what is yogurt

Yogurt, also spelled yoghurt or yoghourt, is a thick, custard- or pudding-like food, made by the natural bacterial fermentation of milk. Many people enjoy it plain or flavored with breakfast, lunch, or as a snack, and it's also an ingredient in a number of other dishes.

The process of making yogurt involves fermenting cream or milk with live and active bacterial cultures; this is accomplished by adding bacteria directly to the dairy product. Commercial varieties are usually made with a culture of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Streptococcus thermophilis, although some manufacturers use Lactobacillus bulgaricus rather than L. acidophilus. Yogurt made at home is usually started by adding a small amount of a commercial product to boiled milk.

In Western cultures, yogurt is enjoyed in a variety of ways, most popularly as a cool dish mixed with fruit. It can be used to make healthy shakes or frozen to eat like ice cream as well. Yogurt can also be used when cooking, in place of milk, sour cream, and even some cheeses. In Middle Eastern cultures, it's frequently served with meat, meat sauces, and vegetables. It can also be mixed with various other sauces or used as a tangy dollop on top of a meal.