Blog Everything You Need to Know About Greek Yoghurt
14 May, 2024

Everything You Need to Know About Greek Yoghurt

Similar

Greek yoghurt is a type of yoghurt that has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its high protein content and creamy texture. Greek yoghurt is an excellent source of calcium, protein, and probiotics, making it a nutritious and delicious snack or breakfast option. Are you ready to learn everything you need to know about Greek yoghurt? 


How Greek yoghurt is made


Greek yoghurt is made by straining regular yoghurt to remove the whey, resulting in a thicker, creamier product. The process of straining the yoghurt is done using a cheesecloth or a fine-mesh strainer. The whey (liquid) is removed, and the remaining yoghurt is placed in a container for several hours or overnight. The yoghurt is then ready to be enjoyed!


What are the benefits of Greek yoghurt?


1. Rich in protein


When it comes to nutrition, Greek yoghurt is a winner. It is high in protein, containing around twice as much as regular yoghurt. This makes it an excellent option for those trying to increase their protein intake or build muscle.


2. Can be added to various recipes


Greek yoghurt is a type of yoghurt that is thicker and creamier than regular yoghurt. It is a great addition to many dishes and can be used in various ways. Greek yoghurt can be used as a topping for salads or baking recipes, as a substitute for sour cream in sauces, or as a snack with a bit of honey or fruit.


3. Helps your gut


Greek yoghurt contains live bacteria that can help improve the balance of good bacteria in the gut, making it easier for the digestive system to absorb the nutrients it needs and reduce uncomfortable symptoms such as bloating, constipation, and indigestion.


4. Strengthens your bones


Greek yoghurt is a fantastic way to get your daily dose of calcium. This nutrient helps keep our bones and teeth strong and healthy. Additionally, it can be blended into smoothies for an extra protein punch or used as a healthier substitute in baking recipes instead of cream cheese or butter.


What to look for when buying Greek yoghurt


1. The label should indicate whether the yoghurt has been strained. Straining the yoghurt involves removing the liquid whey and other liquids, resulting in a thicker and creamier texture.


2. To be considered probiotic yoghurt, the yoghurt must contain live and active cultures of beneficial bacteria. These bacteria help promote a healthy digestive system and provide other health benefits.


3. It is important to look closely at the nutrition label to identify any extra sugars or other artificial components, such as artificial sweeteners, that may have been added to the food.


Greek yoghurt is a delicious & healthy treat 


Greek yoghurt is worth considering if you’re looking to increase your protein intake or enjoy a creamy snack.


If you want to add Greek yoghurt to your daily meals, look for Baladna! We are a trusted dairy and beverage company in Qatar that offers authentic, fresh and quality dairy products.


More Articles

Blog Food Watch: How Long Can I Leave My Block of Cheese Out?
14 May, 2024

Food Watch: How Long Can I Leave My Block of Cheese Out?

Cheese is a favorite among many, but not everyone cares for their cheese as much as they should. Everybody knows that leaving out uneaten food is terrible because it can lead to food contamination, mold growth, and it can attract pests. The same can be said about leaving certain foods unrefrigerated and that includes cheese. But worry not, we’re going to dive deep into storing tips and tricks regarding your favorite cheese. What is cheese? People make cheese by taking milk and introducing bacteria to it to create an acidic environment. This environment separates the milk into a solid curd and a liquid whey. They’ll cook, cut, and press the curd together to produce more whey. Next, they’ll add salt and other flavorings and let the dairy product age for several weeks or even longer to create cheese. How long have people been making cheese? People have been crafting cheese for thousands of years without mechanical refrigeration. Aging is a crucial part of the process, where they store blocks of cheese at moderate temperatures and leave them to mature for long periods. This step is critical in developing the best-tasting cheese and can take weeks, months, or even years. Can cheese go bad? The good news is that pasteurized cheese won’t likely cause stomach problems, even if you leave it out for a few days. People have pasteurized the milk used to make the cheese, which means they heated it to kill potentially harmful bacteria. However, if you leave it out for an extended time, the dairy product can spoil, and the bacteria will change its color, texture, flavor, and aroma. You must also be more careful with unpasteurized cheeses like Brie, Camembert, Feta, and other fresh cheeses as foodborne illnesses are more present. Such cheeses can be contaminated with different bacteria such as E. coli, salmonella, and listeria. Why can’t it go bad?The oldest and most common food preservation technique removes the water and oxygen bacteria needed to survive. It works best for cheese because it squeezes most of the water. Unfortunately, like most things, cheese can experience mold growth because of spores. Luckily, you can cut off the moldy parts, and the rest of the dairy product is safe to eat. While keeping certain cheeses at room temperature will not cause food poisoning, its quality will suffer because of the drying out and fat separation. Hard vs. Soft CheeseWhen it comes to storing, the type of cheese is the most important consideration. Hard cheeses will last longer and are less likely to cause health issues. However, soft cheeses - such as Brie, cream cheese, ricotta and others - must be handled more carefully. These cheeses, as well as unripened cheeses - such as halloum and akawi - should remain refrigerated at all times. They can be kept out for two hours tops. How long can you let cheese sit out? Depending on its type, cheese can stay out of the refrigerator for two hours tops if you store it in a cool place. You should store fresh, unripened cheeses in the fridge, while aged dairy products can stay out for up to a day. Moreover, anything you can’t eat within a day belongs in the refrigerator.Keeping it safe and cheesyCheese remains a popular dairy product because of its versatility and flavor. You can enjoy this food better by storing it properly and knowing how to use it for different foods. At Baladna, we strive to bring Qatar the freshest and most authentic products to help people enjoy their meal times better. Browse through our products today!

