Quark Cheese - a low-fat Superfood for weight loss

The soft cheese has long been a staple of German cuisine. Find out what quark is and how to use it in quick and easy food. 

Ever wonder what to do with quark? Most well-stocked supermarkets or health food stores with refrigerated soft cheese product in plastic containers near the ricotta cheese and sour cream. Without added salt and low in fat, quark cheese is a perfect food for those watching their waistlines or counting calories. 

What is Quark Cheese? 

Quark is a German fresh cheese similar to cream cheese, according foodlexicon.org. It is made from pasteurized milk with added bacterial cultures and rennet. The lactic acid bacteria and enzymes coagulate milk separated into liquid (whey) and curd through centrifugation. The latter is the quark, a low-fat cheese stir until creamy. 

In North America, this low fat version with high liquid content and a little dry the top-selling product. It is a great source of calcium and protein. The fat content hovers around 0.25 percent. In Germany, where the quark is a very popular dairy product is sold in low-fat curd cheese, and creamy versions, plain or with added herbs and spices or fruit and sugar. 

Depending on the region can the Germans call the quark of other names - Klatschkäse in the Rhine area, Sibbkäs in Hessen Luckeleskäs in Württemberg Bibbeleskäs in Baden, Glumse in East Prussia and Matz in central Germany. Quark is also popular in other European countries. In Austria, it is called Töpfer. 

How to use Quark Cheese in Low-fat Recipes 

Cooking with quark is easy, fast and much of the waist and household budget. The initial purchase will cost as much as cream cheese makes North America, but quark can be used in many different ways. Here are some quick and easy lunch ideas as well as fast desserts: 

    * Potatoes with Quark - This is a traditional German and budget-friendly lunch, which is low in calories. For two servings, scrub and boil four big potatoes, leave skin on. The peel can be removed later, but it is better to eat the skin to receive nutrients. While potatoes are boiling, stir together 1 cup quark, three tablespoons of flaxseed oil (or other vegetable oil) 1 bunch finely chopped fresh chives or other herbs, 1 / 4 cup finely chopped onion, salt and pepper. Served with dabs of butter on the potatoes (optional) and a tomato or cucumber salad on the side. 

    * Quark Dip for Veggies - Mix equal parts of the quark and yoghurt and add the apple cider vinegar, chopped onion and herbs, salt and pepper. This dip tastes great with raw vegetables such as cucumber, the bell pepper, radishes, carrots and cherry tomatoes. The dip can also be spread on bread too easy and tasty sandwiches. Try it on crackers with a little garnish (parsley sprigs and cherry tomatoes) for a quick vegetarian appetizer. 

    * Light Quark Dessert (children friendly) - Mix quark and a couple tablespoons of milk until light and creamy. Add fresh lemon juice, vanilla and sugar aftertaste. Garnish with fresh fruit and serve in small bowls. 

    * Strawberry Cream - Puree 100g fresh strawberries with a bit of fresh lemon juice and sugar. Pipes quark and mix well. Garnish with fresh strawberries. Try it with other fruits as well. 

    * German Cheesecake - Quark is fat star in traditional German cheesecake recipes. The cheese cakes can be made with or without a crust, and can boast a much lower calorie count than cheese cake, made with cream cheese. 

These are just a few ideas to incorporate quark in every-day meal planning. In some areas or regions may be difficult to find quark, but the soft cheese can often be replaced with small curd cottage cheese or ricotta.