Can I Have Cotija Cheese While Pregnant?

April 15, 2023 by Marjorie R. Rogers, MA (English), Certified Consultant

Yes, you can have Cotija cheese while pregnant. Cotija cheese is a traditional Mexican hard cheese made from cow’s milk and it is safe to consume during pregnancy. It is rich in calcium and vitamin B-12 which are essential for the healthy development of your baby.

However, as with all dairy products, make sure that the Cotija cheese has been pasteurized before consuming it, as unpasteurized varieties may contain harmful bacteria such as listeria which can be dangerous for pregnant women. Additionally, if you are lactose intolerant or have any other sensitivities to dairy products then consult your doctor before eating Cotija cheese while pregnant.

What types of cheese are safe to eat during pregnancy?

• Confirm your cheese is pasteurized: Before consuming Cotija cheese while pregnant, it’s important to make sure that the product you are purchasing is pasteurized
• This means that any harmful bacteria present in the raw milk used to make the cheese has been killed off through heat treatment
• To confirm whether or not your cheese has been pasteurized, check the label for a “P” symbol or look out for words such as “pasteurised”, “heat treated”, and “UHT sterilized”
• Purchase from only trusted suppliers: Whilst it might be tempting to buy cheaper versions of Cotija cheese from local farmers markets or other less-trusted sources, it pays to purchase products from reliable retailers who can guarantee their products have all gone through necessary safety checks and procedures prior to sale
• This will ensure that you enjoy your meal without worrying about potential health risks associated with eating unpasteurized dairy products during pregnancy
• Avoid soft cheeses when pregnant: Generally speaking, soft cheeses pose a greater risk than hard cheeses like cotija due to their higher moisture levels which provide an ideal environment for dangerous bacteria such as listeria monocytogenes which can cause serious illness in pregnant women if consumed even in small amounts
• It is best therefore to avoid these types of food during pregnancy altogether where possible – including blue-veined cheeses and mould-ripened varieties such as brie and camembert – but especially those made with unpasteurised milk (which should always be avoided)
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• Ensure correct storage at home : After buying your cotija cheese it is important pay attention how you store it at home too – this includes keeping refrigerated at 4°C (39°F) or below – and also making sure that any unused portions are eaten within 3 days of opening for optimum freshness and safety precautions against cross contamination with other foods stored nearby

Is Cotija Cheese Pasteurized in Us

Cotija cheese is typically not pasteurized in the US, as raw milk cheeses are often preferred for their unique flavor. While this type of cheese does have some inherent health benefits due to its high levels of probiotics and other beneficial bacteria, it may also pose a greater risk for food-borne illnesses since it is not pasteurized.

Credit: www.pregnancyfoodchecker.com

Can Cotija Cheese Be Pasteurized?

Yes, cotija cheese can be pasteurized. During the pasteurization process, milk is heated to a temperature of 145°F for 30 minutes in order to kill any harmful bacteria or other microorganisms. After this heating process, the milk is cooled and then inoculated with lactic acid starter cultures which give the cheese its flavor and texture.

Finally, it’s left to age and ripen until it reaches maturity. Pasteurized cotija cheeses have a longer shelf life than unpasteurized varieties since they are free from harmful bacteria that can cause spoilage or food poisoning if ingested.

Can I Eat Cotija Cheese While Pregnant?

Yes, you can eat cotija cheese while pregnant. Cotija cheese is a Mexican-style cheese made from cow’s milk that has been aged for a minimum of 60 days. It has a strong flavor and is usually crumbly in texture.

While it may contain some bacteria, these bacteria are killed during the pasteurization process, making cotija safe to consume by pregnant women who are otherwise healthy. However, as with any food consumed during pregnancy, it should be eaten in moderation and cooked thoroughly to reduce the risk of foodborne illness.

Is Cotija Cheese a Soft Cheese?

No, cotija cheese is not a soft cheese. It is a very hard, crumbly Mexican-style cheese that has been aged for up to 12 months. Cotija is made from cow’s milk and has an intense flavor with salty and tangy notes.

The texture of the cheese varies depending on how long it has been aged but generally it can be described as dry, flaky and crumbly in texture. It also has a strong aroma that makes it perfect to use as a grating or crumbling cheese over dishes like tacos or salads.

Is Grated Cotija Pasteurized?

No, grated Cotija cheese is not pasteurized. It is made from unpasteurized cow’s milk and aged for between two to four months. As a result, it has a salty flavor with a hard texture that makes it ideal for use in salads or as a topping on tacos.

Unlike many other cheeses, Cotija does not require refrigeration due to its high salt content which acts as a preservative and helps the cheese last longer without spoiling.

Conclusion

Overall, it is important to understand the risks of consuming certain foods while pregnant. Cotija cheese can be eaten during pregnancy in small amounts; however, it is best to consult a healthcare provider before eating any type of soft cheese like cotija. Eating a balanced diet that includes lots of fresh fruits and vegetables can help ensure your baby grows healthy and strong.