Yogurt

Photo: flickr user citymama

About

Creamy dairy product made from the fermentation of milk with specific bacteria. Often contains live and active cultures which aid in the digestive process. Yogurt is cultured both to extend the shelf life of the milk and for the added health benefits that it is supposed to provide.

Information

Other names: Youghurt, Yoghurt, Yogourt, Plain Yogurt, Yoghourt

Translations: Jogurts, Jogurtas, Iaurt, Jogurt, Da ua, Jogurt, Yoghurt, दही, Iogurte, Йогурт, Γιαούρτι, زبادي, 요구르트, Jogurt, 酸奶, Iogurt, Jogurt, יוגורט, Yoghurt, Јогурт, ヨーグルト, Yaourt, Joghurt, Yoghurt, Yoghurt, Yogur, Йогурт, Jogurtti, Кисело мляко

Physical Description

Smooth and creamy, it ranges in texture from sour cream to creme fraiche. Typically pours like a liquid but certain types of yogurt are slightly more solid.

Colors: White, Light Cream

Tasting Notes

Flavors: Sour, Umami

Mouthfeel: Creamy, Soft, Tart

Food complements: Honey, Fruit, Maple syrup, Lemon, Dill

Beverage complements: Tea, Fresh berry juice, Lemon juice

Substitutes: Sour cream, Creme fraiche, Cream cheese

Selecting and Buying

Choosing: Always look for yogurt with live active cultures.

Preparation and Use

In the west, yogurt is typically served with fruit, granola, or honey. In the middle east and Asia, there is a long tradition of using yogurt in savory applications: as the base for sauces and as an enzymatic marinade to break down tough meat. It is also used as the base for drinks such as kefir, typically sweet and fruit flavored, and the Turkish Ayran, which is usually salted.