What is Buttermilk?

What is Buttermilk?  Does buttermilk contain butter?

You might be surprised to learn there is no butter 

in the buttermilk, and it is lower in fat than sweet milk. Old-fashioned homemade buttermilk is the slightly sour, residual liquid which remains after butter is churned,

milk from the butter or buttermilk.

Buttermilk refers to a number of dairy drinks.

Originally, buttermilk was the liquid left behind after

churning butter out of cream. In other words it is a 

slightly sour liquid left after butter has been churned,

used in baking or consumed as a drink.

The flavor of buttermilk is reminiscent of yogurt.

The buttermilk is known as 'Chaas'  is a salted 

drink like lassi;but  chaas contains more water

than lassi and has the butterfat removed, so its 

consistency is not as thick as lassi. Salt and cumin 

seedsare normally added for taste and sometimes

even fresh coriander.

Fresh ground ginger & green chillies may also

be added as seasoning.

Chaas is popular in  the Indian Punjab regions 

and in the Indian states of  Gujarat and Rajasthan,

where it is drunk with the main meal..

It is known to aid digestion and is an excellent 

coolant in the  Indian summers.  

Buttermilk is lower in fat than regular milk, 

because the fat has been removed to make butter

It is also high in potassium, vitamin B12, calcium,

and riboflavin as well as a good source of phosphorus.

Those with digestive problems are often advised to

drink buttermilk rather than milk, as it is more 

quickly digested. Buttermilk has more lactic acid

than skim milk.

Irish folklore claims a glass of buttermilk will

cure a hangover, and whenheated with a clove

of garlic, it was sure to cure any variety of ailments.

A HEALTHY TIP...

Curds and buttermilk can be used as electrolytes during diarrhoea.

Probiotics present in curds can facilitate faster recovery.

Lassi is a popular and traditional Punjabi yogurt-based 

drink of India .It is made by blending yogurt with water 

or milk and Indian spices. A traditional ' lassi ' is a savory

drink sometimes flavored with ground roasted cumin, 

while sweet lassi on the other hand is blended with sugar

or fruits instead of spices.