Patrick Oconnell
Farmer's cheese is a popular ingredient in sweet and savoury dishes. It is a type of simple, soft white cheese traditionally made on farms in Europe and the Middle East. It is usually made from the milk of goats or cows, but sheep, yak, and other types of milk can also be used. The cheese is firm enough to be sliced but soft enough to be spread. It is also versatile and can be eaten on its own or added to dishes such as lasagna, pasta shells, ravioli, or pierogies. But does it melt?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Melting | Does not melt like mozzarella but can be fried |
| Texture | Dry, dense, creamy, spreadable |
| Taste | Mild, tangy |
| Lactose | 99% lactose-free |
| Protein | 14 grams of protein per 5 oz |
| Calories | Low-calorie |
| Fat | Low-fat |
| Probiotics | Yes |
| Storage | Can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks |
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What You'll Learn
Farmer cheese is a soft, mild, tangy cheese
One of the defining characteristics of farmer cheese is that it is unaged, meaning it is ready to eat as soon as it has dried. This also contributes to its mild taste, as aged cheeses tend to have sharper, more developed flavours. Farmer cheese is also notable for its high protein content, with 14 grams of protein per 5-ounce container. It is a popular ingredient in both sweet and savoury dishes and can be used in a variety of ways, such as spreading it on sandwiches or toast, using it as a filling for lasagna or pasta shells, or drizzling it with honey and topping it with fruit for a snack.
Farmer cheese is relatively easy to make, which has contributed to its popularity among home cheesemakers. It is made from curds that are filtered out of milk, pressed into a mold, and then squeezed to remove excess moisture. The curds can be formed by adding an acid or starter to the milk, causing it to separate into curds (solids) and whey (a thick liquid). The cheese can be made with or without rennet, a bacterial culture that helps speed up the process. Once formed, the cheese is stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will keep for up to two weeks.
While farmer cheese is a versatile and tasty ingredient, it is important to note that it does not melt like some other cheeses. It holds its shape when heated, similar to halloumi, and can be sliced and fried on a hot skillet. This makes it a good option for frying or grilling, as it adds a tangy richness to dishes without melting completely. Overall, farmer cheese is a delicious and nutritious option for those looking for a mild, soft cheese to incorporate into their cooking.
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It's made from curds, without ageing
Farmer's cheese is a type of simple, soft white cheese traditionally made on farms in Europe and the Middle East. It is made from curds, which are filtered out, then pressed into a mold or rolled into a tight lump and squeezed to remove excess moisture. The cheese is not aged and is ready to eat as soon as it has dried. This lack of ageing also means that it is somewhat unstable and will spoil faster than more processed and conditioned cheeses.
The process of making farmer's cheese is relatively simple and only requires a few ingredients, such as milk, an acid or starter, and active rennet (a bacterial culture). The milk is heated to near-boiling temperatures, and then an acid like vinegar or lemon juice is added, causing the milk to curdle and separate into curds and whey. The curds are then collected and formed into a block or lump, and the cheese is stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator until it is dried and ready to eat. This usually takes up to two weeks.
Farmer's cheese is known for its mild flavor, which is often described as a cross between ricotta and cream cheese. It is also praised for its versatility, as it can be used in both sweet and savory dishes. It can be sliced, grated, or spread, and is commonly served on crackers or bread. It can also be used as a substitute for ricotta in baked dishes like lasagna or blintzes.
While farmer's cheese is a great ingredient for many dishes, it does not melt like other cheeses. It holds its shape when heated, similar to halloumi, and can be sliced and fried on a hot skillet. This makes it a good option for frying or grilling, as it will not become a distraction in dishes with other melted cheeses.
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It's versatile and can be used in sweet and savoury dishes
Farmer's cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in both sweet and savoury dishes. It is a type of simple, soft white cheese traditionally made on farms in Europe and the Middle East. It is usually made from the milk of goats or cows, but sheep, yak, or other types of milk can also be used. The cheese is typically mild in flavour, with a creamy texture, and is a good source of protein.
Farmer's cheese can be used in a variety of ways, such as spreading it on sandwiches, toast, crackers, or bread. It can also be used as a filling for lasagna, pasta shells, ravioli, or pierogies. For a sweet option, it can be drizzled with honey and topped with fruit. In savoury dishes, it can be mixed with sliced green onions, olive oil, salt, and pepper, or used as a substitute for ricotta cheese in baked dishes like lasagna or blintzes.
