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Quark
 
Also Known As:  Speisequark, Topfkäse, Weisskäse, Matz, Bibeleskäse, Lukeleskäs, Topfen, Klatschkäse, Sibbkäs  
 
The word quark means "curd" or "cheese curd." It is a cheese made from pasteurized cow's milk. The milk is curdled through the addition of a bacteria. The curdled milk is stored at 70°F (22°C) for 24 hours to allow the milk protein to thicken. Then the liquid (whey) is drained through the use of a mechanical separator. The remaining solid (curds) is quark. Depending on the desired fat content and consistency of the final quark, producers then mix cream back in.

In Germany, quark is available in 10%, 20%, and 40% fat levels. "Magerquark" is quark with the least amount of fat (10%).

Quark is basically concentrated milk. It is high in protein, calcium, and phosphate. It is also used extensively in both cooking and baking throughout Germany. It accounts for half of the total cheese consumption in Germany. 
 
Cheese Category:  Fresh, Unripened Cheese 
 
Country of Origin:  Germany 
 
Specialty of:  Throughout Germany 
 
Cheese Characteristics
     
  Main Ingredient: Pasteurized Cow's Milk
   
  Age (Ripening Period): Fresh (No aging)
   
 
Flavor:
Mild, milky, lightly sour, similar to plain yoghurt
   
 
Consistency:
Soft; similar to a thick sour cream
   
 
Sliceable?
No
   
  Spreadable? Yes
   
  Crumbles? No
   
  Use for melting? No
   
  Use in dips? Yes
   
  Dessert cheese? Yes
 
Cooking and Preparation Tips
Quark will last until its expiration date (as stated on its carton) if stored in the refrigerator. Quark can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Defrost again in the refrigerator and stir it to re-incorporate any liquid. 
 
 
Photo: © Philipp Meyer
 
Quark Recipes
Früchtequark  (Fruity Quark)
Pfirsich Quarkspeise  (Quark & Peach Dessert)
Tomaten-Basilikum-Quark  (Tomato Basil Quark Sauce)
Kreuzkümmel-Quark-Dipp  (Cumin Quark Dip)
Käsesahne Torte  (Cheese & Cream Cake)
Quarkstollen 
Quarkspätzle 
Käsekuchen  (Cheesecake)
Quarkkeulchen 
Quarkstrudel 
Quarkbällchen  (Quark Balls)
 
 
 
 
 
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