Kamil Perry
Whey is the liquid byproduct of cheese-making, and it's often discarded. But with a bit of creativity, there are numerous ways to use goat cheese whey. From feeding it to animals to using it in beauty regimens, gardening, and cooking, there are many ways to put this nutrient-rich liquid to good use. Whey is packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals, making it a valuable ingredient for those who want to reduce waste and get creative in the kitchen and beyond.
What to do with goat cheese whey?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Feed to animals | Goat cheese whey can be fed to animals like chickens, dogs, and pigs. |
| Beauty and hair regimen | Goat cheese whey can be added to bath water or applied to the skin with a cotton ball for toning. It can also be used as a hair conditioner, especially with alkaline shampoos. |
| Cooking | Goat cheese whey can be used in soups, stews, and stocks, as well as for boiling rice or risotto. It can also be used in baking, smoothies, cocktails, and lacto-fermented drinks. |
| Gardening | Goat cheese whey can be used as a nitrogen supplement for plants and to lower the pH of garden soil. It can also be used as a natural pest control spray. |
| Fermentation | Goat cheese whey can be used to lacto-ferment various foods and drinks, including vegetables, grains, beans, nuts, and meat marinades. |
| Composting | Goat cheese whey can be added to compost piles to provide additional nutrients. |
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What You'll Learn
Use it in your beauty routine
Goat's cheese whey is packed with protein and essential nutrients, making it a great ingredient to elevate your beauty routine. Here are some ways to incorporate whey into your self-care practices:
Skin Care
The natural proteins and nutrients in whey can benefit your skin. The acidity of whey helps to tone the skin, and it can be added to your bath or applied with a cotton ball for dewy skin. You can also create a DIY face mask by combining whey with other household ingredients such as honey, yogurt, and oatmeal. Mix the ingredients into a smooth paste, apply it to your face, and let it sit for 15-20 minutes before rinsing with warm water. This face mask harnesses the moisturising properties of whey, along with the antibacterial benefits of honey and the soothing effect of yogurt. For gentle exfoliation, you can also add oatmeal to the mask.
Hair Care
Whey can be used as a hair treatment, especially if you use an alkaline shampoo or practice the "no-poo" method. It acts as a pH balancer, neutralising the alkalinity of your shampoo. Rinsing your hair with whey can make it smoother and shinier. To create a hair treatment, combine whey with olive oil, egg yolk, and essential oils. Apply the mixture to damp hair, massaging it into your scalp and working towards the ends.
Other Uses
Whey can also be used in other areas of your beauty routine. For example, it can be used as a substitute for water or milk in baking recipes, adding a nutritional boost and a unique depth of flavour to your baked goods. The slight tanginess of whey can add an interesting twist to your cookies, muffins, or bread. Additionally, whey can be added to your morning smoothie, enhancing the taste and nutritional profile while helping to reduce food waste.
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Feed it to animals
Goat cheese whey can be fed to animals as a source of protein and sugars. It is suitable for both herbivorous and carnivorous animals, including dogs, cats, chickens, and pigs. However, it should be given in moderation as part of a balanced diet, as excessive protein intake can be harmful to their kidneys.
When feeding whey to animals, there are several methods to incorporate it into their diet. One common approach is to mix it with grains, creating moistened food that the animals can eat. This method is particularly popular for feeding chickens, as whey increases the protein content of their feed. It can also be added to their water bucket for them to drink. For pigs, whey can be used to soak vegetable scraps, making them more appealing and potentially increasing their nutritional value.
For those with a herd of goats, feeding them whey can be a sustainable option. The whey can be fed back to the goats themselves or used for other livestock on the farm. This practice ensures that nothing goes to waste, creating a circular system within the herd.
It is important to note that whey should be introduced gradually into an animal's diet, just like any other dietary change. Start with small amounts and slowly increase the quantity to allow the gut bacteria time to adapt to the new input. Additionally, always ensure that animals have access to fresh water, as proper hydration is crucial for their health.
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Make lacto-fermented drinks
Whey is a byproduct of cheesemaking that contains whey protein, lactose, and water. It is an excellent source of protein and can be used in various ways, including making lacto-fermented drinks.
Lacto-Fermented Lemonade
For a refreshing twist on a classic drink, you can make lacto-fermented lemonade using whey. Combine a cup of organic cane sugar, the juice of two pounds of lemons, and a cup of whey in a large jar. Fill the jar with water, seal it, and let the mixture sit for two to three days. Then, transfer it to the refrigerator and enjoy your lemonade! You can also experiment with adding fruit purées, using it in cocktails, or freezing it into granita.
