Popular in Europe for centuries, Quark is somewhat of an undiscovered gem in Australia.
A German-style fresh cheese, this mildly tart cheese is often compared to mascarpone – but with a refreshing tang thanks to the same ABC cultures used to ferment yogurt.
We’ve been making Organic Quark at Schulz for over 35 years, and still use Hermann Schulz’s traditional recipe to this day!
Firstly, we take our non-homogenised Certified Organic Full Cream Milk and make fresh cheese, before adding ABC cultures and microbial rennet, then allowing the cheese to ferment the same way our Yogurt does. This fermentation process also means that Schulz Organic Quark is naturally high in protein and fantastic for gut health – plus, it’s higher in calcium than cream cheese, lower in sugar than regular yogurts and lower in fat than many other dairy products.
This makes it a lighter option to substitute for crème fraîche, sour cream, cottage cheese and even thick yogurt when cooking – plus we like it straight out of the tub too!
Scroll on for some of our favourite ways to use Schulz Organic Quark from morning to night.
BREAKFAST
Spread thickly on sourdough, dolloped on top of fresh fruit or incorporated into fluffy pancakes, Organic Quark is a versatile and healthy addition to any breakfast table.
It’s also one of Simon Schulz’s favourites: “I was brought up on an inch thick layer of my granddad Hermann’s Quark on homemade dark rye toast,” Simon says. We can’t think of anything better!
Try our Herbie Organic Quark (with added dill, garlic, capsicum and chilli) slathered on a bagel and topped with smoked salmon and greens for a gourmet take on weekend brunch!
LUNCH AND DINNER
To incorporate Quark into your entertaining repertoire, look no further than this Caramelised Onion, Tomato and Rocket Tart, shared by Julia Busuttil Nishimura (Ostro).
“The quark in the filling gives the tart a welcome zing,” says Julia. “And cuts through the richness of the eggs and cream.”
Caramelised Onion, Rocket and Tomato Tart.
Equally delicious warm from the oven or snuck slice-by-slice from the fridge later on, we also love the versatility of this tart. Here Julia has used fresh cherry tomatoes, but we’re already dreaming up a spring version for later in the year, adding fresh seasonal vegetables like asparagus and peas.
For a satisfying light lunch, try your hand at this Yoghurt Flatbread recipe from Schulz Organic Creamery and Cafe head chef Hila, which is served alongside a generous bowl of Herbie Organic Quark.
Easy, versatile flatbreads made using our Natural Greek Yoghurt.
QUARKBOARDS
Quarkboards – a riff on the viral ‘butterboards’ (but better) – have been a new favourite at the Creamery and Cafe!
Our Organic Quark is mild in flavour, so makes an easily customisable base for both sweet and savoury versions of this moreish treat! Try our Sweet Summer Fruit Quarkboard the next time you’re passing through Timboon, or create your own savoury version at home using nuts, olives or whatever produce is in season.
Try our seasonal Quarkboard – a favourite at the Schulz Organic Creamery and Cafe – at home.
CAKES AND SWEETS
Quark is used in many traditionally German desserts, but perhaps most famously a light and fluffy cheesecake.
Head chef Hila uses our Organic Quark in her famous cheesecake at the Creamery and Cafe, and Julia Busuttil Nishimura (Ostro) has also shared her recipe for a baked Strawberry Quark Cheesecake, substituting cream cheese with Quark for a light and creamy texture – plus a little twist thanks to the chocolate biscuit base.
Schulz Organic Creamery and Cafe head chef Hila Perry slices her famous Quark Cheesecake.
Julia has also generously shared a recipe for her Spiced Carrot Cake with Quark Frosting – but we think this simple icing would work wonderfully atop any cake.
Organic Quark makes a fantastic alternative to cream cheese in the icing for this spiced carrot cake.
LEFTOVERS
Have a little left in the tub? Don’t let it go to waste!
Stir the last of your Quark through a delicious spaghetti primavera, add to iron-rich leafy greens for a lighter, brighter take on classic creamed spinach, or use fresh veggie sticks to scrape the final morsels of Herbie Organic Quark from the container – just like Coralie has below!
We love seeing the ways that you cook and create with Schulz products at home – so tag us at @schulzorganicdairy this next time you’re using Quark in the kitchen, or comment on this post below to share your tips and tricks.