Milk and guava are the main ingredients in one of Brazil’s most loved desserts: cheese with guava paste, also known as “Romeo and Juliet.” Though simple, this combination offers an unparalleled flavor. It also carries a rich history rooted in Brazilian agro-pastoral traditions, especially in the Minas Gerais state, where artisanal cheese has been produced for centuries.
The Cheese
Since its colonial period, cheese has been a cultural and economic pillar in Brazil. Minas Gerais in particular is renowned for its cheeses, produced using traditional methods and celebrated for their quality and flavor. Cheese production not only supports many families but also reflects the rich tradition of dairy farming in the state’s mountainous regions, where the climate and pastures are perfect for raising dairy cattle. Today, Brazilian cheeses are appreciated both domestically and internationally, winning awards and admirers around the world.
The Guava Paste
Guava paste derives from the abundance of guava, a fruit native to tropical America and widely cultivated in Brazil, which is one of the world’s leading producers with significant production in states like São Paulo, Pernambuco, and Goiás. Since the 18th century, rural families have developed techniques to preserve guava by cooking its pulp with sugar until it forms a thick sweet known as guava paste. This practice, similar to marmalade production in Portugal, allows the fruit to be preserved for long periods and transported easily.
Romeo and Juliet
Although the combination of cheese with guava paste has been known for a long time, it was in the 1960s that the name “Romeo and Juliet” gained popularity. The term was coined by an advertising campaign to promote these typical products, comparing the harmony between cheese and guava paste to the tragic love of Shakespeare’s characters. The idea was simple: just as Romeo and Juliet were inseparable, so should cheese and guava paste be. The campaign’s success was so great that “Romeo and Juliet” became entrenched in Brazilian popular culture and is used throughout the country to describe this delicious combination.
The Versatility of the Pair
The lasting success of cheese with guava paste may be due to its versatility. In Brazil, “Romeo and Juliet” can be served in several ways, from the simplest version with guava paste in bars and cheese in slices to more sophisticated culinary creations that explore different textures and preparation techniques. For example, creamy guava paste is often used as a filling in desserts, while cheese can be included in refined recipes, such as pies, mousses, and savory dishes. This flexibility allows the dish to adapt to different occasions and tastes, from a homemade dessert to a high gastronomy delicacy.
The combination of cheese with guava paste is a symbol of Brazilian culinary creativity. “Romeo and Juliet” exemplifies how simple ingredients can be turned into an extraordinary gastronomic experience, delighting palates in Brazil and around the world.