Dorothy FarrarSour milk
Sour milk , also known as sour or set milk, is, as the name suggests, thicker than whole milk. It also tastes sour because the whole milk has been curdled by the action of bacteria .
Here’s what you should know about sour milk
It is unclear how long the curd has been around. It is known everywhere where cow’s milk is drunk and processed. Sour milk is the result of the decomposition of raw milk by lactic acid bacteria. However, there is a risk that it will also be attacked by bacteria that are harmful to humans.
Therefore, the soured milk is now obtained from pasteurized milk to which certain streptococci cultures are added so that the lactic acid can form. This causes the casein to precipitate, making the milk thicker. Lactic acid is healthy because it supports the bacterial flora in the intestine and the immune system.
While the milk often soured spontaneously in the past because there were enough lactic acid bacteria in the cowshed, nowadays selected strains of bacteria are available for soured milk, but also for yoghurt, kefir , etc., which give the products a specific taste. It takes 15 to 20 hours to obtain curds. This time is necessary so that the high digestibility and the mild, pure taste are achieved.
Ultimately, this sour milk product is curdled milk. It tastes slightly sour and is similar to yoghurt in terms of consistency, although it is a little creamier. The easily digestible sour milk is available all year round and in different fat levels. Since the lactic acid bacteria break down the casein, people who suffer from mild lactose intolerance often tolerate the sour milk without any problems.
importance to health
Basically, sour milk is not a drink, but rather a very healthy food that should be on the menu several times a week. This is especially true for people who have intestinal or digestive problems. These often occur after antibiotic treatment.
The easily digestible sour milk is also ideal for intestinal rehabilitation. The lactic acid bacteria bring the intestinal flora back into balance, which has a very positive effect on digestion. It causes the stool to pass through the intestines faster, which means that toxins are eliminated more quickly. The immune system is also strengthened because the lactic acid prevents unwanted microorganisms from multiplying. The richly contained potassium also strengthens the cardiovascular system.
Contrary to what the name might suggest, sour milk makes you slim, especially if you choose the low-fat version. Rather, the milk owes its name to its firmer consistency. The level of fat determines whether it was made from whole milk, low-fat milk or with additional cream.
Ingredients & nutritional values
Sour milk is high in calcium , vitamins , and protein . Ultimately, it contains the same minerals found in whole milk: calcium, potassium, zinc , iron , sodium , phosphorus , and magnesium . Vitamins include vitamins A , C and B9. The advantage is that the sour milk contains hardly any cholesterol . However, the most important thing that characterizes curds are the lactic acid bacteria.
intolerances
Sour milk is well tolerated, which also applies to people with a sensitive stomach. This is because the lactic acid bacteria break down the casein, which is difficult to digest. At the same time, part of the lactose is broken down, which means that people with lactose intolerance can usually tolerate the sour milk.
Shopping and kitchen tips
Soured milk is available with 10, 3, 5, and 1.5 percent fat. Anyone who pays attention to calories should choose the mild version of low-fat milk with 1.5 percent and also make sure that the sour milk has no added sugar.
The milk is stored in the refrigerator. The cooler the storage temperature, the longer it will last. The product should be consumed within a week. Be careful during thunderstorms or other changes in the weather, because then the sour milk can become bitter.
Preparation tips
Soured milk is a wonderful way to avoid having to throw away milk that has gone slightly sour. It can be used as a refreshing and healthy drink, but it can also be used to prepare sour milk cheese and quark. The curd is also popular in milkshakes and mueslis.
A North German dish is the sour milk together with sugar and crumbled rusks or brown bread. If the taste is too acidic for you, you can basically refine it, for example with sugar or cinnamon .
Together with fruit, it is excellent as a dessert and for baking a cake or tart. Soured milk is a tasty and low-calorie ingredient that contributes significantly to healthy cooking and baking and makes many dishes a treat for the palate.
Hello and welcome to my Health Guide & Encyclopedia! My name is Dorothy Farrar, and I'm the founder and main author of this platform.
My passion for health and wellness started at a young age when I became interested in the connection between the food we eat and the way we feel. This fascination led me to study nutrition and dietetics in college, where I learned about the importance of a balanced diet and the impact of various nutrients on the body.