Blog All You Need to Know About Feta: Ways to Eat & Store It
16 January, 2023

All You Need to Know About Feta: Ways to Eat & Store It

Cheese is a versatile and beloved food enjoyed in many cuisines worldwide. It can be used in various dishes, such as sandwiches or grated over pasta, or eaten alone with crackers. Still, not all cheeses are created equal, and feta cheese is a prime example!Feta cheese hails from Greece and is a crumbly, salty cheese made from sheep's milk or a combination of sheep's and goat's milk. With its unique tangy taste, it is a popular ingredient in Mediterranean cuisine, where it's often paired with olives, cucumbers, tomatoes, and other vegetables. Unlike other cheeses, feta cheese requires specific handling and storage to maintain its distinctive flavor and texture. Unfortunately, few people know how to properly store and serve feta cheese, so we're here to help. How Feta Cheese Is Made Feta cheese is a unique and beloved cheese that originates from Greece. It's made by combining sheep's or goat's milk with rennet and salt. The rennet enzyme helps solidify the milk, forming a curd, which is then cut into small pieces and left to drain. After that, the cheese is placed in a brine solution that preserves it and gives it its signature salty taste.Typically, feta cheese is ready to be eaten after a few days, but some varieties are aged for several months. Aging gives the cheese a firmer texture and a more complex flavor. During this time, the cheese is stored in a brine solution and regularly turned to ensure even distribution of flavors. Storing Feta Cheese For maximum freshness; Feta cheese should be stored in the fridge in an airtight container, with the brine being changed every few days. If you're not going to eat it within a few days, put it in the freezer for longer-term storage, where it can last for up to 6 months. This also goes for cooked feta dishes, like pasta or salads, which will stay good for up to 5 days. Pairing Feta with FoodFeta cheese is a versatile ingredient that can improve many recipes' flavors. It can be included in many dishes, including salads, sandwiches, and wraps. Also, it goes well with veggies like onions, cucumbers, and tomatoes. Feta mixes superbly with ricotta and mozzarella, among other cheeses. Although feta's sour flavor may not be the best complement for fruit, watermelon, cantaloupe, and honeydew pair nicely with it. Furthermore, feta goes well with many sauces and can be added as a topping to pizza or spaghetti.Things to Avoid When Serving FetaWhen serving feta cheese, there are certain things you should never do. These include:1. Serve Spoiled Feta Serving rotten feta cheese is a major no-no, which should go without saying. Feta cheese needs to be kept in brine to stay fresh and prevent rotting. It will spoil and need to be thrown away if kept out of the fridge for an extended period of time. Make sure you only provide the freshest feta cheese to satisfy your guests' taste buds. 2. Cut Feta with Your Hands It is advised to use a knife rather than your hands to cut or cube the feta cheese to reduce any potential danger of bacterial contamination. This straightforward advice will guarantee accurate portioning and assist in preserving the cheese's quality and freshness.3. Avoid Serving Feta at the End of the Meal Feta cheese etiquette dictates that it should not be served at the end of the meal. Feta is a strong-flavored cheese, and its taste can be overpowering if served after other dishes. Because of this, it should be served alongside other dishes or as an appetizer.Is your feta knowledge betta now? Feta is a delicious cheese that can be enjoyed in a variety of different ways. While typically served as an appetizer, it can also be eaten with other dishes. When eating feta, one must be mindful of feta cheese etiquette to enjoy it to the fullest.If you’re looking for the best feta cheese, Baladna has what you need! We offer selections made with the finest quality ingredients, all for affordable prices. Visit our website today and take your pick!

