Amanda Virrey
Artisanal Cheese and Yogurt in Manila
Dairy products like cheese and yogurt go hand in hand among gourmet delicacies.
Cheese has its unique and savory distinctions, while yogurt is distinguished for its healthy tartness. They are both commonly used in Mediterranean culinary and in healthy diet options.
And where can one get “good” cheese and yogurt?
Delicatessens are the usual outlets where one can easily rely on for imported quality gourmet goods. Yet, in actuality, their displayed goods are pretty regular in its originating countries. They simply appear enticingly exotic, but really incomparable to our local white cheese or kesong puti that’s made with carabao’s milk.
The best place to find good quality cheese and yogurt then is at the weekend open markets like at Mara’s Organic Market.
Mara’s Organic Market showcases an all-natural, all-organic fair of gastronomical craftsmanship by small batch, free trade and environmentally-sound entrepreneurs.
Here vegetarians, vegans, carnivores, pizza eaters and cheese lovers are offered a delicious feast of homemade food, prepared with certified organic and non-GMO ingredients.
Where cheese and yogurt are concerned, this market hosts the best producer of cheese and yogurt today.
Tio Luca Artisanal Dairy boasts an exquisite assortment of cheese and yogurt, thoughtfully made with organic, grass-fed cow’s milk, no added preservatives, no sugar and no powdered milk.
For cheeses, one can find freshly made Ricotta cheese that has a savory taste and with a right hint of tartness; Ricotta Infornato, ricotta that’s baked to arrive a salty and nutty flavor, which is great to crumble onto salads, breads, and pasta with a sprinkle of extra virgin olive oil; Caciotta, Luca’s signature three-week old semi-hard cheese that’s favored for its full-bodied texture and delightful taste; Mozzarella Fior di Latte, creamy Mozarella that’s perfectly eaten fresh with vegetables, some sesame or sunflower seeds, basil and extra virgin olive oil.
For yogurt, Tio Luca teems with the rich and creamy thickness of Greek Yogurt.
Greek Yogurt is a protein-packed yogurt that has been strained to decrease the amount of whey, which actually contains lactose, therefore sugar and sodium.
Unlike the Greek Yogurts that are sold commercially today, Tio Luca’s Greek Yogurts are made only with grass-fed cow’s milk, live cultures and a boost of dedication to render a guaranteed delicious and healthy food for everyone.
On hand are good to eat-and-go Plain Greek Yogurt, Greek Yogurt with Raw Unpasteurized Honey, Greek Yogurt with locally grown, organic Blueberry Jam, and Extra Thick Greek Yogurt, which promises a great dose of protein, good fats and minerals.
The man behind these flavourful dairy wonders is Luca.
Luca, like most Italians, acquired his passionate flair for food by watching his mother cook in the kitchen since he was a kid.
Though his longest running career delved around the clothing industry, as influenced by his Biellese roots, Luca has found his true calling in cheese and yogurt making.
Having taught by his mother to use his senses when discerning food, Luca took his sweet time learning and experimenting on the best procedures at home before achieving the right quality and pleasing flavor of cheese and yogurt that he was aiming for.
As a reward for his hard work, Tio Luca’s dairy creations have a good and constant following of healthy eaters and gourmet food lovers at the market every Sunday.
Tio Luca Artisanal Dairy is available at Mara’s Organic Market in the Legazpi Sunday Market, Legazpi Village, Makati City.
For inquiries and orders, contact Luca at 63 920 500 6105 and look up Tio Luca Artisanal Dairy on fb.
