Discover the culinary and health marvels of ricotta cheese

Ricotta is a cheese with a rich history and unique properties. Although it is incredibly popular in sunny Italy and used in many ways, in our country, it is still mainly associated with desserts. It's time to change that. Discover the secrets of ricotta and find out why this creamy cheese can become your favourite.

Unlike cottage cheese, ricotta is not made from milk but from whey, the byproduct of making other cheeses such as mozzarella. The whey is heated and acidified, causing it to solidify into a soft, firm mass. The excess whey is drained, resulting in the smooth and slightly sweet ricotta cheese. Industrial ricotta, made from milk rather than whey, is also available in stores.

Ricotta has a slightly sweet taste and a thick, firm consistency that spreads easily. Nutritionally, ricotta also stands out compared to cottage cheese. It contains fewer calories (100 grams of ricotta is about 176 calories, and 100 grams of cottage cheese is about 177 calories) and less fat (13 grams versus 14 grams) but more protein (11.3 grams versus 17.7 grams). Ricotta is also a rich source of vitamins and minerals such as vitamins B2, A, B12, folic acid, vitamins B5 and B6, calcium, selenium, phosphorus, zinc, potassium, magnesium, sodium, iron, and copper.

Ricotta is not only delicious but also a healthy cheese. The nutrients it contains have many valuable properties: 

• Supports muscle building: Protein is an essential building block of muscles and participates in many critical metabolic processes.
• Strengthens bones and teeth: Calcium is a crucial mineral for the health of bones and teeth.
• Improves nervous system function: Vitamin B12 affects the proper functioning of the nervous system and produces red blood cells.
• Supports metabolism: Vitamin B2 participates in metabolic processes and is essential for adequately functioning the immune system and vision.
• Acts as an antioxidant: Selenium protects the body's cells from oxidative stress and helps fight free radicals.

Ricotta is an incredibly versatile cheese that can be used in many ways. It is perfect for both sweet and savory dishes:

• Desserts: Ricotta is perfect for making creams, cheesecakes, and other sweets. It can be whipped with sugar, added to fruits, nuts, or chocolate, and made into a tasty and healthy dessert.
• Savoury dishes: Ricotta works excellent as a filling for pasta, lasagna, ravioli, or pierogi. It can also be used in sauces, dips, pizzas, tarts, and salads.
• Sandwich spreads: Ricotta is a healthy and tasty alternative to mayonnaise. It can be mixed with herbs, garlic, or sun-dried tomatoes to create a delicious sandwich spread.
• Scrambled eggs and omelets: Adding ricotta to scrambled eggs or omelets gives them fluffiness and a delicate taste.

Ricotta is a cheese with unique properties and various culinary uses. It is not only delicious but also healthy and rich in valuable nutrients. It's worth trying and discovering that it can become a favourite in the kitchen!