Can You Culture Plain Yogurt at Home Using Store Bought Plain Yogurt Without Adding Anything Else?
Short answer: Yes, you can culture plain yogurt at home using store-bought plain yogurt, but there are some caveats to consider. In fact, I have successfully experimented with this method myself, and it has worked just fine for me. Below, I'll explain my process, the science behind it, and provide tips to ensure success.
My Experience
For the past seven years, I have been making my own yogurt almost daily. My secret? Using a spoonful of store-bought plain yogurt as the starter for the next batch. While it works, there are a few things you should keep in mind when using store-bought yogurt as a starter.
Live Yeast in Store-Bought Yogurt
My initial caution is that many commercial yogurt manufacturers pasteurize their products to kill off all live yeast and bacteria. This means that when you buy regular store-bought yogurt, the live cultures are likely gone. However, there is a solution: look for yogurt labeled 'Live culture.' These contain the active cultures needed to ferment milk into yogurt. You can find these in health food stores or grocery stores that cater to specific dietary needs.
Homemade Yogurt Method
If you plan to produce your own yogurt frequently, the best approach is to make your own starter and keep it refrigerated. This starter can be used in future batches. Here's how:
Ingredients and Tools Needed
High-quality milk (whole, 2%, or skim) Live yogurt starter from a health food store or dairy culture supplier A small-animal heating pad (available at pet stores or online) Washcloths or blankets to insulate the jarStep-by-Step Guide
1. Choose the Right Milk: Use a high-quality milk of your choice (whole, 2%, or skim). This will provide the best base for your yogurt.
2. Acquire a Starter: Get a live yogurt starter from a health food store or a dairy culture supplier.
3. Prepare the Yogurt: Place the milk in a sterile container and add a small amount of your starter culture. Mix well.
4. Heat the Mixture: Heat the milk mixture to around 180°F (82°C) to kill any unwanted bacteria. Then let it cool to about 110°F (43°C).
5. Strengthen the Culture: Let the mixture sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes to allow the starter to begin the fermentation process.
6. Culture the Yogurt: Pour the mixture into a sterilized jar and place it on a small-animal heating pad. Wrap the jar in a towel or blanket to keep it insulated. Let it sit overnight (12-14 hours).
7. Enjoy Your Yogurt: Once it has thickened, it's ready to be eaten or stored in the refrigerator.
Additional Tips
Quality Matters: Choosing high-quality milk and a good live culture starter will significantly improve your results. Temperature Control: Maintaining the correct temperature (110°F/43°C) is crucial to ensure the yogurt culture thrives. Reusing Starter: Use a small portion of the final yogurt as the starter for the next batch.Conclusion
Yes, you can culture plain yogurt at home using store-bought plain yogurt, but it's not foolproof. The best approach is to either use a live culture yogurt starter or to learn the science of yogurt making and invest in a dairy culture starter. Whether you're a seasoned yogurt maker or just starting out, this method can be a rewarding way to enjoy fresh, homemade yogurt regularity.