Whey Cheeses

While the great majority of cheeses are made from the curds of the milk, there are some which are made from the whey. Gjetost, a cheese totally distinctive in looks and taste, is one. It has milk sugar (lactose) and cream added to it during the making process and looks like a chunk of chocolate fudge. Ricotta, also classed as a fresh unripened cheese, is also made from whey but is basically an Italian version of Cottage Cheese. It has nothing in common, in either taste or appearance, with Gjetost except that it is a whey cheese.

Ricotta Cheese

The original ricotta is made of whey with the addition of a small amount of milk, but more recently ricotta has been made of whole milk as well. Whole milk ricotta is primarily popular in the USA, where whey ricotta is known by the name ricottone.

Gjetost

This is the classic whey cheese from Scandinavia. Gjetost is from goat milk and Mysost is from Cows milk. Essentially the process involves taking fresh sweet whey and cooking it down over a period of several hours. The boiling water evaporates, leaving creamy crumbs behind.

This is a sweet cheese, firm, smooth and caramel colored. Traditionally eaten as a breakfast cheese. Great snack or dessert cheese. For a sweet omelette, add chunks and a fruit preserve. Works well for appetizers. Goes with crackers. Made in Norway.