Yogurt Starter Recipe | How To Make Yogurt Culture At Home - Cultures For Health (2024)

Making yogurt at home for you and your family is fun,easy and can save you a lot of money in the long run!To make yogurt at home, all you needis bacteria (also known as ayogurt starter culture)and milk.

Even better, yogurt making does not require any specialized equipment. (If just starting out making yogurt, thisbasic supply listcan be helpful.)

Like most people, you're probably looking for a healthier way to start your day. And what could be more beneficial than making your yogurt at home? It's easy, affordable, and a great way to get your daily probiotics. Download our Yogurt Guide and Recipe Book today and start making healthy and delicious yogurt recipes at home.

1. CHOOSE A YOGURT STARTER AND MILK

You have several optionswhen itcomes to selecting ayogurt starter culture and type of milkto use to make yogurt at home. While the basic process for making yogurt at home is the same for all types of yogurt starters and milk(simply add the bacteria to the milk and let it culture) there are some nuances to using different yogurt starters and milk.

Whenchoosing the best yogurt starter, consider how each type works, and choose the one that best fits your lifestyle. Some starter cultures are direct-set or single-use, meaning each packet of starter will make one batch of yogurt. Other starter cultures are heirloom yogurt starter or reusable, meaning that you can make yogurt over and over again by using a bit of yogurt from your previous batch as a starter.

Whenchoosing milk formaking yogurt, take into consideration how the milk will interact with the yogurt starter culture and affect the yogurt's final thickness and texture.For non-dairy milks you will need to use aVegan Starter Culture(or aVegan Yogurt Starter Kit).

2. PREPARE THE MILK FOR MAKING YOGURT

Depending on the yogurt starter culture you select, you may need toapply heat to your milkto prepare it for culturing. The procedure for culturing a batch ofmesophilic yogurtwith pasteurized milkdoes not require any heat, but forpasteurized thermophilic yogurt, the milk must beheated to 160º F, thencooled to a culturing temperature of 110º F, before adding the yogurt starter culture.

Tomake raw milk yogurt, with any type of culture, there are special considerations, and an extra step may be required.

3. INOCULATE THE MILK

Using thecorrect proportion of culture to milkis important. The proper amount of milk will provide anutritious environmentfor the bacteria to culture and thicken the milk properly. For best results, follow the instructions included with youryogurt starter cultureor one of ourYogurt MakingHow-To Videosbelow.

Instructions & How-to Videos forCulturing Yogurt at Home

4. LET THE MILK CULTURE

As yogurt cultures, its temperature shouldremain fairly constant, and the yogurt should not be disturbed.

• Forthermophilic yogurt starters (Greek Yogurt Culture,Bulgarian, Traditional Flavor, Mild Flavor, and Vegan), maintain a temperature of105-112º F. You will need ayogurt makeror similar appliance to control the temperature.
• Formesophilicyogurt starters (Viili, Filmjölk, Matsoni Yogurt, andPiimä), maintain a temperature of70-77º F. You can culture these yogurts right on your counter top.

Keeping a Consistent Temperature

How Long to Let Your Yogurt Culture

Natural Separation During the Yogurt Culturing Process

Toward the limit of culturing time, the yogurt may begin to separate intosolid (curds)andliquid (whey). The whey is quite nutritious and can bestrained offto use in cooking or culturing, or it can be stirred back into the yogurt.

Separationis usually the result of yogurt'sculturing either too longortoo fast. Once yogurt begins to separate, it is not long before the bacteria will begin to die off so be sure to keep an eye on your yogurt as it cultures.

5. REFRIGERATE YOUR HOMEMADE YOGURT

Thermophilic yogurt requires a2-hour cooling-off periodto help ease the transition between culturing temperature and refrigerator temperature.

HOW TO MAKE THICKER HOMEMADE YOGURT

Download our Yogurt Guide and Recipe Book today to make your delicious yogurt recipes at home!

WHAT'S NEXT?

Now that you know more about making yogurt at home, make sure you have all the supplies you need and grab a yogurt starter culture. With our How-To Videos and collection of expert advice on culturing yogurt, you'll be on your way to delicious homemade yogurt in no time.

You Can Do This. Happy Yogurt Making!

Ready to Learn More?

• Yogurt FAQ
• Choosing a Yogurt Starter