Homemade Yogurt
Homemade yogurt is a dairy product made by fermenting milk using live bacterial cultures, specifically Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus. This process involves heating milk to kill harmful bacteria, cooling it to a safe temperature, and then adding yogurt starter culture containing the live bacteria. The mixture is then kept at a stable warm temperature for several hours to allow fermentation to occur. This leads to the thickening of milk and the development of tangy flavors associated with yogurt. Homemade yogurt can be customized in terms of flavor and texture, often with the addition of fruits, sweeteners, or flavorings. It is valued for being a fresh, probiotic-rich food that provides a source of nutrients like protein, calcium, and vitamins. Making yogurt at home allows for control over ingredients and can be more economical compared to store-bought options.