How Do You Make Buttermilk From Milk?
Buttermilk does not actually contain butter but is the slightly sour liquid left over from the butter-making process. Most buttermilk contains bits of milk fat (or curds) and is slightly thicker than milk but not as heavy as cream. The process of making processed, or cultured, buttermilk is similar to that of yogurt. Lactobaccillus is added to whole sweet milk and allowed to ferment for 12 to 14 hours at low temperature. Salt and butter flecks may be added to the final product for flavor and texture. It is possible to make a buttermilk substitute at home by mixing whole milk and an acid. The acid causes the fat solids in the milk to form curds, similar to buttermilk and this homemade “buttermilk” can be used in place of real buttermilk in recipes. Step 1 Pour milk into a one-cup measuring cup Step 2 Add 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice Step 3 Let stand for five minutes Step 4 Use, as directed, in the recipe of your choice.
