Cheese Alert in Colombia: Rising Prices in Corabastos Spark Concern

As January draws to a close, Colombians are closely monitoring cheese prices, a staple product within their household baskets. The fluctuations in pricing, especially in a key market like Corabastos, have sparked nationwide interest.
Current Cheese Prices in Colombia
At Corabastos, one of the critical wholesale markets in Bogotá, cheese prices have notably held steady over the past months. This has provided a reference point for prices across the nation.
Type of Cheese | Price per Kilo |
---|---|
Cuajada | $17,000 |
Queso Campesino | $16,600 |
Queso Costeño | $17,000 |
Queso Doble Crema | $16,000 |
Queso Paipa | $34,000 |
Queso Pera | $34,000 |
Despite fears of price hikes, cheese prices have remained consistent since November, which is a relief for consumers. The stability in prices is particularly significant given the rising costs in other sectors.
Understanding the Differences: Campesino Cheese vs. Cuajada
Although similar at first glance, campesino cheese and cuajada have distinct characteristics regarding texture, grain size, and flavor:
Characteristic | Campesino Cheese | Cuajada |
---|---|---|
Grain Size | Larger | Smaller |
Texture | Firm and Compact | Soft and Moist |
Flavor | Intense and Salty | Mild and Slightly Acidic |
Usage | Versatile in various dishes | Mostly fresh, spreads, or desserts |
These cheeses play different roles in Colombian cuisine and are selected based on occasion and region, like queso costeño in the Caribbean region and quesito antioqueño in Antioquia.