All you need to know about… Cottage Cheese
But isn’t it just spoiled milk?
It is a curdled milk product, but it’s certainly not spoiled. Like all dairy products cottage cheese began as milk. We agree that curdled milk doesn’t conjure a very appetising picture but take our word for it, cottage cheese is just as delicious as it is good for you. Cottage cheese is mild in flavour, lower in calories and higher in protein than most cheese. It’s a fresh cheese that is made by adding enzymes or live, active cultures (probiotics) to cow’s milk. This converts the sugar found in milk (lactose) into lactic acid. The lactic acid then separates the milk solids, fats, and proteins (curds) from the liquid (whey). The cheese is then drained, retaining some of the whey liquid, then cream is added to give to give cottage cheese its creamy flavour and texture.
How to use Cottage Cheese
Cottage Cheese can be used in much the same way as you would use yoghurt, cream cheese, and other fresh cheeses such as feta. Enjoy it with a range of fruit or use it in your cooking or baking. It makes a great alternative to ricotta or “cheese sauce” in lasagne.
How to store Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese can keep for up to 10 days in the refrigerator. Ensure you store it in an airtight container, placing it upside down to slow the growth of bacteria. You can also freeze cottage cheese for a maximum of 3-4 months if it is unopened, and 2-3 months if it has previously been opened. If you are freezing cottage cheese it is recommended to use it in a cooked recipe rather than using it raw as you will notice a definite change in texture.
