Ayran yoghurt starter culture | for home made Turkish yoghurt

Ayran, a creamy and refreshing yogurt drink, has its roots in Turkey and is beloved across Central Asia and the Balkans. This tangy beverage is traditionally served chilled, often accompanying grilled meats and various other dishes. Whether you’re enjoying it at home or in a restaurant, Ayran is an essential part of Turkish cuisine. Known by different names like doogh, dhallë, or tan in various regions, you can now easily prepare this delightful drink at home using our potent, organic thermophilic starter culture.

What is Ayran?

Ayran’s history dates back to 1000 BC in Central Asia. Over time, it has become Turkey’s national drink, prized for its refreshing and hydrating qualities. To make Ayran, yogurt is typically diluted with an equal amount of water and a pinch of salt is added. This mixture is then served cold, often over ice, creating a cooling beverage that perfectly complements savory foods, especially during hot summer months.

How does Ayran look and taste?

Ayran has a smooth, creamy texture and a pristine white color. Its taste is mildly salty, which enhances its refreshing nature. The consistency lies between yogurt and milk – thinner than yogurt but slightly thicker than milk. Served cold, Ayran has a light, tangy flavor that comes from its yogurt base.

What are the ingredients of Ayran?

Traditional Turkish Ayran (Turkish milk – Turkse melk) is made from just three ingredients: yogurt, water, and salt. Typically, cow’s milk is used for the yogurt, although goat or sheep milk can also be used. You can customize your Ayran by adding ingredients like black pepper, fresh basil, or mint. Some people even use sparkling water for a fizzy twist.

Is Ayran healthy?

Ayran isn’t just refreshing – it’s also packed with nutrients. As a yogurt-based drink, it’s rich in probiotics, essential nutrients, and electrolytes, offering various health benefits. It’s not only a tasty beverage but also supports digestion, hydration, and overall wellness.

What makes Ayran healthy?

1. Probiotics: Ayran is teeming with beneficial bacteria that promote gut health and improve digestion.

2. Electrolytes: The combination of yogurt and water helps replenish the body’s electrolytes, making it ideal for staying hydrated in hot weather.

3. Calcium and Protein: Being a dairy product, Ayran provides essential nutrients like calcium for strong bones and protein for muscle health.

4. Immune Support: Regular consumption of probiotics can boost your immune system. One study even found that daily probiotic intake led to fewer respiratory infections and faster recovery compared to a placebo group.

With these valuable nutrients and probiotics, Ayran makes a great addition to a balanced diet. It provides health benefits while being low in calories and free from artificial additives.

Ayran starter culture: A thermophilic culture [H2]

Our Ayran starter culture is thermophilic, meaning it thrives at higher temperatures, typically between 40-45°C. This specific culture contains unique strains of Streptococcus thermophilus, known for enhancing the smooth texture and tangy flavor of the yogurt. It’s perfect for creating authentic Ayran at home.

Why choose a thermophilic culture?

Thermophilic cultures require a controlled warm environment, usually provided by a yogurt maker or similar apparatus. This ensures that the yogurt develops the desired texture and flavor. Once activated, this dried starter works just like fresh yogurt starter but with the added benefits of a long shelf life and convenience.

What’s included in the Ayran starter culture?

Each pack of our Ayran starter culture contains:

• 2 grams of heirloom thermophilic dry Ayran starter, enough to make up to 30 liters of yogurt.

• Organic ingredients, free from preservatives, artificial colors, and flavors.

• Gluten-free, soy-free, and GMO-free.

• Suitable for Halal and Kosher diets.

• Allergen Information: Contains milk.

This unique and powerful starter culture is perfect for creating consistent, high-quality Ayran every time. The dried form allows for easy storage and transport without compromising the culture’s effectiveness.

How to make Ayran

What you’ll need:

• 1 liter of UHT milk (or fresh milk if available, such as cow, goat, or sheep milk).

• A yogurt maker or a device that can maintain a temperature of 40-45°C.

• Water and a pinch of salt.

• Optional: Black pepper, basil, mint, or sparkling water for added flavor.

Activating the Ayran starter culture:

1. Heat 1 liter of UHT (or pasteurized) milk to around 43°C.

2. Add half the starter (1 gram) to the milk and stir until dissolved. Avoid whisking to prevent air bubbles.

3. Cover the container with a cloth or lid to keep it free from dust.

4. Let the milk ferment at 38-43°C for 5-12 hours.

5. Check the texture periodically, and once it has thickened, let it cool at room temperature for 2 hours.

6. After cooling, refrigerate the yogurt for at least 6 hours before use.

Making Ayran:

1. Take 1 part yogurt and dilute it with 1 part water (or sparkling water for a fizzy variation).

2. Add a pinch of sea salt to taste.

3. Blend the mixture until it has a smooth, consistent texture.

4. Optionally, add ice cubes for a chilled drink.

You can experiment with different flavorings such as basil, mint, or pepper to make a unique version of Ayran suited to your tastes.

Tips for making the best Ayran

• Use Sparkling Water: For a fizzy Ayran, substitute sparkling water for still water when diluting the yogurt.

• Experiment with Milk: Try different milk varieties such as goat or sheep milk for richer flavors.

• Control the Salt: Add salt gradually to achieve the perfect balance.

• Serve Cold: Ayran is best enjoyed chilled, so refrigerate it well before serving.

• Add Herbs and Spices: Customize the flavor with black pepper, fresh basil, or mint for a unique taste.

Storage instructions for Ayran starter culture

Store the Ayran starter culture in a cool, dry place, preferably in the fridge or freezer. To keep the starter’s quality intact, place it in a vacuum-sealed container or a Ziploc bag to prevent moisture exposure. When stored properly, the culture can last for over a year in the freezer, and possibly longer in practice.

Love yogurt?

If you’re a fan of yogurt, be sure to check out our full range of yogurt starters, from traditional Greek yogurt to unique variations like kefir or skyr. Our selection ensures that you can enjoy fresh, homemade yogurt tailored to your taste.

Online Yoghurt making course

In 29 bite sized English spoken video lessons you will learn all about making yoghurt (and other fermented dairy) at home, without the need for special tools, in this online course by the founder of startercultures.eu. You will learn to ferment any yoghurt, promote your probiotics and save money by never having to buy yoghurt again!

Ready to buy Ayran starter culture? Get started with the basic ingredient of Turkish Ayran and bring the authentic taste of Turkish milk to your kitchen today!