Cottage cheese is everyone’s favorite, but have you ever wondered what it is made of? Well, in this article, we are going to answer that question and share some interesting facts about it.
A curdled milk product that is made by draining the cheese, cottage cheese is not aged and is also popular among dieters due to its extremely low-calorie content.
Cottage cheese is said to be high in casein protein and is also a preferred choice among fitness enthusiasts and bodybuilders who add it to their meals to meet their protein requirements.
This article highlights interesting details related to cottage cheese and its nutritional value as well.
What Is Cottage Cheese?
Contents
Cottage cheese is typically a white or yellow soft curd cheese typically made from skimmed milk or whole milk. It is largely used as an ingredient in dishes such as lasagne, quiches, sandwiches, and salads.
It can also be eaten on its own with fruit or vegetables. It can also be eaten on toast, and salads and is also considered as a replacement for mayonnaise in many dishes.
How Is Cottage Cheese Made?
Cottage cheese is produced when the liquid portion of a milk product is separated from the curd. The liquid portion is called casein and this casein can be used as a protein ingredient in other foods.
For example, it can be used to thicken a variety of sauces, soups, and stews by adding them to these dishes at the last minute.
It can also be used to make homemade pasta, cakes, and yeast products.
Different Kinds Of Cottage Cheese
Dry Cottage Cheese: Dried cottage cheese is typically made by drying the liquid portion of cottage cheese at an appropriate temperature.
Liquid Cottage Cheese: This form of curd is produced from fresh milk and then heated to change the curd into a liquid. The process of heating changes the curd into a product that can be used in cooking or eaten on its own.
Other Varieties: Cottage cheese can be made from a variety of different kinds of milk. This includes regular whole milk, skimmed milk, and non-fat dry milk solids.
Cottage Cheese Grilled Cheese: This variety of cottage cheese is used in sandwiches, mainly as a filling. It can also be used to make dips and salad dressings.
Cottage Cheese Salad Dressing: This type of cottage cheese is produced by adding vegetables, herbs, fruits, and other nutritious ingredients such as eggs, seasonings, oil, and vinegar to the curd.
It can be used as a salad dressing or a dip for fruits, vegetables, or crackers.
The ingredients will depend on what flavor you want your cottage cheese to have; for example, if you want it to have the flavor of tarragon then you will have to add tarragon to it.
Cottage Cheese Substitutes
If you are not fond of cottage cheese then there are some substitutes you can try-
Plain Yogurt: This is made from milk that has been heated to a temperature of at least 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
Goat Cheese: This taste similar to cottage cheese and it can be used as a substitute for cottage cheese.
Cream Of Tartar: This is a crystallized powder that is made from potassium bitartrate. It can be used as a leavening agent in cake recipes and it usually comes with cake mixes.
It is also used in recipes for fruit desserts, candies, frostings, icings, and soft drinks; it has even been used in the production of yogurt.
What Does Cottage Cheese Taste Like?
Cottage cheese is a milky and fresh-tasting cheese. It has a mild flavor and it goes well with certain foods such as fruits, vegetables, and sandwiches.
It can also be used as a filling for sandwiches, quiches, cooked meats, and more.
Cottage Cheese Pairings
Cottage cheese goes well with a lot of different foods. For example, it tastes great with fruit salads, vegetables, cooked meats, pita bread sandwiches, and crackers. It also pairs well with meat-based dishes and fruits.
Cottage cheese also pairs fairly well with avocados and tomatoes, and with baby romaine and beets which would also add to the nutrient value of the dish as well.
Where To Buy Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese can be purchased in various stores in your neighborhood. For example, you will find it at most grocery stores, health food stores, and farmers’ markets.
You can even find it at some drugstores that carry natural products for the body and the home. You can also purchase cottage cheese online from many different sources.
How Long Does Cottage Cheese Last?
Cottage cheese could last for about three to five days when it is stored in the refrigerator. You should also look at the expiration date on the package before you purchase it.
It should be kept at a temperature of about 35 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit during this period.
Some types of cottage cheese will last even longer and will be able to be stored for up to one month if you are careful with the container, you are storing them in.
Keep it cool and dry, away from strong-smelling foods, so that it does not spoil quickly.
How To Make Cottage Cheese
This recipe is for a basic cottage cheese, which can be eaten on its own or used in different recipes.
Directions
- Mix 1 cup of skim milk and 2 tablespoons of yogurt in a bowl.
- Stir until you get a smooth consistency.
- You can also use whole or half and a half but the taste may or may not be as good as using skim milk.
- The addition of this yogurt will give your cottage cheese a slightly tangy flavor; depending on how much you add, it might not be very noticeable.
- Add 1/4 teaspoon of salt to the mixture and stir to combine. Pour the mixture into a small sieve to separate the curds from the whey.
- The whey will be a pale-yellow color.
- Put your curds in a bowl and let it sit for about half an hour.
- You can add some chopped herbs, nuts, or fruit to your cottage cheese at this point if you like.
- To make sour cream-style cottage cheese, put your cottage cheese in a colander and put another bowl on top of it with some full heavy cream over it to obtain the desired consistency. Leave for about half an hour before using.
Cottage Cheese Nutrition
Cottage cheese can be added to almost any recipe and always adds flavor, creaminess, and texture to the dish. It also provides the body with protein and calcium.
In addition, it is a good source of vitamins A, B12, B6, D, and E as well as potassium and phosphorus. It also contains fat but it is low in saturated fat.
Cottage cheese is a natural source of calcium without the addition of synthetic additives. Calcium is an essential mineral that plays a major role in the maintenance of strong bones.
It also helps with better blood circulation, proper muscle function, and efficient nerve transmission.
Cottage cheese contains all the essential amino acids that the body needs to combat fatigue and increase energy levels.
It is also rich in protein which helps promote good bone health, muscle function, and cell repair.
Conclusion
Cottage cheese is a great food and an excellent source of calcium. It has a mild flavor that goes well with certain foods such as fruits, vegetables, and sandwiches.
It can also be used as a filling for sandwiches, quiches, cooked meats, and more.
Cottage cheese can be consumed in different forms such as unprocessed fresh milk, and soft cheese made from pasteurized milk which is heated to just under the required temperature to activate the casein protein into curd.
Hard cheeses are made from cream that has been set for many hours and then heated to the required temperature to break down the casein protein into curd.
Cottage cheese can also be used in smoothies or blended soups. It is a food that should be enjoyed in moderation because whenever it is consumed, it belongs in the diet of practically everyone.
Cottage cheese is a good source of protein, as well as dietary calcium. This means that dairy products may improve bone health and build strong bones.