Colby cheese has a mild flavor that goes nicely with pears, apples, and
apple cider.
This cheese was developed in Colby, Wisconsin, about a hundred years ago. Colby is similar
to cheddar, but because it is produced through a washed-curd process, it is a softer, moister,
and milder cheese. The washed-curd process means that during the cooking time, the whey is replaced by water; this reduces the curd’s
acidity, resulting in Colby’s characteristically mild, pleasant flavor. It takes a
little more than a gallon of milk to produce just 1 pound
(454g) of cheese.
Varieties
Longhorn is the best known of the Colby cheeses, all of which are
typically sold in half-rounds.
Buying and storing tips
Colby should not be aged. It is best used shortly after purchase;
otherwise, it soon dries out. Note that a few brands of Colby have been associated with
Listeria contamination and recalls, so purchase pasteurized Colby, rather than a raw-milk
variety.
Availability
Colby is widely available in health food stores, specialty stores,
and markets.
Preparation, uses, and tips
Because it is such a mild cheese, colby is seldom used in cooking. It
is used as a table cheese, for grating and grilling, and in snacks and salads. Like cheddar, it complements
pears, apples, and apple cider nicely. It also goes
well with barbecued dishes, chili, burgers, fajitas, and frittatas. When making sandwiches,
enjoy Colby on rye bread.
Nutritional Highlights
Colby, 1 slice (1 oz.) (28g)
Calories: 111
Protein: 6.7g
Carbohydrate: 0.73g
Total Fat: 9g
Fiber: 0.0g
*Excellent source of: Calcium (214mg)
*Foods that are an “excellent source” of a particular
nutrient provide 20% or more of the Recommended Daily Value, based upon United States
Department of Agriculture (USDA) guidelines. Foods that are a “good source” of a
particular nutrient provide between 10 and 20% of the USDA Recommended Daily Value.
Nutritional information and daily nutritional guidelines may vary in different countries.
Please consult the appropriate organization in your country for specific nutritional values
and the recommended daily guidelines.
Copyright © 2002 Healthnotes, Inc. All rights
reserved. www.healthnotes.com
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Foodnotes.
The information presented in Foodnotes is for informational
purposes only and was created by a team of U.S. registered dietitians and food experts.
Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using
any supplements, making dietary changes, or before making any changes in prescribed
medications. Information expires December 2003.
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