What is Skimming?
The removal of fat content from the milk. When part or all of the cream has been removed from milk. The type of cheese will determine the extent of the skimming. Once all or part of the cream has been removed the milk is referred to as skimmed (and in the case of extreme skimming it is call low fat or fat free). Cheeses made from skimmed milk generally have less fat; some (but not all) remain quite flavorful. Next time in the shop ask me about my low fat / full of taste offerings. Low flat skimmed milk cheeses have less than 20% fat, semi-fat cheeses have 20% to 41% fat, and whole or full fat cheeses have 42% or more fat content.
Below is a picture of a skimmer taken at the same small cheese maker in Switzerland.
