10 Best Kesong Puti in the Philippines 2022 | Mama Jessie's Kesong Puti, Pinkie's Farm, Holly's Milk and More

While European countries are well-known for their cheeses, the Philippines prides itself on its very own kesong puti. Unlike its foreign cheese counterparts that are derived from cow’s milk, this one is made from carabao’s milk. This gives it a one-of-a-kind taste. It’s soft, creamy, and best paired with pan de sal, meats, and salads.

Its origins remain unclear. However, since carabaos have been an essential part of Filipino farming, it is safe to assume that kesong puti has been in the picture for nearly as long. It is very abundant in the provinces of Bulacan, Bacolod, Laguna, Cebu, and Samar.

Kesong puti or white cheese is made using a fresh batch of unskimmed carabao's milk. It has a mild flavor with a slightly tangy and salty taste as a result of curdling with salt and either vinegar or rennet. Because of its taste profile and texture, it can be a substitute for ricotta or mozzarella.

Cheese connoisseur or not, there are things you should consider first before buying cheese. This helps ensure you get the right fit for your taste buds and your budget. Read on to know more about details you should look into in purchasing kesong puti.

How the cheese looks like should be at the top of your consideration. Generally, kesong puti looks like a tofu block. It is white and soft in texture. Since it doesn’t undergo an aging process, it won’t have any rinds. The absence of chemical processes results in cheese without “eyes” or holes.

Various sellers come with different ways of producing their cheese. Some mold their kesong puti like a block of tofu, while others go for thin slices so it can easily go with pandesal and other bread. Some shops also come up with a spreadable option that comes in jars.

When you receive your package, do a smell test. Fresh kesong puti shouldn’t have any particular odor. Also, watch out for signs of spoilage like mold, discoloration, and change in consistency and texture. If you're still not sure, you may want to try eating a small amount. If it tastes sour and has an unpleasant aftertaste, toss it out.

While seemingly trivial, the packaging of your cheese affects its flavor and freshness. And just like with the appearance, various shops also pack their kesong puti in different materials. 

Soft cheeses like kesong puti are very perishable. The process of taking out the air in vacuum packaging prevents this by extending the cheese's shelf life and ensuring its freshness. And since this is the go-to packaging of most cheesemakers, you can readily find it in stores.

The caveat to this packaging is that some consumers complain of their package tasting "plasticky" from the material used. Additionally, its byproducts are not good for the environment. The plastic doesn't easily disintegrate and thus, just adds up to unrecyclable waste.

Banana leaf is a staple in Filipino cuisine. It's not difficult to see why considering the aroma and unique taste they impart on food. For something traditional, go for kesong puti wrapped in banana leaves. In addition to enhancing the flavor of the cheese, the banana leaf also helps in the setting process.

While banana leaves are abundant in the country, you won't readily see kesong puti in this type of packaging as sellers seldom use them. Albeit good for the environment, this type of packaging will not prevent the spoilage of the cheese. It may even speed it up if not properly stored.

As with all dairy products, you want your package to arrive in good condition and unspoiled. This is why a refrigerated shipping option is your best choice. You may want to contact the seller and ask for insulated containers full of ice packs.

Additionally, it is best to opt for express shipment. If you live in a place that doesn’t cater to this, you may want to reconsider your purchase. Usually, stores will deliver your package within 48 hours. Any time longer than this and the cheese's taste and quality may be compromised.

Do note that express shipment and refrigerated shipping will cost more. But it will be money worth spent since your cheese will arrive without any damage. And you get to enjoy it as fresh as it can be.

We understand it is tough to buy online, especially when it comes to perishable items. When in doubt, buy from reputable sellers. Go through their websites or check if they are FDA-approved. A strong social media presence and engagement with customers should also be a good sign since many people have already tried their products.

You can also look into their story or background. There, you will get to know their company and how they started. Owners who are passionate about their craft are likely to know their products well and will want to produce only the best.

Of course, checking reviews can help you decide. These are usually available on Google and the site or page of the shop. You can also look for reviews on social media sites. See what others have to say about the product and what it looks like in actuality.

Now you have been acquainted with kesong puti, on to the exciting part— choosing your cheese! Since cheese tasting is not optimal with our pandemic situation, we did it for you (much to our delight). All you have to do is add to cart, order, and wait until you get your hands on creamy kesong puti!

**Prices may vary depending on the website and their campaign period**

The best part about Kesong Puti is that it goes with everything and can make them taste even better. So why not spice up the most important meal of the day with this Kesong Puti Fluffy Omelette recipe? Simply follow BiteSized Ph instructions and you will be well on your way to a good start for your day.

Ingredients: 

For the Omelette: 

• 4 Pieces Egg Whites, Room Temperature 
• ¼ Cup Water 
• ½ Tsp. Cream of Tartar 
• 4 Pieces of Egg Yolks, Room Temperature 
• ¼ Tsp. Salt 
• 1 Teaspoon Butter or Vegetable Oil 
• ½ Block Kesong Puti, Crumbled (Optional) 

For the Sauce: 

• ½ Block Kesong Puti 
• ¼ Cup Butter 
• 1 Cup Cream 
• Salt and Pepper

1. In a separate bowl, beat egg yolks with salt until pale yellow and creamy. It should have doubled in volume.
2. Gently fold in the whipped egg yolks into the whipped egg whites until well combined, being careful to not deflate the mixture.
3. Heat butter in a nonstick, oven-safe pan and pour in the egg mixture. Cook covered until the omelette has puffed up.
4. Place pan in the oven that’s been preheated to 175 degrees Celcius. Bake until the center is cooked.

1. In a bowl, mix the ingredients until well combined.
2. Microwave with 1-minute intervals until smooth, and slightly thick consistency.
3. Drizzle the sauce into the omelette.

If you can’t get enough of Kesong Puti, don’t worry, because same! But grazing into another pasture will also be good for variety. And we got just the right products for you. Check out these dairy goods for your daily dose of creamy goodness.

There’s no doubt that kesong puti has been a part of our rich heritage - either from our childhood or for those who live in the province. It’s versatile and delectable, making it a go-to snack and a great addition to any meal. And there’s something about eating it that makes one happy with pride and, at the same time, nostalgic.

We hope we did justice to our very own kesong puti. Celebrate #PinoyPride with our buying guide and top 10 picks. Do let us know your eating experience with this cheese. And if you tried the recipe, share them with us on our Instagram and Facebook page. Bon appetit!

Author: J. Ausa

Editor: Justine Cuizon