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Eastern Spice, Midwest Nice

January 17, 2025

Eastern Spice, Midwest Nice
Growing up in Pakistan, White Jasmine founder and co-owner Huma Siddiqui-Seitz didn’t have the same exposure to artisan cheeses as most Westerners. A move to Wisconsin inspired her to combine her two worlds and blend the exotic spices she loved so much with her new home’s rich cheese heritage. White Jasmine offers exciting, flavored goudas guaranteed to spice up your life or, at the very least, your next grilled cheese sandwich. Huma worked with the Center for Dairy Research (CDR) at the University of Wisconsin-Madison to craft unique gems like Sajji BBQ Gouda, Cumin Gouda, Tandoori Gouda and Cilantro Gouda, proving that cheese has the power to bridge cultures.

Huma Siddiquis Seitz

Huma Siddiqui-Seitz of White Jasmine is a cheese visionary who invites you to explore signature flavored goudas infused with Pakistani herbs and spices.

White Jasmine tandoori gouda cheese
Sajji BBQ Gouda

A New Start in the State of Cheese

“When I came to Wisconsin, I was fascinated to learn about the hundreds of cheeses made here,” says Huma. “I would buy cheeses and add spices when making grilled cheese sandwiches. They were delicious, and I thought maybe other people would like them. So, I partnered closely with the CDR team to bring these cheeses to the table. It took a few tries, but they helped me create something I’m proud of. I learned how complex the cheesemaking process can be, and patience is a virtue you need plenty of.”

White Jasmine cilantro gouda cheese
Cilantro Gouda

Huma and the CDR team discovered that gouda was the best vehicle to blend with her colorful signature herbs and spices. “We tried different varieties of cheeses at first,” says Huma. “But gouda seems to hold the flavors and integrity of spices the best.” Today, there’s a gouda available for every level of spice lover. Huma recommends starting with Cilantro Gouda, which has heat from jalapenos if you prefer a milder cheese, and then graduating to the robust, spicier gouda flavors.

White Jasmine sajji bbq gouda cheese
Tandoori Gouda

White Jasmine’s Tandoori Gouda, a smoky Pakistani-inspired creation with 13 different spices, will enliven your taste buds. “When we first tried the spices, they raised some eyebrows,” Huma shares. “A cheesemaker kindly suggested that maybe I should pull back on the spices as we live in the Midwest. However, I was determined to keep the recipe as I had envisioned, and thought, Well, if no one buys them, perhaps my friends will get these as Christmas gifts. But it worked!”

White Jasmine cumin gouda cheese
Cumin Gouda

Huma suggests pairing the cheeses with fresh fruits, plain crackers and sweet condiments to allow their clever flavors to shine. Serve Sajji BBQ Gouda with honey, Cumin Gouda with fig jam, Tandoori Gouda with strawberry jam, and Cilantro Gouda with orange marmalade. However, don’t stop there—add them to elevate your everyday tacos, chili and more. “Or try them in grilled cheese sandwiches with crisp apple slices,” reveals Huma. “They’ve won me a couple of grilled cheese championships!”

Join us on a flavor journey Try White Jasmine’s fusion-flavored cheeses in the following recipes!

cumin gouda stuffed poblano peppers

Make itCumin Gouda-Stuffed Poblano Peppers

tandori gouda chicken

Make itTandoori Gouda Chicken

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