Imagine this: you are sitting in a fancy Mumbai restaurant, looking at their cheese board. You would expect to see the usual suspects – Brie, Camembert, maybe some Roquefort. But wait, what’s this? Himalayan Gouda? Kodai Cheese? Welcome to the world of Indian artisanal cheese, a movement that is shaking up the Indian culinary scene.
From Paneer to Perfection: India’s Cheese Journey
Now I know what you think: “Indian cheese? Just paneer?” Well hold on tight my food loving friends, because your taste buds are about to be rocked. While paneer has been around for centuries as an integral part of Indian cuisine; it is now being stretched and pulled in new directions by cheesemakers across the country.
This isn’t just about adapting European cheeses to Indian palates. No, it’s more than that; it’s a complete cheesemaking revolution where devoted artisans produce different flavours inspired by India’s diverse terroir and culinary traditions.
The Pioneers of Indian Artisanal Cheese
Before we continue let us take a moment and salute those who made this possible. These trailblazing cheese makers have turned India into a nation with unique products from Kodaikanal’s misty hillsides to Gujarat’s sun-drenched plains.
For example Mukund Naidu founder of Acres Wild in Coonoor after years spent within corporate environs decided he would trade his suit for coveralls and began making European style cheeses but with an Indian twist. His Coonoor has become renowned internationally as well as locally; it is a nutty Alpine-style cheese.
Take for instance Prateeksh and Agnay Mehra, two brother entrepreneurs behind The Spotted Cow Fromagerie located in Mumbai. Their experiments with local ingredients resulted in varieties like Bombrie (a Brie-style cheese with pepper) and Camembay (a camembert style cheese with a layer of ash).
The Unique Flavors of Indian Artisanal Cheese
How is Indian artisanal cheese different? It’s all about the milk, terroir and the spirit of innovation behind every cheesemaker.
Cheeses made from Gir and Sahiwal breeds which are native to India naturally have high fat and protein content suitable for cheese making. The various geographical locations in India such as the Western Ghats or the Himalayan foothills give each batch of milk its own taste, which then reflects back on the type of cheese that will be made.
However it’s not just about where you come from. While Indian cheeses may still largely follow European traditions, they are increasingly coming up with their very own recipes. Picture if you will a saffron infused Gouda or fresh curds flavoured with curry leaves; these varieties have effectively put Indian artisanal cheese on the global culinary map.
The Growing Market for Indian Artisanal Cheese
As more Indians travel overseas and taste global cuisines, there has been an increased appetite for quality local products like this one. From fine dining restaurants to specialty stores located in major cities across India today; menus include numerous brands originating from artisans based locally.
This isn’t just confined to luxury market segments though. With growing awareness, many home cooks have started buying these kinds of cheeses and using them in everyday cooking. Wouldn’t it make sense putting some Himalayan Cheddar on your dal? Why wouldn’t I top my sandwich with some Kodai Cheese?
The Future of Indian Artisanal Cheese
Indian artisanal cheese is still a fledgling industry but it has great prospects ahead. An ever increasing number of entrants into this field combined with consumers who are becoming more discerning means we should expect even more ground breaking products to hit shelves soon.
Ticket to the Indian Cheese Revolution
There is also an increasing emphasis on sustainability and ethical production. Many Indian cheesemakers are now buying directly from small-scale dairy farmers, ensuring they get fair prices for their milk and promoting sustainable farming practices. This means that consumers win because they buy high-quality cheese while the incomes of farmers improve.
Are You Ready for the Revolution?
I can already see that you cannot wait to try some of these unbelievable cheeses but where do you start? That is when the HOGR app comes into play. This innovative platform provides an entry point into the universe of Indian artisanal cheese and much more than that.
HOGR connects food lovers like yourself with local producers, specialty shops and restaurants offering craft items. If you are looking for a perfect Himalayan Gouda for your next dinner party or want to find out about the best cheese shops in your city, HOGR has all this information at its fingertips.
But it’s not just a catalogue: HOGR is made up of food enthusiasts who share recommendations, recipes as well as stories. It gives you insider access to India’s fascinating world of gourmet artisanal food.
So why wait? Download the HOGR app today and jump into your very own Indian cheese voyage. I assure you, your taste buds will never be the same again! Who knows? You may discover a new favourite cheese – one that tastes uniquely and deliciously Indian.
Also Read- Ayurvedic Cooking Principles: Ancient Wisdom In Modern Kitchens
