Andy Montoya
Yogurt is a popular dairy product consumed by many, but what happens when it starts to taste like cheese? This peculiar phenomenon has sparked curiosity and confusion among those who encounter it. Some brave souls experiment with homemade yogurt, only to find themselves with a batch that smells yogurty but has a mysterious mild cheesy taste. Could it be a result of using milk that was too warm when the starter was added? Or perhaps there's another explanation for this strange flavor transformation. This topic delves into the intriguing world of fermentation, where the line between yogurt and cheese seems blurrier than we thought.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Yogurt tasting like cheese | Possible |
| Cause | Lactic acid from yogurt reacting with too-warm milk |
| Result | Half-cheese, half-yogurt with a cheesy taste and yogurty smell |
| Edibility | Likely safe to eat |
| Solution | Straining the mixture to make a soft cheese |
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What You'll Learn
Why does homemade yogurt sometimes taste like cheese?
Homemade yogurt may sometimes taste like cheese due to the milk being too warm when the starter culture is added. The lactic acid from the yogurt added to too-warm milk causes some curdling, which can result in a half-cheese, half-yogurt concoction that tastes like cheese and smells like yogurt. This can be corrected by cooling the milk before adding the starter.
In some cases, the yogurt may have a mild cheesy taste with small curd lumps, but it is still edible. This yogurt can be strained and used like cheese. The addition of salt can also help to improve the taste.
Some brands of plain Greek yogurt, such as Kirkland, have been noted to have a strong smell and taste resembling blue cheese or rancid milk. This may be due to the brand or the individual batch. Other brands, like Fage and Cabot, are known to have a milder flavor.
To mask the cheesy taste or smell of yogurt, it can be used in various recipes, such as dips, sauces, breads, muffins, or pancakes. Adding flavorings like honey, vanilla extract, cinnamon, or fruit can also help to enhance the flavor and make it more palatable.
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Can yogurt be strained and used like cheese?
Yogurt can be strained and used in a similar way to cheese. The process of straining yogurt involves removing most of its whey, resulting in a thicker consistency than unstrained yogurt. The length of time it is strained for will determine how thick it becomes. Strained yogurt is often used as a base for dips and sauces, and can be used in cooking as it curdles less readily when cooked.
Strained yogurt is used in a variety of dishes around the world. In Greece, strained yogurt is used as the base for tzatziki dip, and in Turkey, it is used in mezzes and dips such as haydari. In Egypt, strained yogurt is eaten with savory foods such as olives and oil, or with a sweetener such as honey. In Iran, strained yogurt is used for making dips or served as a side dish. In Europe, strained yogurt is used in salads and dressings, and in India, it is used in curries. Strained yogurt is also widely consumed in Levantine, Eastern Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Central Asian, and Eastern European cuisines.
To strain yogurt, a funnel or strainer, cheesecloth, or coffee filters are needed, as well as a cup or bowl to catch the liquid. The yogurt is then spooned into the filter or cheesecloth and left to drain in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours, and up to 24 hours. The longer it is left, the thicker it will become. The resulting strained yogurt, or "yogurt cheese," can be used in lieu of fresh cheese in salads, dips, and pizzas, or spread on crackers or flatbreads. It can also be used as a side to spicy and heavy foods, such as chicken wings, ribs, or curries.
It is worth noting that some people have reported that their homemade yogurt has taken on a slightly cheesy taste. This could be due to the lactic acid from the yogurt reacting with too-warm milk, causing some curdling. This yogurt can also be strained and used like cheese.
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Why does Greek yogurt sometimes smell like cheese?
Greek yogurt is known for its thick, creamy texture and tangy taste. However, some people have reported that their Greek yogurt sometimes emits a cheesy smell. So, why does this happen?
There could be several reasons for this unusual aroma. One possible explanation is that the yogurt has been over-fermented, leading to the growth of undesirable bacteria. This can occur if the yogurt is left unrefrigerated for an extended period, usually several days. The bacteria will create a yellowish film on the surface of the yogurt, which can be challenging to identify, especially if the yogurt already has a thick consistency.