Lacto-Fermented Soda
Lacto-fermented soda is another option for a refreshing, effervescent beverage. Combine whey with soda water and simple syrup to taste. You can also add fruit juice or fresh fruit, herbs, and sugar or honey to create different flavors. Leave the mixture at room temperature for two to seven days, checking daily until the desired level of fermentation is reached. Then, refrigerate and consume within a week.
Kickstarting Lacto-Fermentation
Whey can also be used to kickstart the lacto-fermentation process for vegetables like cabbage, carrots, and radishes. Since whey comes from lacto-fermented foods, it contains beneficial bacteria that can help get your ferment started. Add a tablespoon or two of whey to your vegetable ferment to get it bubbling.
Health Benefits of Lacto-Fermented Drinks
Lacto-fermented drinks are not just refreshing but also offer potential health benefits. Lacto-fermentation increases the number of good bacteria in the gut, which can improve digestion, boost immunity, and promote overall health. Additionally, the process of lacto-fermentation can make nutrients in food more available for absorption, making it easier for your body to access and utilize them.
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Use it in baking
Goat cheese whey can be used in baking in a variety of ways. Firstly, it can be used as a substitute for milk or water in recipes. For instance, it can be used in pancakes, bread, and other baked goods. When using whey in baking, it is important to consider the type of whey you are using, as acid whey from goat cheese can have a tangy taste and affect the flavour of your baked goods.
Another way to use whey in baking is to add it to your dough or batter to give it a softer texture. The acidity in whey has a softening effect on glutenous bread and pizza dough, so it can be used in place of water or milk to achieve a softer, more tender crumb. You can also use whey to soak your grains or flour before making bread, as it helps to make the nutrients more bioavailable and adds flavour.
Additionally, whey can be used to make a simple salad dressing. By whisking together goat cheese whey, vinegar, and oil, you can create a tangy and tart dressing that can be tossed with roasted vegetables or used as a dip. This dressing can also be drizzled over a salad containing bitter arugula, sweet Asian pear, tangy lemon dressing, and crunchy pumpkin seeds.
Finally, whey can be used to make a variety of sweet treats. For example, it can be baked into a cheesecake and paired with fresh berries for a unique dessert. Alternatively, it can be used to make a creamy pudding by blending it with vanilla custard and a touch of lemon juice.
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Add it to your compost pile
If you have excess goat cheese whey, one option is to add it to your compost pile. Composting is a great way to recycle organic waste and create nutrient-rich soil for your garden. Here are some tips for adding goat cheese whey to your compost pile:
Before adding whey to your compost, be sure to strain it to remove any large curds or solids. You can use a fine cheesecloth or butter muslin for this. If you are worm composting, only add a few diluted tablespoons of whey per week, as too much acidity can be harmful to worms. Mix one part whey with six parts water to dilute it, and turn the compost pile after adding the whey to prevent it from heating up too much.
Combining whey with other organic materials, such as livestock manure and kitchen refuse, will create a balanced compost that promotes healthy soil. The whey adds extra nutrients and beneficial bacteria to the compost, enhancing the quality of your final product.
If you have a large quantity of whey, you can also pour it directly onto your garden soil. Whey contains nitrogen, which is beneficial for plants, but be sure to dilute it with water to avoid burning the roots. Gardening and composting are excellent ways to utilize whey, reducing waste and improving the health of your plants and soil.
Some people choose to compost whey due to dairy allergies or intolerances, as it can be difficult to find other uses for it in cooking or personal care. However, even if you don't have a garden or compost pile, you can still put whey to good use by freezing it for later or feeding it to animals.
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Frequently asked questions
Whey is a byproduct of cheese-making and is packed with protein and nutrients. It can be used for cooking, gardening, pest control, and even body care.
Goat cheese whey can be used in smoothies, cocktails, soups, stocks, and baked goods. It can also be used to make lacto-fermented drinks and foods, such as ginger ale, limeades, and sauerkraut.
Yes, goat cheese whey can be used as a nitrogen supplement for your garden. It can also help lower the soil pH for plants that prefer more acidic soil, such as blueberries or tomatoes. Just be sure to dilute the whey with water to avoid burning the roots of your plants.
Goat cheese whey can be used for pest control by spraying a mixture of whey and water on plants to keep mildew away. It can also be added to your bath water or used as a hair conditioner to make your hair smoother and shinier.
