Cream cheese

Description

Cream cheese has a delicate, slightly tangy flavor and a velvety smooth, creamy texture ranging from snow-white to light yellow. It is soft and easy to spread, making it a versatile ingredient for both sweet and savory dishes. Nutritional values vary by version, but typical cream cheese provides protein, calcium, and vitamin A with a relatively high fat and calorie content; there are also light versions with less fat that fit better into low-fat diets. In the kitchen, it works well as a base for spreads, dips, cheesecakes, creams, and fillings, as well as an addition to bagels with salmon or cream sauces; it pairs excellently with herbs, garlic, and fruits. Store in the refrigerator at a temperature of 2–6°C, preferably in the original packaging or an airtight container; consume within 7–14 days after opening. Freezing is possible, but it changes the texture, so it is mainly recommended for further thermal processing.