Skyr
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Skyr is an Icelandic cultured dairy product, similar to strained yogurt. Technically it is a very soft cheese. It is said to have originally come from Norway, brought to Iceland by the Norwegian Vikings, and is unique to Icelandic cuisine. It is served cold in a crystal bowl with a topping of finely powdered sugar and cream.[1]
Traditionally, skyr is made with pasteurized skimmed milk and live active cultures such as Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus bulgaricus. Then, "skyr condenser" — active skyr, used to ignite bacteria growth, rennet is added, and the milk is left to coagulate. The skyr is then strained through fabric to remove the whey (mysa in Icelandic) and the milk solids retained.
Skyr, in its traditional preparation, has a slightly sour dairy flavor, with a hint of residual sweetness. Commercial Icelandic manufacturers of skyr have added flavors such as vanilla, berries, etc. common to yoghurt to the final product, to increase its appeal. Skyr-based smoothies have become very popular.
Skyr is a very popular health product in Iceland and can also be purchased in parts of the US, UK, and Scandinavia at specialty markets. Varying slightly between brands, unflavored skyr is roughly 12% protein, 3% carbohydrate, and 0.5% fat. It is high in calcium and vitamins commonly found in milk products.
Skyr may be used in a traditional Icelandic dish called hræringur (meaning "stirred" or "made by stirring") which consists of roughly equal amounts of skyr and porridge. It is often mixed with jam or fruit for a dessert, or with cereals for breakfast. Children often like sugar sprinkled on top. It will keep without refrigeration, making it a good high-protein food to take on a trip.
[edit] See also
[edit] References
[edit] External links
- Skyr Web Site of Icelandic Skyr producer, MS (Mjólkursamsalan) Icelandic English
- Amateur Gourmet blog article on trying skyr
- Food-Info article on skyr
- Recipe for making skyr (in English)
- Iceland woos America with lamb and skyr - NY Times article (October 18, 2005) on Whole Foods introducing skyr to the US.
- Web site of New York-based Skyr producer Siggi's Skyr
- Blog Dynamics of Cats entry on skyr
