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Monday 19 November 2018

Halloumi Shortage Alert : Here Are Four Other Cheeses To Try

Following the recent news that there may be a shortage of Halloumi Cheese I came across this article written by Sophie Gallagher

Halloumi Shortage Alert : Here Are Four Other Cheeses To Try

A nationwide halloumi crisis could be upon us as a growing taste for the cheese in China means Cypriot suppliers are now struggling to keep up with demand.

The quantities of halloumi (which is so popular in the UK because it can be grilled without melting) that Cyprus can turn out are increasingly squeezed as customers all over the world develop a taste for the salty cheese.

Producers were already were already finding it hard to meet summer requirements across northern Europe and had to do an emergency restock of British supermarkets. And now they have another market to think about too.

Cyprus has signed an agreement that paves the way for halloumi exports to the Chinese market of three million cheese-eating customers, a fact that is only going to further dwindle the existing stocks.

Exports of halloumi have increased from about 6,000 tonnes in 2013 to 26,000 tonnes this year. With Britain responsible for about 9,000 tonnes a year.

“I don’t know if this is a curse or blessing,” Yiannis Pittas, the founder and owner of Cyprus’ biggest halloumi producer, told The Times: “But we’re struggling to cope with the unprecedented global demand.” 

If the farmers and producers do not continue to meet demand this could potentially mean empty shelves. So what should you eat instead? Try these four cheeses as an alternative to your favourite.

Paneer with brussels sprouts and spinach.

Paneer - is a fresh cheese common in the Indian subcontinent. Made from curdling cow’s milk with a vegetable-derived acid (like lemon juice), it has the same solid consistency as halloumi (and looks the same to the naked eye). Although it has the desirable non-melting properties of halloumi, it isn’t as salty and flavoursome so it works better in curries or with sauces rather than dry.

Cutting paneer into pieces on wooden board

Kefalotyri - is a Greek cheese made from sheep or goat milk rather than cow. It also has a high melting point so you’re not going to turn your grill into a hot mess. Once cooked kefalotyri has a creamier texture than halloumi and packs a salty punch (but with a bit less tang). 



Queso Para Freir - which in Europe might be harder to come by, Queso Para Freir (roughly translated to ‘cheese for frying’) as it is a staple in Mexico and central America. Appreciated for the same qualities as halloumi (holding its shape when heated) it also forms that delicious golden brown crust while maintaining an unmelted interior. 



Manouri (or feta) - this Greek cheese is probably the least similar to halloumi in that it is more crumbly and semi-soft so probably wouldn’t fare too well on a hot grill (unless you love washing up afterwards). But it does work well when baked in the oven – pop it inside some tin foil. If you can’t find manouri then baked feta does the job.


Cheese Is Good For You ... Some Reasons Why 
"Despite almost universal popularity, cheese often has its nutritional value questioned. The reason for this is due to the high-fat content. However, recent research shows that dairy is an incredibly beneficial food group — especially the high-fat variety."

You may wish to read this article which presents nine science-backed reasons why cheese is good for you - more details here

We bring a variety of articles, studies etc. plus recent news/views and recipe ideas to this blog, we hope something for everyone to read and enjoy. But please note, not all may be suitable for you. If you may have any food allergies, or underlying health issues these must always be taken into account. If you are a diabetic and not sure how certain foods may affect your blood sugars, test is best, i.e. use your meter.

All the best Jan

23 comments:

Anonymous said...

Yummy! Enough said, lol

Jo said...

I've never tried any of these cheeses before except feta and I absolutely love that.

Tom said...

...I'm with Jo!

DUTA said...

I'm familiar mainly with the feta cheese and I like it a lot. Lately, I've discovered the goat yogourt, and I'm going to look for goat cheese too.

PerthDailyPhoto said...

I love cheese Jan, but not so much Halloumi, it's a wee bit too salty for me ✨

Valerie-Jael said...

They all sound good alternatives. Thanks. Valerie

Linda said...

On Saturday there was plenty of Halloumi in my Publix.

Christine said...

Thanks for these suggestions

Sami said...

I'd never heard of the Kefalotyri or the Frying cheese, but eat plenty of the others.
Love cheese!

Pam said...

Never been a biggie on different cheeses, not that I did not want too but because I just never was introduced to so many....but Sharp Cheddar is one of my favor. HAHA....yep, I am boring.

DIMI said...

Hello Jan!
I love Kefalotyri and Manouri more then Feta cheese!
I fry the Kefalotyri with olive oil,and serve it with honey and sesame on top!
The Manouri cheese can be served with raspberry jam ,my favorite!
Have a lovely day and a happy week!
Dimi...

Author R. Mac Wheeler said...

I need to think more about cheese when I'm cooking.

(but to be honest, most of my cooking is grilling a slab of meat and heating up some frozen vegetables) Not fancy, but I stay fat lol

Out on the prairie said...

i still haven't found any around me. i enjoy lots of variety and use it daily with meals.

Elephant's Child said...

I am a big cheese fan. Haloumi is too salty for me though.

William Kendall said...

I haven't heard of any of these others.

NanaDiana said...

Jan- I think in WI we are the cheese capital of the Midwest- surrounded by cheese factories. When we visit people out-of-state they always ask for Wisconsin cheese. lol
I love that you share so many "healthy" things here.

Have a great Thanksgiving and thanks for swinging by my blog and leaving a comment.

Do you have a direct email you can share with me? You can send it to dianakos1@gmail.com. I promise not to put it out on the spam chain. LOL xo Diana

Martha said...

Cheese is one of my favourite things! So yummy.

Iris Flavia said...

Thanks for the reminder - I wanted to try paneer indeed (so far only found it in a restaurant).

Victor S E Moubarak said...

I wonder how long it will be before someone makes a Halloumi equivalent; like they do for Feta - often sold as "salad cheese". They both taste excellent.

God bless.

handmade by amalia said...

I love cheese, my favorite food group. We use a lot of feta but I've not tried any of the others, I'd love to give them a try. Thanks for sharing, Jan.
Amalia
xo

Carol Blackburn said...

May it never be! I just bought some the other day and was wondering what I should eat now for my first meal of the day.....thanks, I think I will have some Halloumi fried in butter. Enjoy your day, I will mine......

Magic Love Crow said...

I love cheese. Very interesting and informative post! Thanks Jan! Big Hugs!

Lowcarb team member said...

Many thanks to all for leaving your thoughts and comments here.

Diana at 'NanaDiana' I have emailed you direct.

All the best Jan