- Q. I'm lactose intolerant and concerned I'm not getting enough calcium. Do you have a suggestion?
- A: The body needs calcium - your hair, skin, and bones depend on it. And dairy is a great place to get calcium - unless you're lactose intolerant. In that case, be sure to take a calcium supplement and look for foods like Sorrento® Plus Lactose Free Mozzarella snack cheese.
- Q: Cheese is made from milk, so how do you make it lactose-free?
- A: People who are lactose intolerant have trouble digesting dairy foods because their bodies don't produce enough lactase. Lactase is the enzyme that metabolizes (or breaks down) lactose, a sugar found in all dairy foods that needs to be broken down to be digestible. So, in order to make Sorrento® Plus Lactose Free Cheese, we add lactase, which breaks down lactose before the cheese is even eaten. That way, it's completely digestible for people who are lactose intolerant.
- Q: Some lactose-free products taste different. Yours doesn't. Why not?
- A: Our taste remains the same because we have developed a special process that is unique in our industry that allows us to remove the lactose without altering the delicious, fresh taste that we have always provided.
- Q: Why does your new snack cheese have high levels of calcium and vitamin D?
- A: Yes. Your body needs vitamin D to absorb calcium. If you don't have enough, your body won't get the full benefits that calcium has to offer. That's why Sorrento® Plus High in Calcium and Vitamin D snack cheese gives you the calcium you need, and the vitamin D you need to absorb it.
- Q: If I take snack cheese sticks with me while I'm on the go, will they stay fresh?
- A: You can usually get away with having a cheese stick at room temperature for a few hours, although it will become less firm. If you know you won't eat the cheese within this time, you may want to consider taking a small snack cooler, unless, of course, a refrigerator will be available.
- Q: Can I freeze cheese?
- A: Many hard cheeses can be frozen. Just be sure when you wrap it, that it's airtight and moisture proof. And when the time comes to eat it, thaw it in the refrigerator first. Extra tip: Shredding before you freeze can save time - when you're ready to thaw, you can take only the amount you need instead of an entire block.
- Q: Is cheese best served straight out of the fridge, or at room temperature?
- A: The most mouth-watering flavor comes from cheese at room temperature, so take it out of the refrigerator an hour or two before serving.
- Q: Why is string cheese stringy?
- A: Because it's made using a process called pasta filata, in which the curd is delicately kneaded until the desired consistency is reached - as opposed to the “pressed curd†method, where curd is combined into large blocks, cut to size and wrapped.
- Q: What's the difference between fresh mozzarella and the mozzarella I usually buy?
- A: There are lots of differences. Fresh mozzarella has a creamy, more subtle flavor, a whiter color, a softer consistency and a higher moisture content. These differences make it useful for more than just cooking. For example, its soft texture and subtle flavor make it ideal for use in salads. Taste the difference for yourself with SorrentoÃ’ Fresh Mozzarella products.
- Q: I'm throwing a party, and I'd like to serve a cheese board. What cheeses should I use?
- A: Check out our Everyday Ideas section to see how to prepare the perfect cheese board. And while you're there, check out our cheese and wine pairing guide to complement your board with the right wine.
- Q: How long can I keep cheese?
- A: For maximum freshness you should use cheese three to five days after opening.
