PUERTO VALLARTA, Mexico – Oaxaca cheese, also known as ‘quesillo,’ has recently surged in popularity on social networks following its inclusion in the World of Statistics’ list of the top cheeses globally. The artisanal Mexican cheese secured the fifth position in the 2023 rankings, surrounded predominantly by Italian varieties and one Portuguese cheese. However, a clarification arose as the initial list was based on TasteAtlas, a food and beverage guide, which had ranked the cheese in the same position in February 2023. By 2024, Oaxaca cheese maintained its esteemed status, albeit at the 15th spot.
This is not the first time quesillo has achieved international acclaim. In 2023, it was awarded a bronze medal at the prestigious World Cheese Awards, a competition known for its blind tastings and rigorous evaluation of sensory and technical characteristics such as texture, smell, and flavor. Among the jurors was Jessica Fernández, a master cheesemaker and president of the Mexican Cheese Coalition, underscoring the significance of Mexican participation and recognition in the global cheese arena.
Fernández, an advocate for the artisanal cheese industry in Mexico, highlights the cultural and dietary importance of quesillo. “It is a basic food for our culture and one of the most produced and sold cheeses in Mexico,” she stated, emphasizing the cheese’s deep-rooted place in Mexican culinary tradition.
The prominence of Oaxaca cheese on the world stage underscores the broader recognition of Mexican gastronomy. UNESCO acknowledges the country’s food traditions as an intangible heritage of humanity, celebrating the diverse techniques, flavors, and rituals that define Mexican cuisine. This global acknowledgment reinforces the cultural and economic significance of traditional foods like quesillo.
Crafting Oaxaca cheese, particularly from raw, unstandardized milk, requires expert knowledge and control over the milk’s pH to achieve the perfect consistency. This complexity adds to the cheese’s prestige and distinguishes it in the artisanal market. “A mix of tradition and functionality,” Fernández describes, highlighting the balance between cultural heritage and dietary necessity embodied by Mexican cheeses.
Despite personal preferences, Fernández refrains from declaring any cheese superior, focusing instead on the unique qualities and cultural impact of each variety. Her concern over the lack of local organization in Mexico’s food production contrasts sharply with the structured cheese industries in Europe.
Fernández’s contributions extend beyond her homeland; she co-founded Mexican Mongers, serves as an international cheese judge, and is actively involved in numerous organizations promoting quality and safety in artisanal cheese dairies across Ibero-America. Her efforts exemplify the growing global appreciation for artisanal cheeses and the vital role they play in cultural identity and culinary innovation.
As Oaxaca cheese continues to gain international acclaim, it not only celebrates the rich heritage of Mexican cuisine but also highlights the artisanal craftsmanship that is pivotal to its production. This recognition serves as a testament to the dedication of cheesemakers like Fernández and the enduring legacy of Mexico’s culinary traditions.
PUERTO VALLARTA, Mexico - Oaxaca cheese, also known as 'quesillo,' has recently surged in popularity on social networks following its inclusion in the World of Statistics' list of the top cheeses globally. The artisanal Mexican cheese secured the fifth position in the 2023 rankings, surrounded predominantly by Italian varieties and one Portuguese cheese. However, a clarification arose as the initial list was based on TasteAtlas, a food and beverage guide, which had ranked the cheese in the same position in February 2023. By 2024, Oaxaca cheese maintained its esteemed status, albeit at the 15th spot.
