Tresse cheese

Tresse
Meshallal cheese on a store shelf (second from left)
Other namesMshallaleh
Country of originSyria
TextureSemi-soft[1]

Tresse cheese, also known as jibneh mshallaleh (Arabic: جبنة مشللة), is a form of string cheese originating in Syria.[2] It can be eaten plain, or mixed with pastries.[3]

The cheese is properly mixed with mahleb,[3] which is often mixed with Nigella sativa (black cumin),[3] anise or caraway seeds. It is soaked in brine for several weeks before being braided.[4][1]

Described as a "fine white semi-soft smooth and springy cheese...similar to mozzarella"[3] with a "nutty" aroma,[5] it is traditionally made from cow's milk, but variations are found with sheep or goat milk.[5][6] It can be used as a substitute for Mexican Oaxaqueno cheese.[7]

Availability

Canadian versions of the cheese are produced by Fromagerie Marie Kade in Boisbriand, Quebec.[8][9]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b Ringler, Rachel (10 August 2022). "This Jewish entrepreneur wants Syrian string cheese to become an American staple". Jewish Telegraphic Agency. Retrieved 29 October 2025.
  2. ^ Gourmantic, Syrian String Cheese
  3. ^ a b c d Roufs, Timothy. Sweet Treats around the World: An Encyclopedia of Food and Culture
  4. ^ Dr. Minerva Santerre, A Bridge That Hugged Tomorrow: A Journey of a Syrian Woman to Her Roots
  5. ^ a b "Armenian String Cheese - Cheese.com". cheese.com. Retrieved 29 November 2017.
  6. ^ Bishara, Rawia; Bishara, Jumana (14 June 2018). Levant: New Middle Eastern Flavours. Octopus. ISBN 978-0-85783-551-2. Retrieved 8 December 2025.
  7. ^ Mexican Food Made Simple, By Thomasina Miers
  8. ^ "Another Alert on Possible Listeria-Contaminated Cheese - Food Safety News". 31 December 2011. Retrieved 29 November 2017.
  9. ^ "Annex Ale Project aiming for 'butcher shop model' microbrewery". Retrieved 29 November 2017.

Further reading

  • The Flower of Paradise and Other Armenian Tales, Virginia A. Tashjian - 2007