Taste Method
I taste the yogurt to know when the yogurt is done if especially if something looks different about my batch.
Underdone yogurt will have a taste of “raw milk”.
Done is silky, cultured and smooth.
* It is much like a custard and needs to have the center set without the sides getting too hard. This can be done with a shape (like tall/thin and slender) so there isn't too much in the middle to get stalled.
* Gradually the raw milk is overcome by the cultured taste. This is the peak of excellence where the culturing should stop and it should be refrigerated.
Overdone yogurt, turns a bit sour as the yeast begins to over-grow. Use less time next time.
Think of it as a bell curve…
The first line is under done
The top of the bell curve is done
The third line is over done.
Under Done Over
Find the perfection by tasting it. Write down your culture time and temperature for next time.
Adjust the temperature and or time for
* outside ambient temperature
* volume of yogurt being cultured
* Seasonal temperatures
Intermediate Protocol
Ready to try something else?
A very nice “intermediate” method for a batch is to let the yogurt “culture” for 93 degrees till done at 12 hours.
Then unplug or discontinue the heat and let it slowly cool down for about 4 hours before being refrigerated.
The cultures don’t all do best at the same heat. This lets all the cultures have fun and come to fruition.
If the idea stresses you, stay with the beginners until you want more.
Write again for the advanced protocol when you feel ready.
Hey there, yogurt enthusiasts!
One of the most common questions among homemade yogurt makers is: "How do you know when your yogurt is done?" While there are various methods and indicators, one surefire way to determine the readiness of your yogurt is through taste.
When you're making yogurt at home, especially if you're experimenting with different cultures or milk types, it's crucial to rely on your taste buds to gauge its readiness. Here's a simple guide to help you determine when your yogurt is perfectly done:
Consistency Check: The texture of yogurt can give you significant clues about its readiness. Ideally, your yogurt should have a smooth, creamy consistency. It should neither be too runny nor too thick. Think of it like the perfect al dente pasta - firm yet yielding to the bite.
Tanginess Test: One of the key indicators of fully fermented yogurt is its tanginess. As the bacteria in the yogurt culture consume the lactose in the milk, they produce lactic acid, which gives yogurt its characteristic tangy flavor. Taste a small spoonful of your yogurt to gauge its level of tanginess. If it has a pleasant, slightly tangy flavor, it's likely done. However, if it tastes overly sweet or lacks tanginess, it may need more time to ferment, just like how pasta sauce needs time to simmer and develop its flavors.
Clean Finish: When you taste your yogurt, pay attention to any off-flavors or unusual aftertastes. Fully fermented yogurt should have a clean, refreshing finish, with no lingering sourness or unpleasant flavors. If you detect any off-notes, it may indicate that your yogurt needs more time to ferment or that there's an issue with your culturing process.
Remember, making yogurt is as much of an art as it is a science. Don't be afraid to trust your instincts and adjust your process based on your taste preferences. And just like mastering the perfect باستا dish, practice makes perfect when it comes to making delicious homemade yogurt.
Happy yogurt-making, and may your culinary adventures be as fulfilling as a hearty bowl of pasta!