One unique characteristic of farmer's cheese is that it does not melt like other cheeses, such as mozzarella. Instead, it holds its shape when heated and can be fried or grilled without melting, similar to halloumi cheese. This makes it a good option for dishes like pizzas or salads, where it can be grated or sliced and added as a topping.
The versatility of farmer's cheese also extends to its ability to be frozen. It freezes well and can be stored in the freezer for later use, making it a convenient option for those who want to always have some on hand.
Overall, farmer's cheese is a versatile and delicious ingredient that can be used in a variety of sweet and savoury dishes. With its mild flavour and creamy texture, it is a great option for those looking to add a simple yet tasty cheese to their meals.
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It can be baked, fried, or used in lasagna
Farmer's cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, including baked goods, fried foods, and even lasagna. This simple, soft white cheese is traditionally made on farms in Europe and the Middle East, and it has a mild flavor with a tangy twist, making it a perfect addition to both sweet and savory dishes.
When it comes to baking, farmer's cheese is an excellent choice. Its mild taste and creamy texture make it a great option for baked goods such as Kolache or a Layered Grated Cheese Cake. It can also be used as a substitute for ricotta cheese in baked dishes like lasagna or blintzes. The cheese's mild flavor won't overpower other ingredients, while its creamy texture adds a rich, indulgent feel to your baking.
Farmer's cheese is also a popular choice for frying. Its high melting point means it holds its shape well and gets deliciously browned when fried, similar to halloumi. You can slice it and fry it on a hot skillet with no added grease, making it a convenient and tasty option. Its mild flavor and good melting behavior make it a great addition to homemade pizzas or sandwiches, adding a creamy texture and a subtle tang to your meal.
In addition to baking and frying, farmer's cheese is also commonly used in lasagna. Its creamy texture and mild flavor make it a perfect substitute for ricotta or cottage cheese, adding a rich and indulgent feel to your lasagna without being too overpowering. It can also be used in other pasta dishes such as pasta shells, ravioli, or pierogies.
With its versatility, mild flavor, and creamy texture, farmer's cheese is a great option for adding a touch of indulgence to your baking, frying, or pasta dishes. It's a simple yet effective way to elevate your cooking and impress your taste buds!
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It's easy to make at home, with a simple recipe
Farmer's cheese is a popular ingredient in sweet and savoury dishes. It is easy to make at home, with a simple recipe.
To make farmer's cheese, you will need milk, lemon juice, and vinegar. You can also add salt to taste. Some recipes also call for Greek yoghurt and sour cream. It is best to use full-fat whole milk, as whole milk yields the creamiest curds. Avoid using 2% or 1% milk, as the cheese will be too watery.
- Heat one gallon of milk over medium heat until it reaches a near-boiling temperature of at least 180°F/82°C. Do not boil the milk, but heat it slowly and stir occasionally to prevent scalding.
- Once the milk is hot, add the lemon juice and vinegar. You will need about half a cup of vinegar, and two to three tablespoons of lemon juice. You can add a little more vinegar if the milk does not curdle.
- Stir gently and allow the mixture to curdle. This should take about 30-60 seconds.
- Line a colander with a cheesecloth and pour the curdled milk through it to strain out the curds.
- Bring the cloth together around the cheese and squeeze out as much whey as possible.
- Place the wrapped cheese on a plate and weigh it down with a heavy pot or pan. Leave it to press at room temperature overnight.
- In the morning, transfer the cheese to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. The farmer's cheese will keep for up to two weeks.
Farmer's cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, including baked goods. It is a great way to use up extra milk and is a delicious and healthy snack option.
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Frequently asked questions
No, farmer's cheese is a type of curd cheese and does not melt like mozzarella. However, it can be sliced and fried on a hot skillet, similar to halloumi.
Farmer's cheese is a simple, soft white cheese, traditionally made on farms in Europe and the Middle East. It is usually made from the milk of goats or cows, but sheep, yak, and other types of milk can also be used. It is a mild cross between ricotta and cream cheese, with a tangy flavour.
To make farmer's cheese, you need milk, an acid or starter, and active rennet (a bacterial culture). The milk is heated to near-boiling temperature, and then the acid and rennet are added, causing the milk to separate into curds and whey. The curds are then filtered out, pressed into a mold, and squeezed to remove excess moisture. Homemade farmer's cheese will last for up to two weeks in the refrigerator.
