Icelandic Skyr - Food of the Vikings

Skyr is a unique non-fat dairy specialty and a traditional national dish. Made from fresh Icelandic cow´s milk, it has been a staple of the Icelandic diet since the Vikings first brought it with them when they settled the country more than 1,100 years ago.
Through the centuries, Skyr was traditionally made on virtually every family farm, either from sheep’s milk or a mixture of sheep’s and cow’s milk. And while new flavors and recipes are finding their way to Skyr devotees around the world, the dish hasn’t lost touch with its pure, all natural beginnings.
The Viking settlers are believed to have brought the knowledge of Skyr-making with them from Norway, and developed it further after settlement. Since that time, however, the know-ledge of Skyr-making has been lost in Scandinavia, but remains an active part of the national identity of Iceland.
Skyr has a deliciously soft and creamy consistency, and looks rather like thick yogurt. In fact, the taste is somewhat reminiscent of yogurt. But Skyr is not a yogurt, it’s actually a type of fresh cheese. Because it’s made from fresh Icelandic skim milk, it contains no fat, but the nutritional value is very high, allowing Skyr to be eaten with cream and sugar without guilt. It’s also an excellent source of protein and calcium. Skyr is now available in many delicious varieties, either in its distinctive natural taste or mixed with fruits and other natural flavorings.