James Silverton wrote:
>
> Sarah wrote on Thu, 23 Apr 2009 16:12:01 +0100:
>
> > "notbob" > wrote in message
> > ...
> >> On 2009-04-23, Kajikit > wrote:
> >>> (I mentioned that I was making my own yogurt and a friend
> >>> asked how, so I wrote it up...)
> >>
> >> Thanks Kaj. I'm not a big yogurt eater, but saved your
> >> excellent instructions in case I become one.
> >>
> >> nb
>
> > Same here! I like the odd serving of Greek style with lots of honey. I
> > may be tempted to give it a try, just the once, for
> > research and all that! Its great to see how to actually make
> > it at home. I've always thought you needed some expensive
> > yoghurt maker, that would take up all my kitchen space. Thanks
> > again Kaj.
>
> I realise that I don't know a great deal about yoghurt but perhaps the
> experts can answer a few questions.
>
> What is the difference between unflavored Greek and unflavored regular
> yoghurt?


The 'Greek'-style yoghurt is strained, making it thicker. Of course
different cows in Greece, their feed is different and the cultures are
different so the real thing doesn't taste like US supermarket yoghurt.
Was very disappointed to find that the 'Fage' yoghurt sold locally is
made in the US. It tastes like ordinary American yoghurt but thicker.
True Greek yoghurt tastes different. The sheep's milk yoghurt but that
isn't available locally either.

>
> How are those different yoghurts made?

Different cows, feeds and cultures. Plus variations in time and temp of
culture. Lactobacilli aren't all that fussy as long as the milk is warm
enough and they are left alone long enough. But as with sourdough
breads, different results occur in different environments.

> Would Arab and Indian yoghurts be similar to Greek or are they different
> again?

They are different again for the above reasons. The yoghurt (curd)
bought from my local Bengali grocers in London was always *much* more
sour than supermarket yoghurts. Fat content will also differ, resulting
in a different product. And of course sheep and buffalo yoghurts will be
different.

>