FAQ

  • QWhy are Biobio cheeses 100% lactose-free?

    Biobio’s organic cheddar and parmesan cheeses are made from thermised organic milk (unpasteurized). The lactose found in the milk is digested by the bacteria that exists naturally in raw milk and by other bacteria (lactic culture) added during the ripening stage of the cheese. 7% cheeses and mozzarella are also 100% lactose-free. They are made with pasteurized milk, and the lactose is taken out through a rinsing process during the cheese’s making and ripening processes.

  • QWhat’s the best way to enjoy cheese?

    To fully enjoy the cheese’s natural flavour and texture, leave it to rest at room temperature at least 30 minutes before serving. When you use cheese as an ingredient, it is best to go with the quick and low-heat way of cooking to get the best possible texture. See also http://www.ourcheeses.com/all-about-cheese/serve for more tips on food preservation and freezing.

  • QDo Biobio cheeses contain additives?

    In order to preserve their original taste, our organic cheeses contain no artificial colouring or flavouring and no additives resulting from synthesis.

  • QWhere does the milk used to produce Biobio cheeses come from?

    The organic milk used to produce Biobio’s local cheeses comes from herds of cows raised in Quebec family farms. The milk used to produce imported cheeses comes from family farms located in the producer’s region.

  • QHow are the cows raised and fed?

    Dairy cows are raised with no antibiotics and no growth hormone. The pastures, forage and grain used to feed them contain no synthetic products such as pesticides or fertilizers and no GMOs. As a result of strict organic standards, the cows are raised in ideal conditions where they can move around freely and enjoy regular exposure to sunlight and fresh air. These are the values we believe in.

  • QWhich organization makes sure that organic standards are effectively followed?

    All the Quebec cheeses we sell are certified organic by the certification body Québec Vrai (OCQV) which is accredited by the Reserved Designations and Added-Value Claims Board (CARTV). Our imported cheeses are also certified organic by certification bodies from the country of origin, which are themselves accredited by Canada Organic.

  • QCan Biobio cheeses be consumed by people who are lactose-intolerant?

    Yes, except for the feta.

  • QWhich one of your cheeses is made with raw milk?

    Only the Parmigiano Reggiano cheese is made from organic raw milk. The other cheeses are made with either organic thermised milk or organic pasteurized milk.

  • QWhere can we find more information on organic products?

    You can find more information about organic products and the organic certification on the Reserved Designations and Added-Value Claims Board (CARTV) website at the following address: www.cartvquebec.com.

  • QCan a vegetarian eat your cheeses?

    Yes (except for the parmesan and Parmigiano Reggiano), because we use plant-based microbial enzymes, not animal rennet in the making of our Biobio cheeses.

  • QAre Biobio cheeses gluten-free?

    Yes (except for the parmesan and Parmigiano Reggiano), because we use plant-based microbial enzymes, not animal rennet in the making of our Biobio cheeses.

  • QDo your cheeses contain genetically modified organisms (GMOs)?

    No, none of our cheeses contain GMOs.

  • QCan Biobio cheeses be frozen?

    Most of our cheeses can be frozen. However, freezing cheese can alter its texture and character. That is why it is better to use frozen cheese for cooking purposes only. This way the taste and texture won’t be affected. You can preserve cheddar in the freezer, in pieces of 500 g or less, up to 2 months! Make sure you wrap the cheese carefully in plastic wrap and put it in a sealable freezing bag or vacuum package. Before using the cheese, let it defrost slowly in the refrigerator. Once grated, some firm cheeses such as the cheddar and Swiss can be stored very well in the freezer.