Cheese Database

Añejo cheese vs Cotija

Añejo cheese

Facts

Texture
Hard
Type
Pressed
Rind
No rind
Country
Mexico

Añejo cheese is a firm aged cheese from Mexico. The Spanish name means aged, and it marks a fresh curd that has been kept until it dries. The paste is pale, salty, and crumbly while it is still losing moisture, then harder and easier to grate once it dries further. Many pieces are rolled in paprika or chile, which turns the outside red or orange. The interior stays white.

Cotija, field guide plate
Cotija, photographed

Cotija

Facts

Milk
Cow
Texture
Hard
Type
Pressed
Rind
No rind
Country
Mexico
Place
Cotija, Michoacán

Cotija is a Mexican cow's-milk cheese named for the town of Cotija in Michoacán. Aged Cotija is dry, salty, and crumbly.