Paladar tested cream cheeses sold in supermarket chains
Cream cheese is a fundamental ingredient in sweet recipes such as cheesecake and in sandwiches that require contrasts of flavors, such as the combination of smoked salmon and cream cheese between two slices of bagel. In Brazil it has become as popular a breakfast food as our cream cheese.
The process of making homemade cream cheese, or cream cheese in Portuguese, is similar to that of making dried curds. But the recipe is much fattier, as it is enriched with ingredients such as cream and butter. The ideal consistency is compact, but with a certain creaminess. Its flavor is considered by pastry chefs to be a wild card for adding texture and delicate flavor to desserts.
When preparing savory dishes, your mission is to balance the flavors. Especially if the recipe’s partner is a strong-flavored ingredient, such as smoked meats.
To verify the quality of the cream cheese sold in the supermarket, Paladar invited 5 experts: Yasmin Silva, from the Glacê patisserie; Michelle Kallas, of Mica Chocolates; Arthur Lins, of Z-Deli; Helena Mil Homem from Padaria St. Chico and Walkyria Fagundes from AE! Cafeteria and kitchen.
Together, they tested 6 brands of cream cheese in a blind evaluation. Questions such as flavor, texture and appearance were evaluated. Walkyria Fagundes was curious, before the test, whether she would identify her favorite brand in the blind test.
With the test already in its final stage, Arthur Lins assessed that the samples differed mainly in texture, brightness, saltiness and acidity. Yasmin Silva, however, believes the difference in consistency between the products is evident. In the behind-the-scenes video you can see the detailed opinions of each of the judges invited by Paladar.
“I always prefer a firmer product when preparing bread fillings,” explains Helena Mil Homem. “I have also noticed that some brands invest in creamier and brighter-looking products to get closer to cream cheese”.
Michelle Kallas also takes into account the consumer’s personal choice: “If it is to be spread only on bread, it is better for it to have a lighter consistency, if it is to be used in a dessert, it is better for it to be firmer and have a more pronounced consistency” . taste.”
The best brands of creamy cheeses
- Force
- Polenghi
- Catupiria
The six points of the judges’ judgment, in alphabetical order
Catupiria
Product with a shiny appearance, a soft consistency, very creamy and a neutral flavour, excellent for preparing dishes that require good counterpoints to salt or sugar. Won third place in our ranking (R$ 9.99, 150 g)
Danube
The glossy appearance, soft texture and acidic flavor left something to be desired according to the expert jury. The cream cheese, on the other hand, was well evaluated in terms of salt balance (R$ 22.40, 300 g)
Philadelphia
The cream cheese was rated as a product with a porous and compact consistency, and also saltier than the other five (R$ 21.20, 300 g)
Polenghi
Second place in the Paladar ranking, it had a pleasant, light and nostalgic flavor according to the judges – who also praised the silky texture of the product (R$ 19.30, 300 g)
President
The product ultimately had a certain bitterness that the judges didn’t like. The texture was classified as a little sandy and too shiny in appearance (R$ 9.49, 150 g)
Force
The reigning champion was the one who presented the greatest balance between the aspects evaluated. The one with the best flavor was cooked: delicate and very close to an artisanal product. According to the judges it is an excellent option both for daily consumption and for preparing sweet and savory recipes (R$ 9.99, 150 g)
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
