Would you like Yakult in larger portions? Do you want it to be more or less sweet? Fortunately, it is relatively easy to prepare at home, as all you need is a starter culture with live bacteria and a clean, warm place for it to develop. Follow these steps to enjoy your fermented milk drink, your way.
Ingrediants
- 1 liter / 4 cups of milk without other additions, of any kind.
- One serving (50-100ml) of Yakult or other fermented milk drink.
- Sugar to taste.
Steps
Step 1. Clean all containers and equipment with warm water
This should kill any bacteria that might contaminate the milk.
Step 2. Prepare a warm place for the milk to ferment
- If you use a thermos make sure it is clean.
- If you are using an esky (portable container for keeping food and drinks cool), put enough hot water in it to fill most of the container. If it's not waterproof, simply put a tub or large glass of hot water inside. The water should be warm enough to touch, but not so hot that you can't hold your hand inside for ten seconds.
- If you are using a hot spot it is recommended that you put a sign or note to warn other family members not to move or open the container.
Step 3. Heat the milk until it is steaming, do not let it boil
This is to kill all the bacteria that are already present in the milk.
Step 4. Once it is cool enough to touch the side of the container for ten seconds comfortably, use the funnel to transfer the milk to your container, bottle or thermos
Try not to leave milk on the rim of the container as it can attract unwanted bacteria.
Step 5. Add the fermented milk to the container and close the lid tightly, shake it and place it in the hot spot prepared earlier
Step 6. Leave the milk to incubate for 12-14 hours, try not to disturb it and not open the container yet
The warm and clean conditions should allow the beneficial bacteria to grow and ferment the milk.
Step 7. Open the container after 12-14 hours
Fermented milk should be about the same color as regular milk and be only slightly thicker, it should have a slight yoghurt smell with a smooth, intense and slightly spicy taste.
Step 8. Immediately cool in the refrigerator
Step 9. Add sugar to taste before serving
Two to four teaspoons of sugar per cup is normal.
Step 10. Enjoy it
Advice
- Fresh, powdered, skimmed or whole milk is all right with this method, however milk close to its expiration date or expired can give unsatisfactory results. Products other than dairy products do not work with this method.
- You can use some of your fermented milk to start the next batch, however you can only do this a couple of times before the bacteria start to diminish.
- Use skim milk and artificial sweetener for a healthier version.
- You can refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months.
Warnings
- Handle water and hot milk with caution, adult assistance is recommended with children.
- Good hygiene is important to prevent the wrong bacteria from developing in the milk. Do not drink fermented milk if the smell or appearance does not seem right.
