Learn all about cottage cheese.

Cottage cheese is a soft cheese made from cow’s milk. In the past, it was sometimes known as curd and whey. Although it was commercially produced and popularized in America, this style of sharp, fresh cheese probably predates its mid-century popularity in American kitchens. Because it is traditionally made with skimmed milk left over from butter making. Cheese is popular among low-fat foods.. Cottage cheese is a good source of protein and calcium.

What is cottage cheese?

Cottage cheese is a fresh, curd cheese that is traditionally made at home (hence the name “cottage”) as a way to use skim milk on dairy farms to make butter. is a by-product of Originally, cottage cheese was an acid-cured cheese made without additives. Rant. The skimmed milk will be left to culture at room temperature and coagulate through the activity of naturally occurring lactic acid bacteria.

Cottage cheese was promoted in the United States during World War II as an efficient, low-cost protein source when meat was rationed to feed soldiers. During the post-war period, production increased as cottage cheese became an affordable way to feed families during a growing population. During the 1980s, cottage cheese became closely associated with fad diets due to its low fat content.

How is cottage cheese made?

Skim or low-fat cow’s milk is heated, then lactic acid starter cultures are added to initiate fermentation and lower the pH of the milk. When it reaches a certain acidity, rennet is added to coagulate the milk into curd. The curds are curdled, then heated and stirred to remove excess whey from the curds and solidify them. The curd is washed off with cold water. They are then packaged as dry curd cottage cheese or as regular cottage cheese, with cream or milk added.

Alternative

Depending on the application, sour cream, Greek yogurtor similar spoonable, fresh cheeses such as ricotta, quark, or fromage blanc can be used in recipes or dishes in place of cottage cheese. Mashed tofu can serve as a vegetarian or vegan substitute.

Types

Cottage cheese is sold in small, medium, or large curd varieties, with small curd cottage cheese having curds less than four centimeters, large curd cottage cheese having curds greater than eight centimeters, and medium curd cottage cheese. Most of what we see in the middle today is small curd cottage cheese.

Dry curd cottage cheese, also known as farmer’s cheese or baker’s cheese, is a variety made only with curd and no cream or milk is added.

uses

Cottage cheese is often recommended as a diet because it is low in fat or as a more efficient way to get protein without eating meat. is a popular part of Keto Diet. It can be enjoyed plain or with fresh, canned, or dried fruits, or cooked vegetables. It can be made into a dip by adding herbs and chopped herbs or spread on toast. Cottage cheese is often added to breads, desserts and baked goods such as pancakes, waffles, quick breads, muffins or scones. It can be used in place of ricotta cheese in casseroles or in dishes like lasagna. Keep in mind that the cottage cheese will melt into the baked goods you add it to.

Storage

Refrigerate unopened containers of cottage cheese. After opening, you can store cottage cheese in its original package or in an airtight resealable food container for seven to 10 days. If you smell, the cheese feels yellow, or you see mold growing on the surface, throw out the entire container.

Cottage cheese can be frozen in its original packaging, in a sealed airtight plastic container, or in a plastic zip lock back for up to three months. Dry curd cottage cheese sets better than cottage cheese with cream, which softens after melting but can still be used in baked goods recipes. Thaw frozen cheese overnight in the refrigerator before using.

Cottage cheese recipes.