Insights on Curd and its Production Process
Most common as well as traditional dairy based product. Curd, locally known as Dahi, is consumed widely all over the world. Curd falls under the category of fermented dairy product, produced from heat treated milk after inoculation with certain Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) in the form of starter culture. Dahi is produced from heat treated milk after inoculation with certain species of lactic acid bacteria added to milk in the form of starter culture. Lactic acid bacteria multiply, grow and produce lactic acid, acetic acid, and carbon dioxide by utilizing available lactose in milk. Some bacteria use citric acid of milk to produce certain volatile organic compounds mainly diacetyl, which is mainly responsible for flavor of Dahi. Judicious combination of acid producing and flavour producing microorganisms in the starter helps in the production of Dahi with a firm body and good flavour. Due to its rich nutritional profile and high consumer demand, it is commercially p...