What is Whey?

Cheese is a product made from whey which is the liquid water separated from cheese curds or milk or cream. Read the article and find out answer of what is whey and what are the uses of whey.

Once curd is formed, the remaining left over liquid in it is called as whey. It is watery and normally thin in nature. Sometimes it gets a bluish tinge, but entirely depends on the type of milk used and the quantity of it. Whey can be formed from any type of milk such as cow’s milk which is most popular in the U.S., Goat’s milk which is commonly used in the Middle East, and some camel’s milk found in desert areas. This by-product of cheese can even be formed while making yogurt. A thin liquid is found on the top of yogurt when it is settled completely. That liquid is the whey which is also sold in powder forms in different nutritional products.

Uses of Whey

Whey is the most commonly known and a great source of protein. It also serves high amounts of minerals, vitamins and lactose. It is the major source of nutrition used in many protein drinks and is widely consumed by athletes and those who wish to build or repair their muscle tissues. People often use it in powder form when they buy supplements rich in whey protein. This by-product also serves as an important supplement for people who face limited mobility in limbs. It also acts as a cure for atrophy and muscular cells. Whey is also used in food supplements for pets and serves as a great source to fats and protein.

Whey contributes as a healthy coat for proper development of muscle. Apart from all these, whey is also used in making ricotta cheese. The formation of this cheese is by heating the mixture of whey, vinegar or another acidic liquid. The acid reacts in the mixture and forces the remaining fats in whey to transforme into solid curds than then processed to form cheese.

Whey is one of the important by-product used in different food supplements as people don’t get time to form whey and drink. Therefore, it can be found in various protein rich supplements or products.

Formation

There are different ways to form cheese by-product. The process of formation or recipes can be taken from internet. Most of the methods include organic milk, heating water and vinegar (at very low heat) until the mixture forms curds. Once curds are formed, the mix should be kept to refrigerate. The left over liquid is called as whey which can be kept in refrigerator for few weeks to use later.