All about Curd, Yogurt and Probiotic

March is to end soon and sun has already started to char all the water in our bodies. We tend to feel thirstier during summers and we should keep ourselves well hydrated during this season. Natural coolants are the best remedy for a healthy living. Yogurt is one such dairy product that is used in multiple ways to help lower our body temperature.

I shall be sharing with you a variety of Raita recipes that can be consumed during summers. So, at Pooja’s Culinary Creations you will be celebrating April 2018 as Raita Special Month.

As almost everyone reading this even I was under a notion that curd and yogurt are different names for same thing. Curd being Indian name and Yogurt more trendy and cool name adopted from the west.   But that’s not true. So, read on and break your myth today.

What is Curd?

Curd is a dairy product obtained by coagulating milk in a process called curdling. Enzymes, edible acidic substances such as lemon juice or vinegar are added to milk and then allowed it to coagulate. Addition of lactic acid bacteria also helps in making of curd. On curdling the protein in the milk comes together forming curd which is strained and used to make paneer or cheese. The residual liquid is generally discarded.

What is Yogurt?

Yogurt is the actual dahi that we eat at home. In this process milk is boiled to kill all the harmful bacteria in it and then cooled down to 30C -40C and yogurt culture is added to it. It is kept in a warm place to turn into yogurt which might take a few hours. Addition of two bacteria i.e. Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus helps in formation of yogurt. Yogurt is very healthy for our gut and daily consumption of yoghurt is widely recommended.

What is Probiotic?

Probiotics refers to microorganisms that are claimed to provide health benefits when consumed in specific quantities. Probiotic literally means, fit for life. For any product to be called probiotic, the product must contain a specific strain of live bacteria that are resistant to gastric acid, bile and pancreatic juices and reaches the intestines alive to give the correct health benefit. Hence, any product that is probiotic is a standardised product.

I hope my analysis of curd, yogurt and probiotic would be helpful to you. See you all soon with different Raita recipes in the coming month.

Till then,

Stay Happy Stay Healthy!