Where Can I Buy Catupiry Cheese?

Catupiry cheese, a creamy and mild Brazilian soft cheese, can be purchased at specialty cheese shops, online retailers specializing in Brazilian or South American foods, and increasingly in the international cheese sections of larger grocery store chains.

What is Catupiry? A Taste of Brazil

Catupiry is more than just cheese; it’s a culinary icon in Brazil. Its creamy texture and mild, slightly tangy flavor have made it a staple ingredient in everything from savory pastries to pizzas. This soft cheese, originally created in the state of Minas Gerais in the early 20th century, has become synonymous with comfort food and Brazilian culinary innovation. Understanding its origins and unique characteristics is key to appreciating its appeal.

Catupiry’s Distinctive Qualities

Unlike many European cheeses with sharp or pungent profiles, Catupiry is known for its gentle flavor and spreadable consistency. This makes it incredibly versatile in the kitchen. What sets it apart?

Texture: Extremely smooth and creamy, almost like a rich cream cheese.
Flavor: Mild, slightly acidic, and subtly salty.
Color: Pure white.
Usage: Ideal for melting, spreading, or using as a filling.

Traditional Uses in Brazilian Cuisine

Catupiry is a cornerstone of many Brazilian dishes. Here are a few popular examples:

Coxinha: A teardrop-shaped fried chicken croquette filled with shredded chicken and, often, Catupiry.
Pizza: A classic topping, often paired with other Brazilian ingredients like hearts of palm.
Pastel: A fried pastry filled with various ingredients, Catupiry being a common and beloved choice.
Escondidinho: A shepherd’s pie-like dish, often featuring mashed manioc instead of potatoes and filled with meat or chicken and topped with melted Catupiry.

Where to Find Catupiry: A Comprehensive Guide

Locating authentic Catupiry can sometimes be a challenge, especially outside of Brazil. Here’s a breakdown of the best places to look:

Specialty Cheese Shops: These shops often carry a wide variety of imported and artisanal cheeses, and are the most likely place to find true Catupiry. Call ahead to confirm availability.
Brazilian or Latin American Markets: These stores will almost always carry Catupiry, either fresh or frozen.
Online Retailers: Several online retailers specialize in Brazilian and South American foods and ship nationally or internationally. Look for reputable sellers with good reviews.
Larger Grocery Store Chains: Some major grocery chains, particularly those with a well-stocked international cheese section, may carry Catupiry. Wegmans, Whole Foods Market (in some regions), and even some Krogers have been known to carry it.
Restaurant Supply Stores: Depending on your location, restaurant supply stores might be a good source, especially if you are purchasing in bulk.

Catupiry Substitutes: Acceptable Alternatives

If you can’t find genuine Catupiry, several substitutes can provide a similar creamy and mild cheese experience. These won’t be exact replicas, but they can work in a pinch:

Cream Cheese: Full-fat cream cheese is the closest in texture, but it’s tangier. Consider blending it with a little heavy cream or sour cream to thin it out and reduce the tang.
Mascarpone: This Italian cheese is even richer and creamier than cream cheese, but it lacks the slight tang. A dash of lemon juice can help replicate the flavor profile.
Boursin (Plain): Boursin cheese, without any added herbs or garlic, offers a similar spreadable texture and a mild flavor.
Ricotta (Whole Milk): Blended ricotta can be used but ensure it is whole milk ricotta for maximum creaminess. Strain it well before using to remove excess moisture.

Identifying Authentic Catupiry

How can you be sure you’re buying the real deal? Look for these characteristics:

Packaging: Authentic Catupiry often comes in a tub or a resealable container. Look for the brand name “Catupiry” clearly displayed.
Ingredients: The ingredient list should be relatively short and simple, primarily consisting of pasteurized milk, cream, salt, and sometimes rennet or lactic acid culture.
Texture: The cheese should be incredibly smooth and creamy, almost like a thick, pourable cream.

