Discover the authentic taste of Queso Majorero, a traditional goat cheese from the Canary Islands. This easy-to-follow recipe guides you through making this delicious cheese at home, perfect for pairing with local honey or mojo sauce. Learn about the rich flavors of Queso Majorero and how to enjoy it in classic Canarian style.

Ingredients:

- 1 gallon goat's milk (preferably raw or pasteurized)

- 1/4 cup white vinegar or lemon juice

- 1/4 cup rennet (diluted in 1/4 cup water)

- 1 tsp salt

- Optional: herbs or spices for added flavor (e.g., paprika, cumin)

Instructions:

Prepare the Milk:

  - Heat the goat's milk in a large pot over medium heat until it reaches 85°F (29°C). Stir occasionally to prevent scalding.

Add Vinegar:

  - Once the milk reaches the desired temperature, add the white vinegar or lemon juice. Stir gently and let it sit for 5 minutes to allow the milk to curdle.

Add Rennet:

  - Stir in the diluted rennet gently. Cover the pot and let it sit undisturbed for 60-90 minutes, or until the curds have formed and the whey has separated.

Cut the Curd:

  - Using a knife or curd cutter, cut the curds into small, even pieces. Let them rest for 5 minutes.

Cook the Curd:

  - Gently heat the curds to 105°F (40°C), stirring occasionally. Maintain this temperature for 30 minutes, allowing the curds to firm up.

Drain the Whey:

  - Pour the curds and whey into a cheesecloth-lined colander. Allow the whey to drain for 30 minutes. Gather the cheesecloth and hang it to drain further for 1-2 hours.

Shape the Cheese:

  - Once the cheese has drained and reached a firmer consistency, remove it from the cheesecloth and shape it into a wheel or block. Sprinkle salt evenly on all sides.

Age the Cheese:

  - Place the shaped cheese on a rack in a cool, dry place. Let it age for at least 2-4 weeks, turning it occasionally to ensure even aging.

Serve:

  - Enjoy Queso Majorero with local honey or mojo sauce for a true taste of the Canary Islands. 

Note: If desired, incorporate herbs or spices into the curds before shaping for added flavor.

Nutritional Values:

Goat's Milk:

- Calories: 168

- Protein: 9 grams

- Fat: 10 grams

- Carbohydrates: 11 grams

- Calcium: 327 mg (25% DV)

- Vitamin A: 500 IU (10% DV)

- Vitamin D: 1 IU (0% DV)

- Magnesium: 34 mg (8% DV)

- Potassium: 498 mg (14% DV)

Benefits:

- Rich in Protein: Supports muscle growth and repair.

- High in Calcium: Promotes strong bones and teeth.

- Easier to Digest: Contains smaller fat globules and different casein proteins compared to cow's milk, which can be easier on the digestive system.

- Contains Vitamin A: Supports vision and immune function.

White Vinegar or Lemon Juice:

White Vinegar: 

 - Calories: 0

 - Carbohydrates: 0 grams

- Lemon Juice: 

 - Calories: 4

 - Carbohydrates: 1 gram

 - Vitamin C: 7 mg (12% DV)

Benefits:

- White Vinegar: 

 - May help with digestion and blood sugar regulation.

 - Low in calories and can enhance flavor without adding calories.

- Lemon Juice: 

 - High in Vitamin C, which boosts the immune system and supports skin health.

 - May aid in digestion and provide a refreshing flavor.

Rennet:

- Generally used in small amounts (1/4 cup diluted in 1/4 cup water), so it doesn’t contribute significant nutritional values on its own.

Benefits:

- Essential for Cheese-Making: Helps coagulate the milk, separating curds from whey to form cheese.

Salt:

- Sodium: 2,325 mg (101% DV)

- Calories: 0

Benefits:

- Flavor Enhancer: Improves taste and helps preserve the cheese.

- Electrolyte Balance: Essential for maintaining fluid balance and proper muscle function. However, it should be used in moderation to avoid excessive sodium intake.

Optional Ingredients (Herbs/Spices):

Paprika:

- Calories: 6 (per 1 tsp)

- Vitamin A: 569 IU (11% DV)

- Provides antioxidants and can enhance flavor.

Cumin:

- Calories: 8 (per 1 tsp)

- Iron: 1.4 mg (8% DV)

- Provides antioxidants and supports digestion.

These ingredients contribute to the overall nutritional profile of Queso Majorero, offering benefits such as improved digestion, enhanced flavor, and valuable nutrients.