Curd is a dairy product made by curdling milk with rennet or and edible acidic substance like lemon juiceor vinegar. Curd is also popularly known as Yoghurt. The liquid portion called whey is drained off. Milk that has been left to sour (raw milk alone or pasteurized milk with added lactic acid bacteria or yeast) will naturally produce curds. The increased acidity causes the milk proteins to tangle into solid masses, or curds.
The rest, which contains only whey proteins, is the whey. In cow's milk, 80% of the proteinsare caseins.Curd products vary by region and include cottage cheese, quark (both curdled by bacteria and sometimes also rennet) and paneer (curdled with lemon juice). The word can also refer to a non-dairy substance of similar appearance or consistency, though in these cases a modifier or the word curdled is generally used (e.g., bean curds, lemon curd, or curdled eggs).
In Asia, a curd is essentially a vegetarian preparation using yeast to ferment the milk. In few places of Indian subcontinent, particularly in North India, buffalo milk is used for curd due to its higher fat content, making a thicker curd. The quality of curds depends on the starter used. The time taken to curdle also varies with the seasons, taking less than 6 hours in hot weather and up to 16 hours in cold weather. In the industry, an optimal temperature of 43 °C for 4–6 hours is used for preparation. In India, the word curd is frequently used to mean yoghurt. In South India, the meal would end with curd orbuttermilk.
Curdis a major ingredient of the traditional baked cheesecakes called Ostkaka (with egg, flour, almonds), which is eaten with jam and cream in Sweden. To prepare the curd heat milk and cool to 120 Fahrenheit. Add little curd sample and set for 3 hours and place it in the fridge once set. This would help in making the curd thick. To prepare making of curd watch out the video at:
Curd or yogurt is esteemed for its smoothness, pleasant and refreshing taste. It is highly versatile and health-promoting and one of the most valuable therapeutic foods. Curd is a very nourishing food. It is a valuable source of protein, essential vitamins and minerals. It is also a rich source of calcium and riboflavin.
The proteins in curd are more readily digested than the protein in milk. It has been estimated that regular milk is only 32% digested after an hour in the digestive tract, whereas 91% of curd is digested within the same period of time. It is, therefore, an ideal diet for those with sensitive digestive systems, particularly young children and elderly persons.
In the process of making curd, bacteria convert milk into curd and predigest milk protein. These bacteria then inhibit the growth of hostile or illness-causing bacteria inside the intestinal tract and promote beneficial bacteria needed for digestion. These friendly bacteria facilitate the absorption of minerals and aid in the synthesis of vitamins of B group.
Buttermilk, which has same nutritive and curative value as curd, is prepared by churning curd and adding some water, removing the fat in the form of butter. Curd is also considered one of the best aids to natural good looks. It supplies the nerves and the skin with healthy ingredients and counteracts the ill-effects of exposure to the scorching sun.
The bacteria in curd make the skin soft and glowing. Curdis also considered valuable in conditioning the hair. Apart from the lactic acid organisms placed in the milk for the purpose of souring it, the acid of sour milk and its lactose content are important curative factors in a number of diseases.Curd brings relief to patients suffering from gastro-intestinal disorders such as chronic constipation and diarrhoea. Besides aiding in the digestion of food, curd decreases dryness and gas in the stomach by helping in secretion of hydrochloric acid, pepsin and renin.
Excessive liberation of ammonia, which is one of the major causes of coma in hepatitis, can be prevented by liberal use of curd. The lectic acid organisms in the curd counter act the formation of ammonia. In jaundice, curd or buttermilksweetened with honey, makes an ideal diet. Having buttermilkprepared out of curd after the meals proves beneficial for digestion of food. If you find difficult to consume curd regularly you can have it occasionally in form of the Indian preparations like lassi, shrikhand, piyush etc.
You can add few pieces of mango or strawberry to the curd and grind it. A fruity drink is ready for you! Have it in form of curry by adding some coriander leaves, turmeric powder, chilly powder, ginger and garlic. Even adding a little sugar makes curd taste good. Curd can also be used in vegetable salads. Curd rice is having a special place in most of the children’s menu due to its creamy texture.