Yogurt Curd vs. Buttermilk — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Published on December 7, 2023
Yogurt Curd is a thick, fermented milk product, while Buttermilk is the tangy liquid left after churning butter from cream.
Difference Between Yogurt Curd and Buttermilk
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Yogurt Curd is a dairy product obtained by the bacterial fermentation of milk. Its consistency is typically smooth and thick. In contrast, Buttermilk is the liquid that remains after the fat has been separated in the process of churning butter.
While Yogurt Curd can stand alone as a dish or be used in various recipes, Buttermilk is often consumed as a drink or used as an ingredient in baked goods for its acidic properties.
The primary bacteria in Yogurt Curd are Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus, which give it its characteristic texture and taste. On the other hand, Buttermilk today, especially commercially available ones, is cultured with lactic acid bacteria, making it tangy.
The fermentation process of Yogurt Curd makes it probiotic-rich, which is beneficial for gut health. In contrast, Buttermilk possesses a distinct tangy flavor, making it ideal for marinating meats or adding richness to recipes.
Comparison Chart
Nature
Fermented milk product.
Liquid left after churning butter.
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Texture
Thick and smooth.
Thin and liquidy.
Primary Use
Eaten alone or in recipes.
Drank, or used in baking/cooking.
Bacterial Content
Contains probiotic bacteria.
Cultured with lactic acid bacteria.
Taste
Mildly sour, creamy.
Tangy, more acidic than yogurt curd.
Compare with Definitions
Yogurt Curd
A dairy product formed by fermenting milk with bacteria.
She enjoys a bowl of Yogurt Curd with honey every morning.
Buttermilk
The residual liquid from butter-making.
She used Buttermilk to make her pancakes fluffy.
Yogurt Curd
A thick, creamy substance resulting from bacterial activity in milk.
He spread some Yogurt Curd on his toast for breakfast.
Buttermilk
A tangy dairy drink often used in baking.
The secret to his soft biscuits is Buttermilk.
Yogurt Curd
A versatile food item used in various dishes, both savory and sweet.
She made a delicious dip using Yogurt Curd and herbs.
Buttermilk
An acidic milk product aiding in marinating meats.
Marinating chicken in Buttermilk makes it tender.
Yogurt Curd
A calcium-rich dairy item, vital for bone health.
Pediatricians often recommend Yogurt Curd for growing children.
Buttermilk
A fermented drink, popular in various cultures.
In summers, a glass of chilled Buttermilk is refreshing.
Yogurt Curd
A probiotic-rich milk product aiding digestive health.
Consuming Yogurt Curd regularly promotes a healthy gut.
Buttermilk
The liquid, usually either naturally soured or cultured with acid-producing bacteria, that remains after the butterfat has been removed from cream by churning.
Buttermilk
A sour milk made by culturing usually skim milk with acid-producing bacteria.
Buttermilk
The liquid left over after producing butter from full cream milk by the churning process, also called traditional buttermilk.
Buttermilk
Cultured buttermilk, a fermented dairy product produced from cow's milk, with a characteristically sour taste.
Buttermilk
The milk that remains after the butter is separated from the cream.
Buttermilk
Residue from making butter from sour raw milk; or pasteurized milk curdled by adding a culture
Buttermilk
A source of lactic acid, adding richness to dishes.
The cake had a unique tang because of the Buttermilk.
Common Curiosities
Can Yogurt Curd be made at home?
Yes, by introducing a bacterial culture to warm milk and letting it ferment.
Is Yogurt Curd beneficial for digestion?
Yes, the probiotics in Yogurt Curd are beneficial for gut health.
Is Yogurt Curd the same as yogurt?
Yes, in many contexts, Yogurt Curd is simply referred to as yogurt.
What gives Buttermilk its tangy flavor?
The lactic acid bacteria or the natural fermentation from butter-making process.
How long can Buttermilk be stored?
It should be consumed within its expiration date and always kept refrigerated.
Can I use Buttermilk as a substitute for Yogurt Curd in recipes?
While both are tangy, they have different textures, but in some recipes, they can be interchangeable.
Can Buttermilk be consumed directly?
Yes, it is often drunk directly, especially in some cultures.
Can Yogurt Curd be used in desserts?
Absolutely, it's often used in various sweet dishes.
Is Yogurt Curd a good source of calcium?
Yes, it's an excellent source of calcium.
Why is Buttermilk used in baking?
Buttermilk's acidity can react with baking soda, making baked goods light and fluffy.
Is the tanginess in Buttermilk natural?
Originally, it was the natural result of churning, but commercial Buttermilk is often cultured for tanginess.
Which has more fat content, Yogurt Curd or Buttermilk?
Typically, Yogurt Curd has more fat, but it varies based on the milk used.
Does Yogurt Curd always need refrigeration?
To preserve its freshness and prevent spoilage, it's best refrigerated.
Which is thicker in consistency, Yogurt Curd or Buttermilk?
Yogurt Curd is thicker compared to Buttermilk.
Why is Buttermilk sometimes called "cultured"?
Because lactic acid bacteria are introduced to it, making it "cultured".
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
