The Transformation of Paneer into a Top-Selling Cheese in Northwest Washington

The Transformation of Paneer into a Top-Selling Cheese in Northwest Washington

Paneer: The Mild Cheese Transforming Whatcom County

In the heart of Whatcom County, Washington, a humble cheese called paneer has become a significant player, weaving together communities across the Canada-U.S. border. This tale of interconnectedness, rooted in Indian immigrants and the spread of rich culture, stands as a stark contrast to the political tensions of today, stemming from tariffs and border disputes.

A quarter of a century ago, an Indian deli owner approached dairy farmer John Appel, expressing his interest in making paneer. Curious and open-minded, Appel was guided through the process, and the rest, as they say, is history. From a rustic creamery at Appel Farms, the mild cheese has risen to become the biggest seller among all cheeses produced.

The rise of locally made paneer is more than just a flourishing business – it's a testament to the exponential growth of Indian immigrants and the pervasive influence of Indian culture in the region. Traditional Indian food, films, and even cricket (a sport invented in England but adored in South Asia and many former British colonies) have all found a warm welcome in Whatcom County.

Fast forward to 2018, and BC-based Nanak Foods – a considerable manufacturer of dairy products, specialized in Indian items – opened a plant in Bellingham. In this facility, Nanak Foods produces all the paneer and ghee they distribute across the US. The prevalence of paneer in the region is a story of intertwined communities, bridging the Canada-U.S. border, and serving as a symbol of unity amidst political tension.

The Secret of Nanak Foods

The Nanak Foods' Bellingham plant maintains a low-key presence nestled in an extensive industrial complex on the waterfront. Some mystery surrounds the goings-on within the facility. Forged from a unique process, the company's co-founders keep their production methods under wraps, unwilling to share their edge with competitors.

Co-founders Gurpreet Arneja and Vineet Taneja gave a peek into their operation, at least their cavernous paneer-making room. The space, bereft of windows, leaves a faintly sweet aroma of curdled milk in the air. Arneja describes their method as "superhygienic," extending shelf life while relying on automation.

Taneja and Arneja traveled from Canada for a meeting with Costco, their massive American client, unimaginable when they initially started the company in 1997. From a local, working-class Indian community to serving masses across the nation, their journey reflects the evolving taste palates and growing cosmopolitanism in Whatcom County.

The Paneer Pioneers

The story of paneer's growth in Whatcom County begins with Nina Shapiro and an Indian deli owner who approached farmer John Appel, sharing a quick tutorial on how to make the simple, versatile cheese. Soon, Appel Farms was supplying paneer to gas stations along the border, catering to the demand from Indian immigrants in the Vancouver area, who often made the short trip south to benefit from cheaper gas prices.

While Appel Farms has since parted ways with the deli owner, their commitment to paneer production has endured, making it the biggest seller in their product lineup. For the Appel family – immigrants from Holland – paneer represents an "emerging cheese," increasingly recognized as a protein source for vegetarians and seeping into non-Indian restaurants.

Paneer, with its undeniable charm, continues to strike a chord with Whatcom County's residents of Punjabi heritage, living on both sides of the border. While there is no large-scale industrial production, the interest in homemade paneer remains strong, especially when recipes call for a crumbly texture hard to achieve with store-bought varieties.

The Art of Homemade Paneer

Khush Brar, a Whatcom County resident with Punjabi roots, is a testament to the enduring appeal of homemade paneer. The traditional technique calls for just three ingredients – milk, vinegar, and salt. Khush shared her secret recipe with us, assuring that making paneer at home is as straightforward as it is delicious.

As a community, Whatcom County and the surrounding areas of British Columbia continue to foster a space for diverse culinary traditions, ensuring that this captivating tale of paneer production will have many more chapters to come. The local dairy scene, accompanied by a vibrant farming community and an ever-evolving food culture, promises to nurture this mild cheese, allowing paneer to deepen its roots and fulfill its potential as a cherished element of both regional cuisine and cultural history.

[Source:]

[NinaShapiro@ourwebsite]

1. The story of paneer's growth in Seattle's Whatcom County began with a tutorial on paneer-making between a local deli owner and farmer John Appel.
2. In 2018, Nanak Foods, a Canadian dairy product manufacturer, opened a plant in Bellingham to produce paneer and ghee for distribution in the United States.
3. Besides being a significant business, the prevalence of paneer in Whatcom County is a testament to the growth of Indian immigrants and the pervasive influence of Indian culture in the region.
4. For culinary enthusiasts and residents of Punjabi heritage in Whatcom County, the interest in homemade paneer remains strong, especially when following traditional recipes with a crumbly texture hard to achieve with store-bought varieties.

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