Can I Make Yogurt at Home Using Any Purchased Yogurt as Jaman?

The simple answer is yes, you can use any purchased yogurt as a starter (jaman) to make yogurt at home, as long as it contains live cultures. However, understanding the science of yogurt making can help you achieve a better quality home-made yogurt.

Understanding the Starter (Jaman)

A starter (jaman) is essentially a mixture of active live cells, specifically cultures of two yogurt bacteria:

Lactobacillus bulgaricus Streptococcus thermophilus

For the best results, ensure that your jaman is fairly fresh. The live cells should be in a metabolically active state, and they should be in the proper proportion. An old jaman might not have these cells in desirable conditions or may have contaminating bacterial cells.

Ingredients and Preparation

The next step is to have the right ingredients and prepare them properly:

Milk: Use fresh milk, and if using raw milk, boil it to kill off most of the bacteria. Cooling Milk: After boiling, cool the milk to around 40 to 44°C to bring it to a warm state. This can be done by placing the pan in warm or cold water in the sink. Active Live Cultures: Choose a purchased yogurt that mentions 'active live cultures' on the pack. This ensures you have the necessary yogurt bacteria.

For every liter of milk, you would typically need about one ounce of the purchased yogurt as the starter (jaman). Mix it thoroughly with a clean spoon that has been pre-heated in hot water.

The Incubation Process

Next, cover the milk and let it sit in warm water around 44°C. This process is called incubation. During this time, the cultures will multiply and metabolize the lactose in the milk, producing lactic acid. This lactic acid lowers the pH, causing the milk to coagulate and form good-quality yogurt.

Special Tips for No Jaman?

If you don't have a jaman, you can also use pepper stems to make homemade curd. This is a traditional method used in certain parts of the world, and it can produce a similar result to using a jaman.

Using a purchased yogurt as a starter is a practical way to make yogurt at home, especially for beginners. With the right ingredients and conditions, you can achieve a homemade yogurt that is as good as store-bought.

Conclusion: Whether you use a purchased yogurt as a jaman or explore alternative methods like using pepper stems, making yogurt at home can be a rewarding and delicious experience.