A New York farm helped launch the first World Quark Day in January 2019. If you haven’t heard of quark, you should take a closer look. It’s a great cheese alternative you and your parents can add to your diet. Learn more about quark and where to find it.
What is Quark?
Quark originated in Europe. It’s a mild, creamy cheese that was traditionally made with rennet. People liken it to a cross between cottage cheese and yogurt.
To make quark, heat buttermilk or a mixture of milk and buttermilk in a slow cooker on low or in a 200 degree F oven. Let it heat for a couple of hours. Turn it off and leave it to sit overnight. At that point, the buttermilk will have curdled. Strain the curds and put them into pots.
You can use it as a cheese spread, eat it like yogurt, or add it to recipes that call for cream cheese. Quark is often added to cheesecakes when the fat content of cream cheese isn’t desirable.
If you don’t have the time to make quark, it’s available in stores. Several companies make quark. Some even offer it in a variety of flavors like blueberry, strawberry, or vanilla. Look for it in the dairy section in some stores and the cheese area in others.
The Nutritional Value of Quark
Just 3.5 ounces of quark has more than 5 grams of protein. It also contains 12 percent of your daily requirement of calcium and some potassium and riboflavin. It’s low in fat and has just 127 calories.
Your parents need calcium to help maintain strong bones. Quark is an easy way to make sure they’re getting plenty of calcium. The mild flavor is often more appealing than plain yogurt. It’s also versatile and could have garlic and herbs added to create a cheese spread for crackers that your parents will love.
The main reason calcium is so important is because osteoporosis is possible in older men and women. Bone density tests can determine your mom’s and dad’s risk of thinning bones. If there’s a problem, you need to make sure they’re on a calcium-rich diet and following their doctor’s instructions.
Caregivers help you with your goals. They can cook meals, remind your parents to take calcium supplements if they’re recommended, and get the right amount of exercise. A home care agency can help you arrange to have caregivers available to help your parents.
If you or someone you know needs hiring Elderly Care in Blaine, MN, contact Adara Home Health Care. We provide quality and affordable home care services for many fragile or senior members in the communities we serve.
Call us at (888) 660-5772 for more information.
Sources:
Fitbit.com