Organic Valley Frequently Asked Questions

Organic Valley Shredded Mexican Blend Cheese

What is Shredded Mexican Blend Cheese?

Organic Valley's Shredded Mexican Blend Cheese features a combination of three premium organic cheeses conveniently shredded. Organic Sharp Cheddar, Colby, and Monterey Jack each contribute their unique flavors to making this blend ideal for quick and convenient kitchen creations. The taste of our Shredded Mexican Blend Cheese meshes the sharp, rich, nutty flavor of Sharp Cheddar, the mild taste of Colby, and the slightly tart flavor of Monterey Jack. This shredded blend offers the combination of rich flavor and optimal melting characteristics, making it ideal for use in Mexican style foods.

What are good uses for Shredded Mexican Blend Cheese?

Our Shredded Mexican Blend Cheese is the ultimate addition to Mexican style foods such as tacos, enchiladas, nachos, quesadillas, and burritos. It is perfect for addition to non-Mexican style foods as well, such as casseroles, omelets, baked goods, topping for chili or a fresh salad, or in grilled cheese sandwiches. Mexican Blend Cheese goes well with apples, pears, tomatoes, onions, cilantro, lager or pilsner beers, red wines like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon, and fruity wines such as Rhiesling or Rhine.

What makes the cheese organic?

Wholesome, delicious, and nutritious Organic Valley cheese is produced by cooperative family farmers working in harmony with nature.

• The USDA organic standards are the strictest organic food labelling standards in the world.
• Certified organic farms are required to follow the strict production rules of the USDA's National Organic Standards (www.ams.usda.gov/nop), and are inspected and audited for compliance by an independent third party for compliance every year.
• Production plants, like the farms, are certified, inspected, and audited for compliance annually.
• Organic farmers do not use antibiotics, synthetic hormones, or synthetic pesticides in production.
• In the event of a life-threatening situation, antibiotics or other prohibited medications cannot be withheld and will be used by the farmer. However, those animals must then be permanently removed from organic production.
• Once certified organic, the cows receive only 100% certified organic feed.
• Organic cows are primarily fed on certified organic pasture during the grazing season, which provides better quality of life for the animal, superior animal health, and greater nutritive value in food derived from the animal.
• Certified feed and pasture are grown on land not treated with synthetic fertilizers or pesticides, or genetically modified organisms for a minimum of three years.
• Organic animals and feeds must not be genetically modified organisms or contain products from genetically modified sources.

Every truckload of milk is tested for antibiotics, temperature, and bacteria, and all organic milk processing plants are inspected to verify organic product is never mixed with conventional product, non-approved ingredients, or cleaning materials.

What are the health benefits of eating Mexican Blend Cheese?

Beyond the personal health benefits of eating organic cheese, sustainable organic production methods promote the health of all life on earth, now and for the future. Cheese is a natural food providing a dense source of nutrients. It is a good source of calcium and protein. Calcium is essential for growing and maintaining strength and density of bones and teeth, and preventing osteoporosis. It supports normal cardiovascular, thyroid, and muscular function. Research suggests dietary intake of calcium between 1,000 and 1,500 mg daily makes cells less likely to store fat and more likely to burn fat when calorie intake is reduced. Research has shown milk from pasture-fed cows to be higher in nutritional value and antioxidant levels compared to milk from non-pastured cows.

What qualifies a cheese plant for organic production?

We take special care to protect the natural goodness of our products through observance of rigorous standards in all processes of cheese making. A plant qualified for production of organic cheese goes through an annual certification/audit process. This certification is conducted by a USDA accredited, independent certification agency. The certifier approves the plant's "Organic Handling Plan." Essential components of an organic handling plan include ensuring there is no co-mingling with non-organic product, and verification the product does not contain cleaners and sanitizers. In addition, the certifier approves product formulation and packaging.

Does Organic Valley use animal rennet to make our Mexican Blend Cheese?

Most cheese production requires the enzyme rennet to coagulate milk into curd. Organic Valley uses "microbial coagulants" in Mexican Blend Cheese instead of animal rennet. Using microbial coagulants allows us to serve the strict needs of vegetarians. Microbial coagulants are produced by a controlled fermentation process.

Does Organic Valley color its cheese?

We color our Colby and the rind of our Muenster cheese. Cheese is naturally white, like milk, and we like to leave it that way. However, Organic Valley has responded to customer requests for traditionally colored Colby and Muenster. To color Colby and the rind of Muenster we use annatto. Annatto is a natural coloring derived from a shrub indigenous to the Caribbean and Central America. The red pulp surrounding the seeds is a natural source of color. Organic Valley uses only ingredients approved by the strict USDA Standards for organic foods.

What varieties of Shredded Mexican Blend Cheese are available?

Organic Valley produces Shredded Mexican Blend Cheese in resealable 6 oz. packages.

We care for the earth while bringing you the highest quality food