WWhen it comes to the wide world of cheese, farmhouse cheese may be the humblest of the bunch, but it doesn’t last long. You may have never heard of this type of cheese, but it’s quickly becoming popular among cheese lovers thanks to its delicate flavor and smooth, spreadable texture.
What’s more, farmer’s cheese’s mild taste makes it perfect for both sweet and savory dishes, and it’s very easy to make at home. In addition to being a versatile secret ingredient, farmhouse cheese, especially varieties that contain probiotics and healthy bacteria, has some very notable health benefits.
So what is farmer’s cheese?
Farmer’s cheese is an unripe curd cheese, very similar to cottage cheese or ricotta. It has a stretchy texture like the latter and a tangy flavor like the former. However, it tends to be drier and milder than either of these cheeses.
Farmer’s cheese, also known as tvorog, is very popular in Eastern Europe, where its origins are said to be: France. This spreadable cheese is commonly found in Polish, Russian, and Ukrainian dishes such as blindze, pierogies, pastries, and pancakes.
Farmer’s cheese can be made from cow, goat, or sheep milk, and there are quite a few ways to make it. By heating the milk, mixing it with an acid such as distilled vinegar to separate the curds and whey, and squeezing all the whey out of the curds, the cheese is ready in less than 30 minutes, creating a delicious basic farmer’s cheese.
However, this method does not ensure that the final product is rich in probiotics. Rather, to achieve this type of farmhouse cheese, a fermentation process must occur. Some cheesemakers ferment their milk for 24 hours to naturally separate the curds and whey. Some people add cheese enzymes and bacterial starters, also called rennet, to milk to bring about separation. Either method yields farmhouse cheese rich in probiotics.
Farmer’s cheese can be plain or rolled in with seasonings and herbs, and some have these ornaments mixed directly into the cheese. This cheese is unripened, so it’s very convenient because you can squeeze the whey out of the curds, season it, and eat it right away.
Health benefits of farmhouse cheese
Besides the probiotics found in some farmhouse cheese varieties, many nutrients This cheese contains ingredients that make it a healthy choice. These include calcium, phosphorus, protein and B vitamins. Farmer’s cheese and cottage cheese are incredibly similar, so the health benefits associated with one may also apply to the other. Let’s see what they are.
bone health
The calcium and phosphorus found in farmer’s cheese may be two of the most important minerals in the bone health cycle. This is because both play an important role in bone growth and maintaining healthy bone tissue.
Energy and tissue health
One of the three macronutrients, protein in this versatile cheese provides sustained energy through its ability to slow down digestion and stabilize blood sugar levels (in a good way). Additionally, proteins are important building blocks that effectively organize every tissue in the body, from organs and blood cells to skin, hair, and nails.
growth and development
There’s no shortage of B vitamins in farmer’s cheese, including vitamin B12, folic acid, niacin, thiamin, and riboflavin. This group of vitamins is extremely important for growth, development, and efficient metabolism throughout the body.
gut health
Probiotics, found in many brands of farmers’ cheese, support our gut health primarily through their effects on the intestinal environment. intestinal microbiota. Given that probiotics are beneficial bacteria, when we take probiotics we increase the number of supportive microorganisms in our gut. The gut microbiome is a community of more than 1 trillion microorganisms that live in your large intestine and are closely linked not only to your digestive health, but also to your brain, immunity, and overall health.
But the gut benefits of farmer’s cheese don’t end there. The process of making this cheese results in almost no lactose. This is because the lactose present in milk is almost completely removed through the whey, which is discarded during the cheese-making process. In fact, many farmers’ cheese brands advertise their products as being 99% lactose-free. This is because it is almost impossible to extract every last drop of whey from the curds when making this spread cheese. This is good news for people with lactose intolerance, as farmhouse cheese won’t cause tummy troubles like regular milk.
heart health
Finally, farmer’s cheese is significantly lower in sodium than many other popular cheeses, making it ideal for those concerned about heart health. This is because high salt intake over a long period of time can lead to increased blood pressure levels and hypertension. Additionally, full-fat dairy products contain less saturated fat; Worry about heart disease Fermented dairy products were once considered superior when it came to heart health benefits. this is, fermentation process Those involved in producing probiotic-rich dairy products, such as farmers’ cheese, convert some of the saturated fat in this product to heart-healthy unsaturated fat.
How to make farmer’s cheese
One of the most appealing aspects of farmer’s cheese for many people is that it is easy to make at home and is perfect for experienced and novice cheesemakers alike.
Makes about 8 servings
material
1 gallon of whole milk of your choice from cow, goat, or sheep. Choose raw or pasteurized milk over ultra-pasteurized milk, as ultra-pasteurized milk produces curds that are too small. Similarly, whole milk is important for achieving the smooth texture and rich flavor of cheese.
1/2 cup of your favorite acid, white distilled vinegar or lemon juice. However, some people prefer to use apple cider vinegar for added flavor.
1 teaspoon salt
Optional: A mix of your choice, including (but not limited to) olive oil, fresh herbs such as dill, chives, rosemary, basil, mint, and tarragon, and spices such as black pepper, red pepper flakes, paprika, and cayenne pepper. inn, or cumin
1. Place milk in a heavy-bottomed pot and bring to a boil over medium-low heat.
2. When bubbles start to form, turn off the heat. Check the temperature of the milk using a thermometer. It should be about 190 degrees Fahrenheit.
3. Slowly stir in the acid. The milk should begin to curdle immediately. Let this mixture stand until it reaches room temperature.
4. Prepare the colander by lining it with cheesecloth or a clean kitchen towel.
5. Next, add your favorite mix-ins to the milk mixture, mix and pour into a colander.
6. Squeeze all the water from the curd and add to a large mixing bowl.
7. Add salt to taste.
8. Now, if you wish, you can use cheesecloth or a disk with two dinner plates to form the cheese into a ball shape. If you didn’t add the mix-ins directly to the cheese, now wrap the cheese in your favorite herbs and seasonings. So enjoy!
This fresh farmhouse cheese will keep in the refrigerator for 7 to 10 days if you don’t eat it far in advance. Also, be sure to save any leftover whey, as it’s a natural protein source that’s great for adding to homemade soups, smoothies, and even bread recipes.
This recipe does not contain probiotics, but you can buy probiotic-rich farmer’s cheese at the supermarket.Some great options to look for are: Friendship Dailies and lifeway.
How to enjoy farmer’s cheese
Whether you make farmhouse cheese or buy it at the grocery store; So It has many delicious uses in the kitchen.
On the savory side, this mild cheese can be used as a substitute for cream cheese on bagels, mayonnaise on sandwiches, and avocado on toast. It’s also great as a base for creamy dips, as well as a filling for casseroles, pierogies, lasagna, ravioli, and stuffed shells. It is also a great substitute for feta in Mediterranean cuisine, ricotta in classic Italian cuisine, and paneer in Indian cuisine. Farmer’s cheese rivals hummus as a perfect snack to eat with cut vegetables or canned fish.
This delicious cheese has many possible sweet uses. It can be stuffed into crepes or added to baked goods such as cakes, tarts, and pies. Farmer’s cheese is a great alternative to yogurt or cottage cheese when mixed with honey, fresh fruit, and chia seeds for a satisfying afternoon pick-me-up.
From its amazing nutritional value to its delicious taste and versatility in the kitchen, there’s no shortage of reasons to love farmer’s cheese.
