Cottage Cheese: A Healthy, Nutritious Alternative to Other Cheeses

Cottage cheese is a crumbly type of cheese that is often found in salad bars and eaten with fruit. Unlike other kinds of cheese, it has a mild flavor and it is low in fat and carbohydrates. Cottage cheese is a cheese curd product that is drained but not pressed so that some whey remains. The curd is washed to remove acidity but it is not aged or colored. Different kinds of this cheese can be made depending on what kind of milk you use and with what fat levels. Curd sizes can also be large or small. When the cheese is pressed it can become hoop cheese, pot cheese, farmer’s cheese, or queso blanco.
The term “cottage cheese” was first used in 1848 and it is believed to originate from when the leftover milk from making butter was used to make cheese in cottages. You can differentiate the different types by looking at the curd sizes. The two major types of cottage cheese are small curd and large curd. Small curd cheese is a high-acid cheese made without rennet while large curd cheese is a low-acid cheese made with rennet. The latter is the most popular kind. Rennet is an enzyme that helps to curdle cheese and keep the curds from breaking up. The large curd style is also sometimes called “chunk style.”
The Nutritional Value of Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese is one of the healthiest types of cheese. It is low in fat and carbohydrates and high in protein. There are also low-fat, fat-free, and low-sodium varieties on the market. It is a favorite food for bodybuilders because of its high content of casein protein and low fat content. It is also popular with dieters and health food fanatics.
An easy and fast cottage cheese recipe that you may want to try is blending cottage cheese, fresh oregano, basil, and chives, salt, and a splash of lemon juice in a blender. Meanwhile bake some potatoes. All you have to do is top the potatoes with this mixture and you have yourself a delicious, healthy meal! Cottage cheese can also be used in place of ricotta or grated cheese in most recipes as a low fat alternative.
So there you have it. Cottage cheese is a delicious as well as nutritious. It can be used as a substitute for other more fatty cheeses if you are dieting or you can eat it alone or with fruit. If you’re concerned about your weight but you want to enjoy cheese, try cottage cheese for a change.