Another factor could be the quality of the milk used to make the yogurt. If the milk is close to spoiling, even before it is turned into yogurt, it can contribute to an off-putting smell. Additionally, the process of making yogurt at home may impact the final product's scent. For instance, if the milk is not heated to a high enough temperature before adding the starter culture, it can result in the growth of unwanted bacteria, causing the yogurt to smell and taste cheesy.
The brand of Greek yogurt may also be a factor, as some brands are known to have a stronger smell than others. For example, some consumers have reported that the Kirkland brand of Greek yogurt has a particularly strong odour, resembling blue cheese or rancid milk. On the other hand, brands like Fage and Wegmans are reported to have a less offensive aroma.
It is important to note that the sense of smell is highly subjective, and some individuals may be more sensitive to certain odours than others. Additionally, factors such as changes in hormonal birth control or pregnancy can also influence the sense of smell, causing everyday foods like Greek yogurt to take on a strange odour.
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What are some ways to mask the smell of yogurt?
There are several ways to mask the smell of yogurt, especially if it has a particularly strong, cheesy odour. One way is to use the yogurt in cooking, where the smell will be less noticeable due to the presence of other, stronger-smelling ingredients. For example, yogurt can be used in place of sour cream in dips and sauces, such as a Greek yogurt French onion dip, or with lime juice/zest and cilantro to accompany tacos or Tex-Mex food. It can also be used in baking, such as in quick breads, muffins, or pancakes, where the smell will be disguised by other ingredients and flavours.
Another way to mask the smell of yogurt is to add flavourings and other ingredients to the yogurt itself. For example, honey, vanilla extract, and cinnamon can be added for a sweeter-smelling and tasting yogurt, or citrus zest, freeze-dried fruit powder, fruit purees, or espresso for a more tangy, fruity aroma. These additions will not only help to cover up the smell of the yogurt but also provide a more pleasant flavour.
In some cases, the strong smell of yogurt may be due to the brand or type of yogurt. For example, some people have reported that the Kirkland brand of Greek yogurt has a particularly strong odour, resembling blue cheese or rancid milk. Switching to a different brand, such as Fage or Cabot, may help to alleviate the issue.
Finally, it is worth noting that the smell of yogurt, especially when it is plain and unsweetened, may be off-putting to some people, but it is not necessarily an indication of spoilage or that the yogurt is unsafe to eat. In fact, the lactic acid in yogurt can cause curdling when added to warm milk, resulting in a half-cheese, half-yogurt substance that tastes like cheese and smells like yogurt. This can be strained to create a soft cheese similar to unaged ricotta salata.
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What are some yogurt brands that don't smell like cheese?
It is possible for yogurt to take on a cheesy taste and smell, especially if the milk used is too warm when the starter culture is added. This causes curdling, resulting in a product that is half-cheese, half-yogurt.
Some yogurt brands are more prone to this than others, with some consumers noting a cheesy smell in Chobani and Kirkland yogurts. One consumer also noted that the Whole Foods brand was not as good as others, although this was not confirmed to be due to a cheesy smell.
If you are looking for yogurts that don't smell like cheese, Fage, Cabot, and Wegmans are recommended by consumers who have had negative experiences with other brands. Fage, in particular, has a rich and creamy texture and is considered by some to be what Greek yogurt should taste like. Cabot's vanilla yogurt is also highly regarded, with a thick and creamy texture.
Other brands that have been taste-tested and reviewed include Dannon, Oikos Triple Zero, and Yoplait. While these brands may not have a cheesy smell, they have been criticized for being too sweet, with Yoplait's French Vanilla flavor being described as "nauseatingly sweet."
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Frequently asked questions
The lactic acid from the yogurt added to too-warm milk can cause curdling, resulting in a half-cheese, half-yogurt concoction that tastes like cheese and smells like yogurt.
You can try to strain it for a soft cheese, similar to unaged ricotta salata, and add some salt. Alternatively, you can add flavourings like honey, vanilla extract, or cinnamon to mask the cheesy taste.
Yes, it is recommended to cool the milk before adding the starter to prevent the yogurt from tasting and smelling like cheese.
