Do you know what’s the best way to beat the heat this summer? A refreshing glass of buttermilk!
Not only is it a great thirst quencher, but buttermilk is also packed with numerous health benefits.
In this blog post, I’ll guide you through the process of how to make buttermilk. I’ll also delve into buttermilk benefits that make it a must-have in your daily diet. So, let’s get started!
What is Buttermilk?
Contrary to popular belief, buttermilk is not made from butter. It is a fermented dairy drink produced by adding lactic acid bacteria to milk.
This process thickens the milk and gives it a tangy taste. Traditionally, buttermilk was made by churning butter, which would leave behind a liquid that was then fermented.
However, nowadays, adding a bacterial culture to milk is the typical method of making buttermilk. It is a healthy beverage that may be consumed on its own or used in various recipes.
It is often used in cooking and baking as an ingredient in pancakes, cakes, biscuits, and marinades.
How To Make Buttermilk
Now that you know what buttermilk is, let’s move on to making it. Making buttermilk at home is very easy and requires only two ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup milk (preferably whole milk, but you can also use 2% skim milk)
- 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice
You can use any kind of milk, but for the best results, I suggest using whole milk.
To make buttermilk, follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Fill a measuring cup or bowl halfway with milk.
Step 2: Add the vinegar or lemon juice to the milk and stir until well combined.
Step 3: Let the mixture sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes until it thickens and curdles slightly.
Step 4: Your buttermilk is now ready to use! You can store it in the fridge for up to a week or two.
Buttermilk Benefits: Why You Should Drink It Every Day
Now that you know how to make buttermilk let’s talk about why you should include it in your daily diet.
Here are some of the benefits of buttermilk that will convince you to sip it every day.
- Aids in digestion:
Buttermilk is a natural probiotic that promotes healthy gut bacteria. It contains lactic acid, which helps digest food and prevents constipation.
Additionally, buttermilk contains electrolytes such as potassium, which aids in the maintenance of the digestive system’s pH equilibrium, ensuring smooth digestion.
- Lowers cholesterol:
The most crucial buttermilk benefit among all others is that it helps lowers cholesterol.
Buttermilk is low in fat and high in calcium and potassium, making it an excellent drink for people with high cholesterol levels. It helps reduce LDL cholesterol and improves heart health.
Furthermore, the potassium in buttermilk helps control blood pressure, lowering the risk of heart disease even further.
- Boosts immunity:
Buttermilk contains lactic acid bacteria known for their immune-boosting properties. These bacteria help form white blood cells, which are required for infection resistance.
Drinking buttermilk regularly can also improve the production of antibodies, which help in preventing infections and illnesses.
- Good for skin:
Buttermilk is a rich lactic acid source, a natural exfoliant. It aids in removing dead skin cells and encourages the formation of new cells, resulting in radiant skin.
Additionally, buttermilk also contains vitamins A and D, which are essential for healthy skin.
- Helps in weight loss:
If you’re looking to shed some extra pounds, buttermilk can be your best friend.
It’s low in calories and high in protein, which makes you feel full for longer and reduces your overall calorie intake.
Drinking buttermilk regularly can also boost your metabolism, which helps in burning calories faster.
- Keeps you hydrated:
Buttermilk is also rich in electrolytes, making it a great way to hydrate the body after a workout or on a hot day.
Potassium is an excellent electrolyte present in buttermilk that plays a crucial role in regulating fluid balance.
Why Make Buttermilk at Home?
Firstly, homemade buttermilk is much cheaper than store-bought buttermilk. You can make it with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. All you need is some milk and vinegar or lemon juice.
Secondly, making buttermilk at home allows you to control the ingredients. You may avoid any unnecessary ingredients or preservatives found in store-bought buttermilk. Plus, it tastes much fresher and has a richer, tangier flavor.
How to Make Buttermilk Substitutes
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand or prefer not to use it, there are several substitutes that you can use in your recipes. Here are some of the most popular substitutes for buttermilk:
- Kefir:
Kefir is a fermented milk beverage that resembles yoghurt but has a thinner consistency. It has a tangy flavour and contains probiotics that benefit gut health.
Kefir can also be used as a substitute for buttermilk in recipes. Here’s how to use kefir as a buttermilk substitute:
- Pour one cup of kefir into a measuring cup.
- If the kefir is very thick, thin it out with a little bit of water or milk to get a consistency similar to buttermilk.
- Cream of Tartar:
Another buttermilk substitute less commonly known is cream of tartar. Cream of tartar is an acidic product of winemaking that is commonly used in baking. To use cream of tartar as a buttermilk substitute, follow these steps:
- Combine one cup of milk with one and a half teaspoons of cream of tartar in a mixing bowl.
- Stir the mixture together until the cream of tartar has dissolved completely.
- Let the mixture to settle for about 10 minutes, allowing milk to thicken and curdle slightly.
- The mixture is now ready to be used in place of buttermilk in your recipe.
Conclusion
So there you have it how to make buttermilk at home. Making buttermilk at home is easy, and it comes with a plethora of health benefits.
It’s a great alternative to sugary drinks and a perfect addition to your daily diet. Whether you’re looking to improve your digestion or simply quench your thirst, buttermilk is the answer.
So, go ahead and give it a try, and don’t forget to let me know how you like it.
Also, if you have any questions or suggestions, please drop them in the comments section below.
Stay tuned for the next article, where I’ll be discussing the benefits of yoga for a healthy mind and body. Until then, keep sipping your buttermilk and stay healthy!
