Where can you find quark in the grocery store?

Many, when hearing the word quark, think of outer space and quark stars. As it turns out, quark is not only down-to-earth, but also edible.

Quark is a soft, creamy cheese, originally from Germany, and popular throughout Europe. Some people compare it to Icelandic or Greek yogurt, while others say that it’s more like a cross between cottage cheese and yogurt. It has also been compared to French fromage blanc, Indian paneer, and the queso fresco made and served in Latin American countries.

Quark is soft, white and unaged, usually with no salt added, and is a traditional staple in the cuisines of German-speaking, Dutch-speaking, Slavic and Scandinavian countries.

It is a fresh dairy product, usually made with grass-fed whole milk and buttermilk cultures. The quark-making process involves warming soured milk until the desired amount of curdling is met, then straining it.

Unlike many cheeses, traditional quark can be made without rennet (a substance used to coagulate, or thicken milk). However, modern dairies sometimes do use small amounts of it during the cheesemaking process in order to hasten the separation of the curds and whey (or liquid).

Quark may be used in both sweet and savory dishes, from cheesecakes to spicy cheese dips. If you would like to try it but have trouble finding it in your local supermarket, you might try looking in “natural” or “health food” stores.