ISSUE 3
The Art of Cheese: A Taste of Italy in Sharjah
At Teible, we continue our exploration of the finest local ingredients that make our dishes truly unique.
For this third issue of MAGAZINE I, we’re proud to introduce Italian Dairy Products (IDP), a leading producer of authentic Italian cheeses right here in Sharjah. From creamy burrata to freshly made mozzarella, IDP brings the true taste of Italy to the UAE, allowing us to elevate our dishes with the rich flavors and textures of traditional Italian dairy.
Italian Dairy Products, Sharjah
Located in Hamriyah Free Zone (HFZ), Italian Dairy Products has been a cornerstone of the UAE’s cheese-making industry since 2009. Specializing in a range of Italian cheeses including mozzarella, burrata and ricotta, IDP uses locally sourced fresh cow’s milk and traditional Italian methods to ensure that every product is of the highest quality and authenticity. Their dedication to maintaining traditional cheese-making techniques, combined with a modern approach to sustainability and local sourcing, makes them a standout in the region’s culinary landscape.
Production & Quality
IDP’s production process is a blend of tradition and innovation.
- All equipment is imported from Italy.
- Cheese is crafted daily by expert artisans using traditional Italian techniques.
- Quality is emphasized, evident in products like burrata and scamorza.
- Each cheese is handmade for freshness and authentic Italian taste.
- Products serve both retail and wholesale markets, catering to chefs and consumers across the UAE.
Burrata Cheese Characteristics
Burrata is a fresh Italian cheese known for its luxurious texture, combining a solid outer shell of mozzarella with a creamy, rich interior of stracciatella and cream. This delicate balance between firmness and creaminess makes it a versatile ingredient that can elevate both simple and complex dishes. Whether served with fresh heirloom tomatoes, drizzled with olive oil, or paired with a variety of seasonal vegetables, burrata’s mild flavor profile enhances any culinary creation.
Production & Authenticity
IDP’s burrata is crafted using traditional Italian methods and fresh cow’s milk sourced locally in the UAE. Each ball of burrata is made by hand, ensuring that the quality and flavor are consistent with the best cheeses produced in Italy. The process involves stretching and forming mozzarella curds, filling them with a mixture of cream and stracciatella, and carefully sealing the exterior to create the distinctive pouch-like shape. This attention to detail results in a cheese that is as creamy and flavorful as those found in the finest Italian dairies.
Cultivation Challenges & Techniques
Producing burrata in the UAE presents unique challenges, particularly due to the extreme climate. However, IDP has mastered the art of maintaining consistent quality by utilizing state-of-the-art facilities and adhering to strict quality control measures. The factory’s location in Hamriyah Free Zone allows for optimal distribution, ensuring that the cheese reaches its destination quickly and in perfect condition, maintaining the freshness that is crucial to high-quality dairy products.
Sustainable Practices
Italian Dairy Products is deeply committed to sustainability. By sourcing fresh cow’s milk locally, they not only support the regional agricultural sector but also reduce their environmental footprint by minimizing transportation needs. Their factory in Hamriyah Free Zone is designed to operate with high standards of hygiene and efficiency, adhering to international safety standards such as HACCP certification. IDP also utilizes modern equipment imported from Italy to ensure that their production methods are both efficient and environmentally responsible. These practices allow them to produce high-quality dairy products with a lower environmental impact, making them a leader in sustainable cheese production in the UAE.
Health Benefits of Burrata Cheese
- High in protein, supporting muscle growth and repair.
- Rich in calcium for strong bones and teeth.
- Contains healthy fats that provide energy and aid in vitamin absorption.
Interview with the Factory Manager
A conversation with the manager of Italian Dairy Products, discussing the art of cheese-making and the challenges of producing authentic Italian cheese in the UAE.
What inspired you to bring traditional Italian cheese-making to the UAE?
It was love at first sight with Dubai, and when we came here for vacation we realized
speaking with locals that all the food was imported and they would’ve appreciated
locally produced products.
How do you ensure that your cheeses match the flavor profiles of those produced in Italy?
The key for this product is the freshness, so producing daily with high quality local cow milk, and buffalo milk imported from Italy we manage to maintain the Italian standards.
What are the biggest challenges in maintaining the quality and authenticity of your products?
The greatest challenge is to standardize a high quality hand-made product that is made fresh everyday.
What sustainable practices do you follow in your production process?
Sustainability is very important for us, although it is very hard in a production facility, and we are working with our free zone to make our facility more sustainable as possible. We have already approached new suppliers to have a more sustainable packaging.
What are your future plans for expanding your product line or reaching new markets?
We are currently almost ready in Saudi Arabia, and as per the products we always look to create something innovative.
Recipe
BURRATA SALAD
Indulge in this delightful Burrata Salad, perfect for a fresh and flavorful appetizer. This recipe features whipped burrata, arugula, kumquat compote, citrus dressing, and tarragon oil for a unique blend of textures and flavors. Here’s how to make each component and bring it all together.
INGREDIENTS
- Burrata Cheese – 120g
- Arugula Leaves – 60g
- Orange Segments – 40g
- Kumquat Compote – 30g
- Citrus-flavored dressing – 45ml
- Sourdough Bread – 2 slices
- Almond Slices – 3g
- Sea Salt – a pinch
- Olive Oil – for drizzling
PREPARATION
- Burrata: Keep the Burrata cheese very cold. In a mixing bowl, gently break the Burrata open using a spoon or fork, creating a creamy texture. Add a pinch of sea salt and a drizzle of olive oil to the cheese and gently mix to combine, ensuring the olive oil and salt are well incorporated.
- Orange: Peel the orange, removing all skin and pith. Cut it in half. Slice one half into 4–5 segments, and carefully remove any seeds.
- Arugula: Place the arugula leaves in a mixing bowl. Add the citrus dressing and toss gently to coat. Season with a pinch of sea salt to taste.
- Sourdough: Toast the sourdough bread slices until crispy, then set them aside.
PLATING AND GARNISHING
- Plating the Burrata: Spoon the mixed Burrata onto the plate, arranging it in a half-moon shape or as a central mound.
- Orange Segments: Arrange 3–4 orange segments around the Burrata.
- Arugula: Place the dressed arugula over the orange segments, allowing the greens to cover part of the Burrata.
- Kumquat Compote: Spoon a small amount of kumquat compote on top of the Burrata for a tangy contrast.
- Garnishing: Sprinkle almond slices and a pinch of sea salt over the arugula. Serve with toasted sourdough on the side.
Consumer Stories
“I recently tried the Burrata Salad, and it was a refreshing experience from start to finish. The creamy Burrata cheese was the star, its rich texture balancing beautifully with the peppery arugula. The citrus segments added a burst of brightness, pairing surprisingly well with the kumquat compote, which gave an intriguing, slightly tart sweetness. The citrus dressing tied everything together, bringing a zesty note that elevated the entire salad. And finally, the sourdough – perfectly toasted – added a satisfying crunch, making every bite complete. Highly recommend this dish if you’re looking for a light yet flavorful salad with a twist!”
Until Next Time
As we close this third issue of MAGAZINE I, we hope you’ve enjoyed learning about Italian Dairy Products and their exceptional burrata cheese. At Teible, we’re proud to collaborate with IDP, using their high-quality cheeses to create delicious and innovative dishes that highlight the best of local and international flavors.
Next month, we’ll explore another remarkable ingredient from the region, continuing our journey of celebrating unique flavors and sustainable practices that define our culinary philosophy. Thank you for joining us, and we look forward to sharing more with you in the future.
Contact
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