The Gayo Azul brand, part of FrieslandCampina, Paramus, N.J., says it released Gayo Azul Cotija cheese. It is a slightly salty cheese with a firm, crumbly texture — perfect for enhancing any Hispanic dish.
Gayo Azul is a Caribbean brand with a strong Dutch influence and a rich history dating to the 1950s, the brand says. Dutch cheeses gained quick popularity in the Caribbean due to their ability to retain freshness without the need for refrigeration. Seeing the demand for such cheeses, Gayo Azul began creating its own. Starting as a small company in the Caribbean, Gayo Azul entered the U.S. market in the 1960s and has been growing across the country ever since.
Drawing on the rich heritage of both Dutch and Hispanic cheesemaking, Gayo Azul says it emphasizes authentic flavor and premium quality. The brand is a multi-generational kitchen staple, recognizable by its Blue Rooster logo — Blue Rooster being the English translation of Gayo Azul.
The new Gayo Azul Cotija adds a sharp, slightly salty flavor and a crumbly texture to a variety of dishes, including street corn, enchiladas, tacos, sandwiches and more. It is a Mexican-style aged, fresh cow’s milk cheese named after Cotija, Mexico, the brand says. The 8-ounce product can be found at local U.S. grocers throughout the Northeast and Southeast.
“The rich flavor of our new Gayo Azul Cotija cheese provides a deliciously salty, milky flavor that is sure to turn it into a staple in our fans’ recipes,” says Debbie Seife, marketing director of FrieslandCampina. “For decades, Gayo Azul has been a go-to choice for Hispanic dishes, and the expansion of our line will surely bring some added flavor and variety to any meal, Hispanic or otherwise,” she adds.