Storage and Handling Tips

Proper storage is essential to maintaining Catupiry’s quality. Follow these guidelines:

Refrigerate: Keep Catupiry refrigerated at all times, ideally between 35°F and 40°F (2°C and 4°C).
Seal Tightly: Once opened, reseal the container tightly or transfer the cheese to an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.
Use Within Date: Consume Catupiry before the expiration date printed on the package.
Freezing: While freezing is not recommended as it can alter the texture, it’s possible. If you must freeze it, portion it into small, freezer-safe containers and thaw it slowly in the refrigerator. Be aware that the texture may become slightly grainy.

The Future of Catupiry: Global Expansion

As Brazilian cuisine gains popularity worldwide, Catupiry is becoming increasingly accessible. Keep an eye out for it in your local grocery stores and specialty cheese shops. The taste of Brazil is closer than you think.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is Catupiry a Pasteurized Cheese?

*Yes, commercially produced Catupiry is almost always made with *pasteurized milk, making it safe for most people to consume. This pasteurization process ensures that harmful bacteria are eliminated, making the cheese a safe and enjoyable food.

What is the Shelf Life of Catupiry?

*Unopened Catupiry cheese typically has a shelf life of *several weeks* when stored properly in the refrigerator.* Once opened, it’s best to consume it within a week to maintain its fresh flavor and creamy texture. Always check the expiration date on the package.

Can I Use Catupiry in Vegan Recipes?

*Unfortunately, Catupiry is a *dairy-based cheese* and is not suitable for vegan recipes.* While there are vegan cream cheese alternatives available, they won’t perfectly replicate the unique flavor and texture of Catupiry. You’ll have to experiment to find a substitute that works well in your chosen dish.

Does Catupiry Melt Well?

*Yes, Catupiry melts beautifully, making it an excellent choice for pizzas, gratins, and other dishes where a *creamy, melted cheese* is desired.* Its smooth texture ensures it melts evenly and creates a luscious, gooey finish.

Is Catupiry High in Fat?

*Yes, Catupiry is a *relatively high-fat cheese, due to its rich, creamy texture. This is important to consider if you’re watching your fat intake. However, the fat contributes to its delicious flavor and texture, making it a decadent treat in moderation.

Can I Make Catupiry at Home?

*While it’s challenging to perfectly replicate authentic Catupiry at home, it is *possible to create a similar cheese. Recipes generally involve culturing cream and milk, then draining the whey to create a soft, spreadable cheese. However, achieving the exact smooth consistency of the commercial product can be difficult.

What Dishes Can I Use Catupiry In?

Catupiry is incredibly versatile and can be used in a wide range of dishes, including pizzas, pastries, sandwiches, dips, and sauces. It pairs particularly well with chicken, seafood, and vegetables.

Is Catupiry Gluten-Free?

*Yes, *pure Catupiry cheese is naturally gluten-free. However, always check the packaging to ensure that no gluten-containing ingredients have been added during processing.

What Are Some Common Mistakes People Make When Using Catupiry?

*One common mistake is *overcooking Catupiry, which can cause it to separate and become oily. It’s best to add it towards the end of cooking time and avoid high heat. Another mistake is not storing it properly, leading to spoilage.

Can I Use Expired Catupiry?

*It is *not recommended to consume expired Catupiry, as it may have spoiled and could pose a health risk. Always err on the side of caution and discard any cheese that is past its expiration date.

What is the Difference Between Catupiry and Requeijão?

*Both Catupiry and Requeijão are Brazilian cream cheeses, but Catupiry is typically *richer, creamier, and smoother* than Requeijão.* Requeijão can sometimes have a slightly grainier texture.

How Should I Serve Catupiry?

*Catupiry can be served *cold, at room temperature, or melted. It’s delicious spread on crackers or bread, used as a dip for vegetables, or incorporated into hot dishes. Experiment to find your favorite way to enjoy this versatile cheese!

Where Can I Buy Catupiry Cheese?