The Art & Science of Making Yummy Yogurt *
*Note: This is an abbreviated Project Idea, without notes to start your background research, a specific list of materials, or a procedure for how to do the experiment. You can identify abbreviated Project Ideas by the asterisk at the end of the title. If you want a Project Idea with full instructions, please pick one without an asterisk.
Abstract
Yogurt is a very versatile dairy product. It's yummy eaten straight from the container, it is good for your digestive system, and it can be used in several ways for cooking. There is historical evidence that yogurt-making developed 4,500 years ago! Humans depended on yogurt-making as a way to preserve milk. Yogurt is the result of bacterial fermentation of milk. In fermentation, the bacteria consume the milk sugar, lactose, and produce lactic acid. The end-product is a thick, creamy, and tangy food product. But what conditions produce the creamiest yogurt? Is it the temperature at which the yogurt culture is added to the warm milk? Is it the fermentation time or temperature? In this cooking and food science fair project, investigate these factors and see which conditions produce the best yogurt. Instructions on how to make yogurt can be found in the first bibliographic reference. Remember to vary only one condition at a time so you know which condition has the greatest effect on the yogurt.Share your story with Science Buddies!
I Did This Project!
Please log in and let us know how things went.
Last edit date: 2012-12-07
Bibliography
This website gives explicit directions on how to make homemade yogurt.
- Reeps, M. (n.d.). How To Make Your Own Yogurt. Retrieved October 8, 2008, from http://www.makeyourownyogurt.com/yogurt.php?step=0
- Wikipedia Contributors. (2008, October 8). Yoghurt. Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved October 8, 2008, from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Yoghurt&oldid=244002002
Share your story with Science Buddies!
I Did This Project!
Please log in and let us know how things went.
Ask an Expert
The Ask an Expert Forum is intended to be a place where students can go to find answers to science questions that they have been unable to find using other resources. If you have specific questions about your science fair project or science fair, our team of volunteer scientists can help. Our Experts won't do the work for you, but they will make suggestions, offer guidance, and help you troubleshoot.Ask an Expert
Related Links
If you like this project, you might enjoy exploring these related careers:
Food Scientist or Technologist
There is a fraction of the world's population that doesn't have enough to eat or doesn't have access to food that is nutritionally rich. Food scientists or technologists work to find new sources of food that have the right nutrition levels and that are safe for human consumption. In fact, our nation's food supply depends on food scientists and technologists that test and develop foods that meet and exceed government food safety standards. If you are interested in combining biology, chemistry, and the knowledge that you are helping people, then a career as a food scientist or technologist could be a great choice for you! Read more
Microbiologist
Microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, algae, and fungi) are the most common life-forms on Earth. They help us digest nutrients; make foods like yogurt, bread, and olives; and create antibiotics. Some microbes also cause diseases. Microbiologists study the growth, structure, development, and general characteristics of microorganisms to promote health, industry, and a basic understanding of cellular functions. Read more
Food Science Technician
Good taste, texture, quality, and safety are all very important in the food industry. Food science technicians test and catalog the physical and chemical properties of food to help ensure these aspects. Read more
