What is curd? (2024)

What is curd? (2)What is curd? (3)

Ever wanted to know more about this bold and fruity cupboard staple? We’re all used to spreading it on our buttery toast every morning but the origins of this fruity dessert spread are fascinating. So squeeze the day, read on to become a curd nerd and understand where it originates, the different types, how to make it and how best to eat this yummy sweet treat!

Fruit curd is a dessert spread and topping usually made with citrus fruit. The basic ingredients are beaten egg yolks, sugar, fruit juice, and zest, which are gently cooked together until thick and then allowed to cool, forming a soft, smooth, flavourful spread. Curd has a thicker texture similar to custard. ‘Lemon Curd’ is originally English in origin dating back to the early 1800’s. The recipe back then was rather literal — lemon acidulating cream to form curds then separated from the whey through a cheesecloth. Long time Cottage Delight fans may remember our Lemon Curd as ‘Lemon Cheese’.

Types of fruit curd

While there’s almost no limit to the options you can try when it comes to varieties of fruit curd, the most popular are Berry, Citrus and Tropical.

Citrus is a perfect option thanks to natural flavours that range from sweet and tangy to sour and bitter. Drizzle our Lemon & Lime All Butter Curd over natural yoghurt and fresh berries or create a zesty mousse. Berry flavoured curds are easily some of the most versatile flavours for cooking. Finally there are tropical flavoured curds, exotic and unique, these offer a twist which you may not have tried before. Our Passion Fruit & Mango All Butter Curd is perfect for adding a tropical twist to freshly baked scones for afternoon tea.

How to make lemon curd

When life gives you lemons, make Lemon Curd. Lemon Curd is a super easy recipe to try at home. You will only need a few ingredients and around 10 minutes to make this tasty dessert accompaniment,

Ingredients:

  1. 2 lemons, zest and juice
  2. 50g butter
  3. 100g caster sugar
  4. 2 eggs, beaten

Method:

  1. Put the lemon zest, juice, sugar and butter in a heatproof bowl over a pan of simmering water. Stir occasionally until the butter has melted. Then, using a small whisk, stir in the beaten egg. Keep gently whisking the mixture over the heat for around 10 mins until thickened.
  2. Pour the cooked curd through a sieve into a jug to remove the zest, then pour into jars. Keep in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
  3. If you prefer to stay out of the kitchen, why not try Cottage Delight Lemon Curd, made using our own traditional home made recipe.

What is curd? (4)

Common questions about fruit curd

  1. What is fruit curd made from? The basic ingredients are beaten egg yolks, sugar, fruit juice, and zest, which are gently cooked together until thick and then allowed to cool, forming a soft, smooth, flavourful spread.
  2. What is the difference between curd and jam? Fruit curds are distinctly different from jams, since curds are made by cooking down fruit juice with sugar rather than the whole fruit. The result is a creamier spread.
  3. What is fruit curd used for? If you’ve made or been gifted some lemon curd and aren’t sure where to start, here are some basic ideas of how to use it. It’s so versatile!
  • As a topping: on scones, toast, crumpets, waffles, ice cream, cheese cake or cookies
  • As a filling: between cake layers, in a tart, in macaroons or inside a crepe
  • In a recipe: if you need some more inspiration, we have dozens of curd recipes!

What is curd? (5)

Our curd selection

Our delicious collection of dreamy curds boasts both traditional flavours and vibrant combinations to please even the pickiest of palates. They’re carefully crafted for great taste in our kitchens in the Staffordshire Moorlands, then delivered straight to your table.

Our curds are:

  • Handmade in small batches
  • No artificial additives
  • Vegetarian
  • Gluten Free

View all curds here.

What is curd? (6)

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What is curd? (2024)

FAQs

Are yogurt and curd the same? ›

Curd typically has a looser texture and a milder flavour, as its fermentation process is less controlled. Yoghurt, on the other hand, undergoes a more controlled fermentation, resulting in a thicker, custard-like consistency and a distinct tangy taste.

What is this curd? ›

Curd, also mosaru or dahi or Thayir or Perugu, is a traditional yogurt or fermented milk product, originating from and popular throughout the Indian subcontinent. It is usually prepared from cow's milk, and sometimes buffalo milk or goat milk.

How much curd is enough for a day? ›

As a general rule of thumb, it is recommended to consume 100-200 grams of plain curd each day, which is roughly equivalent to half a cup. However, when you are losing weight, limiting your curd intake to 100 grams per day is advisable.

What happens if I eat curd daily? ›

It helps in reducing insulin resistance and glucose levels in the body, thereby controlling the risks of heart conditions and diabetes. Furthermore, curd consumption has been associated with lower body weight, body mass index (BMI), and a lower risk of being overweight/obese among adults.

Which food is equal to curd? ›

Other than this, there are various benefits and it is safe to say that you can comfortably replace desi curd with yogurt from your daily meals.

What is the best way to eat curd? ›

The best time to have curd is during the day, preferably in the morning or afternoon, as it is easier to digest. You can consume it plain or as part of a meal, such as with rice or vegetables. Adding a small amount of fruit, such as banana or mango, can also enhance the taste and nutritional value of curd.

What does curd do to your body? ›

Curd contains bioactive peptides that help regulate blood pressure and reduce the risk of hypertension. Additionally, the probiotics in curd have been associated with improved cholesterol levels. Therefore, the benefits of eating curd include reducing the risk of heart disease.

Why curd not eat at night? ›

According to Ayurveda, curd can increase the kapha dosha in the body. At night, there is a natural predominance of kapha in the body. This can lead to excess mucus development in the nasal passages. Still, the impact can vary from person to person and may not be true for everyone.

Does curd reduce belly fat? ›

Including curd in a calorie meal plan can help you lose body fat and weight more than a low-calorie diet with minimal protein. Additionally, it offers you a flat tummy by supporting in shedding those stubborn fat pockets around the abdominal and waist regions.

At what time we should not eat curd? ›

Experts agree that consuming curd during the day, preferably after a meal, is best for most people because that helps in optimal digestion and energy levels. However, consuming curd on an empty stomach or before bedtime should be avoided to prevent digestive issues and disrupted sleep.

Do Indians call yogurt curd? ›

Since, both dahi and yogurt are made by fermentation of milk with respective left over batch, we in India choose to call both forms as curd. Whereas, in the west any form of fermented milk is called yogurt.

Is curd good for gut health? ›

Curd speeds up intestinal activity, which cleats the undigested food and toxic stuck on the intestinal linings. Thus, the curd is a good addition to the meal regimen that keeps stomach infections at bay and boosts gut health. Curd is highly beneficial in maintaining the digestive tract healthy and functioning.

What is Greek yogurt called in India? ›

Greek Yogurt is also known as 'dahi ka chakka' in Indian regional languages. Since the whey is completely drained off from the curd and what is left of it is a thick, creamy and smooth Hung Curd, it is apt to make raita, dips, chutneys and other similar accompaniments/condiments.

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