Cottage cheese is originally made from leftover milk after butter production in cottages or small rural homes in England during the early 17th century, hence the name. With the time, its popularity spread throughout Europe and then to the United States.
Understanding Cottage Cheese
So, cottage cheese starts with milk. Living microorganisms convert milk sugars into lactic acid, which separates the curd from the whey. In the end, you receive a high in protein and healthy fats, an excellent source of calcium. Without a doubt, it is a great support for a healthy diet. But what does cottage cheese taste like?
What Determines Its Taste?
Of course, it depends on the milk you use. The breed of the cow, diet, and farming practices impact the taste of the milk. As much as the quality of the milk, the method of its curdling significantly contributes to the flavor. It has a mild and slightly tangy milky flavor with a hint of sweetness.
Cottage cheese is actually a cheese, but it is an earlier stage in the cheesemaking process. However, cottage cheese contains more protein than hard cheeses, less saturated fat, and more potassium. The texture may vary from creamy to lumpy. Add some cream to make it creamier, or whisk it to make it more homogeneous. It is a question of preferences.
Different Methods Of Making Cottage Cheese
Depending on how you are going to consume it, use different methods of making cottage cheese. Each method will result in a different taste and texture. If you make it from fresh clabber by warming it up in a water bath, this method will result in larger curd grains and a slightly sour taste. The longer the milk ferments, the more sour the taste will be.
If you want to achieve a more creamy and smooth texture, clabber the milk in a pot with lemon juice or vinegar. Cut the curd with a knife and place the pot in the oven to 205F for two hours. Turn the oven off and leave the pot there until it cools completely. It’s best to do this in the evening and leave it in the oven overnight. Once the mass is room temperature, strain the whey. This method will give you creamier cottage cheese with finer curd grains.
How Do You Make Cottage Cheese Taste Good?
Cottage cheese's smell is usually mild and unobtrusive. It has a fresh, milky aroma, different from the aroma of some aged or mature cheeses. To modify its taste and aroma, season it with olive oil, salt and pepper, herbs, garlic, chives, or vegetables. You can also add toppings such as fresh fruits, nuts, seeds, granola, or honey. Mix whatever you have in your kitchen with cottage cheese to boost the protein content of your breakfast.
