Philadelphia cheese: composition, calorie content and application
Philadelphia cheese got its name from the American city. This place is famous for many exquisite and delicious dishes since ancient times. This type of cheese does not require long maturation, therefore it has a rather significant advantage over other analogues. What is Philadelphia cheese made from and how is it made? What can be cooked and how useful is this product? You will learn the answers to these questions by reading the article.
What it is?
Philadelphia cream cheese was invented by William Lawrence in 1872. Cheese making in America was not very developed at that time, and recipes had to be sought abroad. Namely, in France, which was famous for the production of many types of this product. The recipes of the most expensive varieties were taken as a basis. Mostly it was cream cheese and cottage cheese. And the result was a cheap and soon-to-be-prepared dairy product with an exquisite aroma.
The consistency of the product is very delicate, more like a cream, and the cheese looks exactly like that. After all, cream is used for its preparation, sometimes milk is added. Various additives help to diversify the cheese and emphasize its soft creamy taste. It can be fruits, vegetables, berries or onions.
Philadelphia cheese is very easy to make. Whole cow's milk is pasteurized, cooled and combined with sourdough. Within 20 hours, the formation of curd grains occurs. After that, the product is freed from whey and ready for packaging.Depending on the recipe, various spices and spices, vegetables or fruits are added to the cheese. Here is a simple description that can be applied to this product.
If the packaging indicates that it is curd cheese, then this is not Philadelphia, but its analogue. This way you can significantly reduce the cost of the product. But the taste and texture should be on the level. It is better to give preference to already proven manufacturers.
Cheese composition
The product contains only natural ingredients. The content of any other preservatives indicates that you have low-quality cheese, and it is highly undesirable to use it. It is done in less than a day.
Despite the fact that the curd product is produced without chemicals, it has a shelf life of 4 months. But this is subject to unopened packaging. When the cheese is already opened, it should be used within a week. Store in the refrigerator, in a dense cling film.
If the expiration date is more than 4 months, it means that chemicals were used in the production. This may adversely affect health. And the overall benefit of such a product is not enough.
Philadelphia cheese is considered curd cheese. It is made according to the same principle as cottage cheese. The only difference is that cottage cheese is boiled, and cheese is made from whole pasteurized milk with the help of sourdough. Fermentation time is 21 hours.
Making Philadelphia cheese is a very quick process compared to other varieties. This is what affects its value. This product is available to everyone, although it belongs to the elite varieties.
Nutritional value and calories
Philadelphia cheese, depending on the fat content, is divided into 3 categories:
- classic - 69%;
- light - 12%;
- very light - 5%.
The average calorie content of Philadelphia cheese is 342 kcal.
The ratio of BJU in Philadelphia cheese is in the following quantity:
- proteins = 5.94 g (7%);
- fat = 34.25 g (90%);
- carbohydrates = 4.08 g (5%).
It is worth noting that the product in its composition has many different vitamins and minerals.
- Vitamin A. Participates in the processes of the whole organism. It improves eyesight and strengthens the immune system. This vitamin is especially needed during the season of colds and viral infections. So in autumn and winter, the amount of Philadelphia cheese consumed can be increased.
- B group vitamins. This is a real treasure for those who want to improve the functioning of the nervous system. Beneficial effect on digestive function. A sufficient amount of these vitamins increases the body's resistance to various diseases, especially during colds.
- Vitamin RR. Best known as nicotinic acid. It has a beneficial effect on the condition of the skin, helps to get rid of dermatitis and ulcers, and normalizes metabolic processes.
- Vitamin E. Tocopherol has a positive effect on the reproductive function of the body. It has a positive effect on the work of the cardiovascular and nervous systems. Plus, vitamin E helps lower cholesterol. Reduces the risk of cancer.
Many minerals (iron, calcium, copper, zinc, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus) have a positive effect on the musculoskeletal system.
Philadelphia cheese does not contain many ingredients, but it is very useful. Its vitamin and mineral composition can compete with many fruits and vegetables.
Cheese is recommended to be consumed during pregnancy and while breastfeeding, and it is also recommended by nutritionists to all those who monitor their weight.
What can be prepared from the product?
When you have a package of such a delicious cheese as Philadelphia at your disposal, it is very easy to diversify your menu. Eat cheese with any ingredients. It goes well with all kinds of products.
Philadelphia often acts as the basis for the preparation of various cream soups. In order for the soup to turn out with a creamy taste and a soft, tender texture, 1 tablespoon of the product is added to the finished dish before whipping. The process of preparing such a dish is somewhat reminiscent of whipping a milkshake.
Asian soups also suggest the use of Philadelphia cheese. It is added to both chicken and seafood dishes a few minutes before cooking. The consistency in this case becomes delicate, white in color with a delicate creamy taste.
There is a very interesting dessert recipe that all guests will appreciate. Lay cheese in layers in transparent bowls, jam or preserves on top. You can decorate everything with slices of your favorite fruits or pieces of berries. Melted chocolate, ground cinnamon or nuts will be a great addition. This delicacy is very easy to prepare, but simply delicious in taste.
Adding Philadelphia cheese to a smoothie will make the drink more nutritious and healthy. It goes very well with apples and bananas.
According to consumer reviews, it follows that cheesecake is simply magically tender from this type of cheese. His recipe is below.
Required Ingredients:
- Philadelphia cream cheese - 600 gr.;
- 200 gr. pre-cooked shortcrust pastry;
- honey, sugar or syrup of your choice;
- flour - 1.5 tablespoons;
- 250 ml cream, the fatter the better, ideally 33%;
- 1 egg yolk;
- 3 eggs;
- gelatin in plates - 8 gr.;
- vanilla.
Cooking.
- Take a round baking dish and line it with parchment paper. It is good to use dishes with a diameter of up to 30 cm. The dough should be evenly distributed on the bottom. Bake for about 15-20 minutes in a preheated oven at 180 degrees.
- In a separate bowl, combine cheese, honey or syrup (your choice of sweetener), vanilla, sifted flour, 40 ml cream, eggs and 1 egg yolk. For mixing, it is best to use a blender. This will make the consistency more uniform.
- Now you need to carefully cover the walls of the form with baking paper. After that, put the filling on the cake, evenly distribute with a spatula. Send to the oven for 1 hour at a temperature of 90-100 degrees. In order to check whether the cake is baked or not, you can use a toothpick.
- While the cheesecake is in the oven, it's time to start frosting. Gelatin must be soaked in water for five minutes. Place sugar and 2 tablespoons of water in a saucepan. Boil. Cool down completely. When the syrup has cooled, it must be mixed with gelatin and cream. Glaze is ready.
- Cool the cheesecake completely at room temperature and only then cover with icing. Then place in the refrigerator for 2-2.5 hours.
Here is such a simple recipe for a classic dish is considered the most popular. Frosting is optional, but the imperfect surface of the cake will not be masked.
In any case, the taste of the cheesecake will remain unchanged. Delicate, creamy. As a decoration, you can use your favorite fruits and berries. And also the taste will be better if you add nuts or raisins.
Here is such a magical product of Philadelphia cheese. Its main advantage is that it goes well with any products. From it you can cook both desserts and first courses.In combination with different spices and spices, you can get new and exquisite delicacies every time.
Enjoy your meal!
How to make Philadelphia cheese at home, see the following video.