5 ways to keep yogurt fresh at home

From ancient times yogurt symbolizes strength and prosperity. It is a widely renowned kitchen staple. This great source of protein goes through a process cycle to gain the ideal consistency. Yogurt has been a popular choice among Turkish shepherds since 3000 BCE.

Consuming a fresh bowl of yogurt will bolster your metabolism and core strength. Keeping the yogurt fresh is a challenge. Here are 10 effective ways to keep your yogurt thick, creamy, and avoid expired yogurt for a longer period.

Refrigerate as required

If you are preparing yogurt at home, always make sure to keep a close track of everything. The good frosting is important for a creamy consistency. While performing yogurt culture, make sure to add elements after the milk comes to a warmer state.

Here are some key tips:

● Do not put the yogurt directly in refrigeration. Keep the milk solution at the normal temperature for a while before frosting.
● Refrigerate packaged yogurt after purchase. Maintain the ideal temperature for keeping it creamy.
● Yogurt tastes better later, only if it is homemade. Packaged yogurt includes preservatives, so consuming it before the expiry date is more healthy.
● Do not add leftover yogurt in the refrigerated yogurt container, as it will spoil the taste and state of the remaining yogurt.
● Do not freeze it. Keep the yogurt in the new box section for a creamy top.

No cross-contamination

Watch out the cutlery while consuming it. Dirty spoons can lead to cross-contamination. Make sure to keep the yogurt in a cool and dry place; do not place it under direct sunlight. While preparing yogurt, make sure to use clean apparatus. As yogurt is a source full of good bacteria, cross-contamination happens quickly. So, here are some tips to save you from cross-contaminated and expired yogurt.

● Do not store it near uncovered raw or cooked meat. Raw meat can contaminate the yogurt in no time. Make sure to refrigerate covered food. Use durable containers for storing.
● Do not scoop yogurt from a used spoon; instead, use a fresh spoon to avoid cross-contamination and expired yogurt.
● Replace regular containers with airtight ones. The airtight container does not let external bacteria to spoil the natural state of yogurt.

Frosting

Frosted eatables are always a big no, but adding it as an ingredient can bake some delicious meals. Frozen yogurt often turns watery, and this texture is best for baking cakes. For baking an eggless cake, yogurt is the best alternative. It makes the cake batter smooth and creamy.

You can even store a bowl of yogurt up-to a month. Store the yogurt in a sealed container and use a clean spoon for scooping.

How to freeze yogurt for a long duration?

According to the United States Department of Agriculture, yogurt stays fresh if stored at zero degrees F. You can store the yogurt at your convenience. A sealed container is always best, but an open container is also preferable.

● Freeze yogurt in an ice maker for two nights and then transfer them to a ziplock bag. Keep the zip lock bag at zero degrees for preserving it for more than a month.

● Stick label maker in the zip lock bags mentioning it's manufacturing and expiry date. It is the best way to track expired yogurt.

● To store a packaged yogurt, use the top aluminum foil to reseal it. It helps to maintain the taste and texture of the yogurt.

Yogurt culture

Homemade yogurts are inexpensive and best but require a lot of time and
attention. Maintaining a yogurt culture is challenging. Earlier yogurt culture was a household chore for rural people. In Asian countries like India and Bangladesh, yogurt is a marinating sauce for cooking meat and other delicacies. For good yogurt culture, all you need to do is to follow the preparation tricks.

● Keep the seed culture in a separate container. Prepare the next batch of yogurt, keep a small amount of yogurt in a different container, and store it in the refrigerator.

● The good bacterias grow exponentially at room temperature. So, keep the yogurt in your kitchen for more than an hour before refrigerating it.

● If you are using an old batch of yogurt seeds, keep a close eye on the yogurt. If you see any change in the texture or color, discard it immediately.

Refrain from storing yogurt in the fridge doors

To keep your yogurt fresh and smooth, store it in the back of the refrigerator.
Most of the people store yogurt on the door shelves. The fridge doors are a bit warmer than the backside, so it is advised to store yogurt in the freezer or fresh zone.
Storing it near other edibles can change its taste and smell. So, avoid preserving yogurt in the fridge doors.

How to know if the yogurt is fit to use or not?

Do not panic if your yogurt has a thin layer of water on the top. It is just whey. The separation of whey is a natural process and does not hamper the yogurt’s taste and texture. However, there are numerous signs to check the usability quotient of yogurt.

● Check the expiration date if bought from a store. Consuming the yogurt on the date of expiration is considered healthy. Make sure to buy recently manufactured yogurts from the store.
● Do not buy a yogurt can with a broken seal or container. Make sure to check the yogurt container twice before use.
● If you can see a color transformation or sense a foul odor, discard it. Sometimes expired yogurt also has a green slime at the top.
● The stale and sour smell is an indication of expired yogurt. Sniff the stored yogurt before consumption.
● You can even take a taste test. If the yogurt tastes extra sour, then it passed the expiration date.

Conclusion

An average serving of yogurt can fulfill half of the body protein requirement. Expired yogurt is not fit for direct consumption. However, it is used in some
delicacies for its rich and smooth texture. Devour fresh or well-stored yogurt to keep yourself healthy.

from Indian Vegetarian Recipes by Siddhi – Quick Recipes & Cooking Ideas https://ift.tt/3jbZ6gD