheese is divided into several types based on its firmness and manufacturing process. 

• Hard Cheese: Hard cheese that has a low moisture content and a dense texture. This is because the cheese is matured for a long time, around 1-2 years.
• Medium Hard Cheese : a type of cheese that has a medium texture between soft and hard cheese. This cheese is generally quite dense but still has a little softness.
• Soft Cheese: This cheese has a very soft and creamy texture due to its high water content. This cheese is matured in a relatively short period of time, around 2-8 weeks.
• Pasta Fillata : cheese that goes through a process of heating and stretching the curd directly before forming the final cheese. This type of cheese has a chewy and elastic texture.
• Mixed Cheese : cheese made from a mixture of several types of cheese, ranging from hard cheese, semi-hard cheese, and soft cheese. This cheese has a complex and unique flavor.

What is Processed Cheese? 

Processed cheese is basically processed cheese made by adding other ingredients such as milk, whey, milk protein concentrate, milk fat, cheese culture, and preservatives. The salt content in processed cheese is usually higher than natural cheese. 

Processed cheese does not go through a months-long aging process like natural cheese. Cheese can be made faster by mixing all the ingredients. Processed cheese has a longer shelf life, softer texture, and consistent flavor. Therefore, this cheese is more commonly found in the market. It is easier to store and can last at room temperature for a long time. 

Difference between Natural Cheese and Processed Cheese

• Ingredients: Natural cheese is made from fresh milk with no additives, while processed cheese contains emulsifiers and other additives.
• Process: Natural cheese only undergoes a clumping and curing process, while processed cheese goes through an additional process with heat and emulsifying agents.
• Texture: Natural cheese tends to have a denser and slightly grainy texture, while processed cheese has a softer and creamier texture.
• Flavor: Natural cheese has a more complex and diverse flavor depending on the type and length of aging, while processed cheese tends to have a more consistent flavor.
• Nutritional Content: Natural cheese generally has better nutritional content, such as more protein and healthy fats, and less salt and additives.

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Which is the Best? Ultimately, the choice between natural or process cheese comes down to preference and need. If you want a healthier and more natural cheese with a more complex flavor, natural cheese is the better choice. However, if you are looking for cheese with a longer shelf life and a softer texture, processed cheese can be a good alternative.

Both types of cheese have their own advantages and disadvantages. So try both and decide which one is best for your taste buds. Peekay pals can find various types of cheese ranging from natural cheese to processed cheese at Prambanan Kencana. Let's check the products here, or contact WhatsApp PRB Care for complete information and attractive promos.