Blog Is Mozzarella Cheese Healthy? We’ve Got Your Answer
13 May, 2024

Is Mozzarella Cheese Healthy? We’ve Got Your Answer

Mozzarella cheese is a type of cheese that is popular in Italian cuisine. It is made from cow's milk and is one of the most popular cheeses used in pizza, lasagna, and other Italian dishes. Many people are curious if mozzarella cheese is a healthy food choice, and the answer is that it can be! Let's learn more about this:It's a good source of proteinMozzarella is a great source of protein, providing 8 grams per one-ounce serving. This makes it a great choice for people looking to increase their protein intake. Protein plays an important role in building and maintaining muscle, and it's also essential for healthy skin, bones, and organs. Eating mozzarella can help you meet your protein needs without having to rely on other animal proteins such as beef or chicken.It's a good source of many essential minerals Mozzarella is rich in essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. Calcium, crucial for strong teeth and bones, prevents decay and gum disease. Selenium in mozzarella protects cells, reduces inflammation, and supports the immune system, benefiting cognitive function. Additionally, the cheese boasts high Vitamin A content, promoting healthy eyes, skin, teeth, and gums, while aiding in new bone cell growth.It has less sodium than most other cheeses One of the most significant benefits of mozzarella cheese is that it has less sodium than most other cheeses. Sodium is an important mineral that helps regulate blood pressure, as well as fluid balance in the body. When consumed in excess, it can lead to a number of health problems, including hypertension and stroke. By choosing a low-sodium cheese like mozzarella, you can rest assured that you won’t be overloading your body with sodium.It's lower in saturated fatSaturated fats are types of fats that can raise cholesterol levels in the body and increase the risk of heart disease. However, mozzarella has a significantly lower amount of saturated fat than other cheeses. A single serving of regular mozzarella cheese (about 1.5 ounces) contains just 3.5 grams of saturated fat, compared to 7.5 grams in a serving of cheddar cheese. This makes mozzarella an excellent choice for those who need to watch their saturated fat intake.How much mozzarella should you eat in a day? If you’re looking to add some extra flavor and nutrition to your diet, mozzarella cheese is a great choice. But how much mozzarella should you eat each day?The answer really depends on your individual health needs and goals. For most healthy adults, the recommended daily intake of cheese is around 1.5 ounces. This amount provides a good balance between the health benefits of cheese and the potential risks associated with too much cheese.When it comes to mozzarella cheese specifically, 1.5 ounces is a good guideline. This amount provides around 100 calories, 7 grams of protein, and 6 grams of fat. It’s also a great source of calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin B12.If you’re looking for a little extra flavor and nutrition, you could add a few slices of mozzarella to your salads, sandwiches, or pizzas. You could also use mozzarella cheese to make delicious homemade pizzas, calzones, and even grilled cheese sandwiches.For those who are trying to lose weight, it’s important to keep in mind that cheese can be high in calories and fat. So if you’re trying to cut back on calories, you may want to limit your portion sizes.Say mozzarella!Mozzarella cheese can be considered a healthy food option when eaten in moderation. It is a good source of protein, calcium, and phosphorus, and is lower in fat and sodium than many other cheese varieties. That said, it is important to remember that consuming too much of any food, even one as healthy as mozzarella, can lead to weight gain and other health issues. It's also vital that you get your mozzarella cheese from a trusted dairy and beverage company like Baladna.Baladna cheese, including mozzarella, is fresh and high quality. Baladna is among the biggest cattle farms with about 24000 cows that are kept in a well-conditioned environment to ensure only the best dairy products. Try Baladna mozzarella cheese and other products today!