Paneer, also called Indian cheese, can be produced from the milk of sheep, goats, cows, and other mammals. It is prepared by heating raw whole milk and then adding food acid (usually lemon juice, vinegar, or citric acid) to it to separate the curds from the whey. When the milk coagulates, the curds are drained and the excess liquid is pressed out. It is similar to Ricotta cheese except that it is in block form. The resulting paneer is dipped in chilled water for 2–3 hours to give it a good texture and appearance.

From this point, the preparation of paneer in India diverges based on its use and regional variation. In most cuisines, the curds are wrapped in cloth and placed under a heavy weight, such as a stone slab, for 2 to 3 hours and then cut into cubes for use in curries. Pressing for a shorter time (approximately 20 minutes) results in a softer, fluffier cheese.

In Eastern Indian and Bangladeshi cuisines, the curds are beaten or kneaded by hand into a dough-like consistency. In these regions, it is distinguished from ponir, a salty semi-hard cheese with a sharper flavor and high salt content. Hard ponir is typically eaten in slices at teatime with biscuits or various types of bread, or deep-fried in a light batter. In the area surrounding the Gujarati city of Surat, surti paneer is made by draining the curds and ripening them in whey for 12 to 36 hours.

Health Benefits

Paneer, prepared by the most simple method, has many health benefits and it is good to know about them.  Indian cheese is a treasure of good nutritional elements.  It is easy to digest and can be used in a number of preparations.  It is used in most Indian homes.  Paneer can be used in sweets, savories, and in gravies of dishes too.

Indian cheese is a rich source of calcium.  This helps in building strong teeth and bones. Paneer has the health benefit of helping to prevent osteoporosis, which is a curse of old age. Women who have attained menopause and men above the age of 65 should make it a rule to include such foods in their diet to get 25% of calcium through food.

Paneer eaten in moderation could help reduce weight.  It is good to note that many people who wish to lose weight include Indian cheese in their daily diet.

Paneer also gives the health benefits of reducing the development of Insulin Resistance Syndrome.  Hence, it is all about tackling the problem of insulin-dependent diabetes.
Including paneer in one’s daily diet helps to give the health benefit of providing the protein required by the body for growth and renewal.

It is, however, also interesting to note that Indian culture believes that paneer cheese provides protection against cancer.  Equally interesting is Indian culture states that this cheese helps prevent stomach disorders in people as they grow older.  One thing that health practitioners can agree on is that paneer is a storehouse of calcium, which has the benefit of making bones stronger and helping prevent brittle bones as we age.  Since it promotes strong bones, paneer also helps to prevent and reduce back and joint problems.

To conclude, anyone who has realized the health benefits of paneer should make it a rule to include this delightful cheese in their diet.  The ways in which Indian cheese can be used are many and varied and most people would enjoy the taste and flavor also.  We definitely enjoy cooking with paneer here at Mountain Valley View Farm, Inc. and the Getaway Studio.

Please note that Mountain Valley View Farm, Inc. is working very hard to become a licensed WSDA Grade A Dairy!  We are currently following all their guidelines to produce safe goat milk and goat milk products.  We are following the law here at Mountain Valley View Farm, Inc. and we will not sell any goat milk until our WSDA license is finalized and approved.  In the meantime, we are making and testing various cheese recipes for our family.  When our license is finalized we will know exactly which is the best recipe to sell to our customers.

Please pre-order Paneer Cheese from Mountain Valley View Farm, Inc.

We will not sell any cheese until we officially receive our WSDA Grade A Dairy license.  Until then, we are keeping a waiting list of all future customers so we can also evaluate the volume of cheese we will need to plan for once we have our license.

* ~ * ~ * ~ *

Mountain Valley View Farm, Inc.
Your Source for Northwest Farm Fresh Foods Shipped Worldwide
4301 South Chapman Road
Greenacres, Washington 99016-8732 USA
Phone (509) 928-1800 | Fax (509) 922-9949
Email: sales@mountainvalleyviewfarm.com

Website: www.mountainvalleyviewfarm.com
Online Store: www.mountainvalleyviewfarmstore.com
Blog with us at www.mountainvalleyviewfarmblog.com

Mountain Valley View Farm Hours:

Monday – Saturday
8:00 a.m. – Noon; 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Pacific Time)
Closed Noon – 1:00 p.m.

Other farm hours by advance appointment only.
Please call (509) 928-1800 to schedule an appointment.

Getaway Studio Dining Room
& Bed and Breakfast
Phone (509) 928-8900

Directions to Mountain Valley View Farm, Inc.
From I-90 East or West
Take the Sullivan Exit (291B) – South for about 3 miles
Turn left on Saltese (east), and continue straight for .5 mile
Turn right on South Chapman Road (south), and proceed .9 mile
The farm will be on the left-hand side of the road – 4301 South Chapman Road