The History of Buttermilk
Buttermilk has long been used in a variety of recipes. Not only does it add moisture and flavor, it contributes to the science of a recipe. Does this Spark an idea?
-
Ancient History
-
Buttermilk is known to have been used by the ancient Hindus up to 5,000 years ago. At that time, butter was so precious that it was used as currency. Buttermilk, in turn, was quite valued.
Homemade Buttermilk
-
Buttermilk used to be created from the leftover bits of butter and liquid in a churn after the butter was made. Nothing went to waste and the extra liquid was left to set up with natural bacteria and thicken. It was then used in baked goods and also as a drink.
-
Manufactured Buttermilk
-
Buttermilk was made at home or on the farm by individual families for their own personal use until the 1920s. At that time, the dairy business was growing and modernizing, causing a change in making of butter. Once butter could be mass produced by machines, the buttermilk was often discarded instead of being saved for personal use. It was not until the 1940s, that buttermilk was again saved and used in baked goods and drinking.
Buttermilk Today
-
Today, buttermilk is made completely differently than in the past. Buttermilk is now made from skim milk and a lactic acid bacteria is added to the milk so it will thicken and acquire a tangy flavor. The milk is then allowed to sit for 12 to 14 hours and ferment. The buttermilk in stores today is called "Cultured Buttermilk" because the cultured bacteria "sours" the milk giving it the taste, texture and smell the homemade buttermilk had.
The Meaning Behind the Name
-
Buttermilk is often thought to contain a large amount of butter because of its name. However, the name actually comes from its homemade production. Originally, butter was churned at home and while being churned, liquid would collect. The liquid was called butter-milk because it was the milk from the butter. Flecks of butter could possibly remain in the liquid as well, but they were not an original part of the recipe for buttermilk.
-
