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Skyr in Iceland
Icelandic Superfood
Iceland’s unique cuisine will definitely present you with several chances to harpoon yourself out of your comfort zone (like our traditional delicacies that you simply must try). Still, tradition isn’t where Icelandic cuisine stops existing. Skyr in Iceland is something everyone should know about. For centuries, Skyr has been a part of Icelandic culture and cuisine. It’s truly a shock that this superfood of a dairy product isn’t as popular as it should be internationally.
If you are interested in Skyr, you are in for a pleasant surprise. It’s akin to many things familiar to you and your taste buds, but not too much. Curious as to what it is? Read on to find out!
What Exactly Is Skyr?
Not growing up in Iceland may have deprived you of enjoying Skyr for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and all the snacks. So, what exactly is Skyr, and why is it so versatile? Skyr is frequently compared to Greek yogurt, but you have to take our word for it before actually having a taste of Skyr – they are completely different. The entire process of how these two dairy products are made is different. The same goes for how they taste – neither is better nor worse. They are unique in their own way.
Now that the Greek yogurt vs. Skyr dilemma is solved, we can move on to describe what exactly Skyr is. Technically, Skyr falls under the category of cheese. With this being said, we can say that it blurs the surgical lines of categories because it is consumed like yogurt due to its texture. The flavor of this dairy product is what ‘s going to hook you. Based on its looks alone, you might decide that it’s going to be either neutral or sour. But Skyr has a lingering taste of sweetness, and traditionally, it is served with sugar and milk.
How To Make Skyr?
To make Skyr as Icelanders do, you’ll need the two basic ingredients: skimmed milk and Skyr active cultures. Skyr cultures have been preserved for centuries and continue to be preserved in Iceland to this very day. However, if you don’t have the organic, authentic mother Skyr, you don’t need to worry. Any store-bought Skyr can suffice, and you can use it as a starting point of your Skyr-making journey. You’ll need 3.5 liters of milk (approximately a gallon of milk) and a pack of store-bought Skyr.
To make authentic Skyr, you should follow the steps closely:
- To start the process, what you need to first is slowly and patiently bring the milk to a scalding point, which is about 83°C (or 181°F). You should gradually increase the temperature and mix the milk so that it doesn’t stick.
- Once it reaches the scalding point, you may remove it from the stove and cool off a bit.
- This is where you add the Skyr cultures and rennets. Mix it nicely into the milk.
- Cover the pot and let it rest. The entire thickening process will last for about 12 hours, so you best leave it overnight.
- After the resting period, it is time to strain it. You can use a standard, double-layered cheesecloth for this. Strain the Skyr from the liquid parts until it’s thick.
This entire process shows just how easy it is to make homemade Skyr!
How To Eat Skyr?
Skyr can be consumed as you would eat plain yogurt, but perhaps you won’t find it as satisfying. Icelanders incorporate Skyr into their breakfast, lunch, and dinner, which means that there are numerous ways to include it into your daily diet! A light breakfast or a healthy dessert, Skyr can be mixed with oats and seasonal berries. To enjoy a fulfilling breakfast, you can mix the oats, add the berries with equal parts of Skyr, and get a nutritional bomb. You can also have Skyr with any sort of fruit that you like or a jam of your choice, for dessert. Another great contemporary variation of Skyr usage is to include it as a cheesecake topping, or a base for your smoothie. The great thing about Skyr is that it simply goes with everything, and it is both healthy and nutritious! Skyr can be eaten in any way that you might find appealing. As a topping, a dressing or a dip, you can enjoy it in a wide variety of ways.
FAQ
To solve any remaining dilemmas that you might have about Skyr, here are some of the most commonly asked questions about it, and our answers!
Is Icelandic Skyr healthy?
You are in luck with Skyr because it is one of the healthiest choices in yogurt available. Skyr is made from non-fat milk combined with live cultures that result in it being high in protein and low in fat. And of course, as every yogurt should be – it’s overflowing with an abundance of probiotics. So, yes, Skyr is indeed healthy!
Is Skyr healthier than yogurt?
Because it is so rich in protein and low in sugar, Skyr is basically the best option on the market for you. It’s frequently compared to yogurt, but it’s nutritional values are much more promising than that of a yogurt.
How do Icelanders eat Skyr?
We eat Skyr for breakfast, lunch, and dinner! Skyr is great to have in just about any time of the day. You can mix it with porridge, fruits, and jam for breakfast and dessert, or have it with fish for lunch and dinner.
Final Words
If you had any doubts about what Skyr is and how present it is in Iceland’s contemporary cuisine, we hope to have dispelled all of them for you. Skyr is, without a doubt, a superfood, a healthier alternative to many types of yogurts that exist, and a delicious addition to any meal.
If you are ready to try Skyr but still wondering what else to eat in Iceland, you can check this list to gather some inspiration. There are plenty of fine dining restaurants and street food places waiting for you!
