How to Make Buttermilk from Milk

Buttermilk is a term that was originally used for the leftover liquid, after churning butter out from the milk cream. The term also refers to various fermented drinks made from milk. There are two methods by which it is prepared, namely, the traditional method and the culture method.

It is also called sour milk because of its taste. The sour taste is caused by the acids that are present in it. These acids are actually byproducts of the lactic acid that is present in the milk.

Buttermilk has many uses and benefits. It contains low fat and is rich in calcium, protein and carbohydrates. Cultured buttermilk is very low in fat and calories. Many traditional recipes like pancakes and cakes are incomplete without it. To get all the benefits, we have to first learn how to make it from milk. Enlisted below are some easy methods.

Take a cup of whole milk and add 1 tbsp. of white vinegar into it. Stir it and let it rest for a few minutes. It can be served chilled or at room temperature. You can make it by using lemon juice too. Just replace the white vinegar with 1 tbsp. of lemon juice and follow the same procedure.

This is actually a traditional way of making buttermilk from whole milk. You will need a cup of whole milk and 1 tsp. yogurt. Mildly heat the milk until it gets lukewarm and add the yogurt to it. Stir very well and cover it with a lid. Keep it the same way for 8 - 9 hours, but make sure that you do not place it in the refrigerator.

After around 18 hours, you will see that a new yogurt is formed. Now place this yogurt into a large bowl and beat it with a beater or blend till the density becomes very thin. Your appetizing drink is ready to be served.

This is used for decorating homemade cakes. Heat a small saucepan over medium heat and add 1 stick of butter, ½ cup cocoa, and ⅓ cup of buttermilk. Let it boil. Remove the mixture from the heat and add 1 lb. powdered sugar and 1 cup of chopped pecans (optional) into it. Blend it well and use as desired. You can replace cocoa with vanilla essence as well.

You can use the mentioned methods for making buttermilk from regular, raw and skimmed milk. Drinking it on a regular basis will help to increase your metabolism rate and also keep you healthy.