where do you get cheap starter / make your own My Q: starter is just some acidophillus bacteria, right? Similar to bread yeast...Where can you get it cheap? Can you keep a starter in the fridge and feed it? I'm imagining that it only lasts for so many generations, but even so it would lower the cost.Oh, btw, anyone ever done the math on what it costs to make vs. buying a big container of yogurt?thanks,Foob where do you get cheap starter / make your own My Q: starter is just some acidophillus bacteria, right? Similar to bread yeast...Where can you get it cheap? Can you keep a starter in... » Read More where do you get cheap starter / make your own My Q: starter is just some acidophillus bacteria, right? Similar to bread yeast...Where can you get it cheap? Can you keep a starter in the fridge and feed it? I'm imagining that it only lasts for so many generations, but even so it would lower the cost.Oh, btw, anyone ever done the math on what it costs to make vs. buying a big container of yogurt?thanks,Foob « Show Less
918244
I've never bought starter; just use some yogurt with live active cultures and it's nearly always worked well for me. Then, I use as a starter some of the yogurt I have made, but only do this once myself as I eat it all up before I can do it again. I buy the sweetened, fruit yogurt for my husband as he doesn't like the homemade, but that's ok; that way, I always have a starter on hand.
918245
Basically, it's $2 or so for the 42 ounces of milk versus about $4 for the 32 oz. tub of yogurt. But you're also getting 42 ounces of yogurt, not 32.Using yogurt as a sarter, you'll also have to add in a small container of yogurt every few batches, so you could call that $2.50 depending on the yogurt you buy and what it costs you, and if you use powdered milk, add that in, too, but that box will last you a long time.For me, the added convenience of having it in individual glass jars is a big bonus.
918246
What I do is measure out 7 jars of 2% milk in a pot and whisk in 5 Tbsp. of powdered milk. Quickly heat to 180 degrees (I use a thermometer), then quickly cool to 110 degrees by putting the pot in a sink partially filled with ice water. Take a small amount of the cooled milk and whisk it with a small container of plain yogurt (or a jar from your previous batch). Then whisk in the rest of the milk, pour in the jars, and put in the machine for about 12 hours. Done!
918247
Thank you! I have found that one cannot repeat using started yogurt--by putting one I made into the new batch. Interesting that the culture "gives out" after a few repeats.
918248
You can buy starter culture at a health store. Check the dairy section and you should be able to find some. At my local health store they have 2 kinds, one that comes in packet form and one that comes in a bottle.
639607
If you take some from your first batch and just freeze it in an ice cube tray you now have several batches of starter, and when you run out you can repeat the process up to 10 times/generations before it doesnt set up well. I only buy some starter about once a year and i eat yogurt almost every day. I have also found that time to set up increases as you get several generations into the process.
918249
I have not had this experience. For my first batch I use powdered starter mix from a health food store. In the first batch I leave one jar plain, and use that as a starter for the next batch. I've successfully gone at least 4 batches this way before I start over with a new package. Not sure I even need to do that. It's true that the first batch is a little firmer, but not much. Probably just need to increase the incubation time for batches that use a jar from the last batch.
1979344
Do you mean run forever?? I feed my sourdough, I use it to make preferments and then I put the starter away in the fridge. I don't think you want to leave it out all the time, do you?
261963
No, but the starter is easy enough, you can get the powdered one, or use a Tbl or two of plain yogurt which is probably the easiest. Save a little from each batch to start a new one. I LOVE my Yogotherm! Best thing ever.
1689073
In the past I've just purchased the Yogourmet brand of powdered starter from Whole Foods. It's convenient, always tastes and works the same, and makes a nice fresh-tasting yogurt. Yogurt made from it can also be "chained" to make up to 5 or so later batches of yogurt. (I keep the box of packets in the fridge just to make sure the starter lasts as long as possible, but it does anyway.)There are many other powdered starters available online though and a few are favorites of a lot of people.I want to start experimenting with fresh (plain) yogurts from the start though because I want to check out the different flavors and textures they give the yogurt. In the past I've just purchased the Yogourmet brand of powdered starter from Whole Foods. It's convenient, always tastes and works the same, and makes a nice fresh-tasting yogurt. Yogurt made from it can also be "chained" to make up to 5 or so later batches of yogurt. (I keep the box of packets in the fridge just to make sure the starter lasts as long as possible, but it does anyway.)There are many other powdered starters available online though and a few are favorites of a lot of people.I want to start experimenting with fresh (plain) yogurts from the... » Read More In the past I've just purchased the Yogourmet brand of powdered starter from Whole Foods. It's convenient, always tastes and works the same, and makes a nice fresh-tasting yogurt. Yogurt made from it can also be "chained" to make up to 5 or so later batches of yogurt. (I keep the box of packets in the fridge just to make sure the starter lasts as long as possible, but it does anyway.)There are many other powdered starters available online though and a few are favorites of a lot of people.I want to start experimenting with fresh (plain) yogurts from the start though because I want to check out the different flavors and textures they give the yogurt. « Show Less
1593850
This is an unusual question since the yeast is a live culture that only requires regular feedings of flour and water to survive for centuries, to be used as a starter with the other ingredients in bread baking recipes. I would suggest that she go to their website "breadtopia" that has a forum and a link to their developer, Eric (eric@breadtopia.com) and ask him, I'm sure he will answer the questions as he has mine.ps: In the book "Classic Sourdoughs" by Ed Wood, he states " Do not add anything but flour and water to your culture".
975026
Yes, it brings cost down drastically! Instead of paying a minimum of $2.95 for e10 g (that is the cheapest that I have found) of yogurt starter for each 2 quarts. I Use 2-3 tablespoons or as little as 2-3 small teaspoons from your previous batch. Using tablespoons will just make your yogurt thick, add milk if too thick. I also use 2 cups of powdered milk, which helps making it thicker and of course adds more protein- but it is soo good!Remember you can only reuse your previous yogurt only 3 times. Than start a new batch with yogurt starter.
515717
It is all in your culture starter. Not all are the same. Look for a "mild" starter. [Side note: I am lactose intolerant, but still eat yogurt. I find the tart the yogurt, the better on the tummy -- for some reason. But I prefer mild.]
1820462
No, you don't. It has to be at room temperature. My advise to you is to make sure the yogurt you will use as the starter be at roomtempature as well.
576065
Yogurt can be made using a live active culture from existing yogurt. I took a regular store brand and used it the first time. Since then I just use a couple of table spoons of my last batch for my new one. I make yogurt every seven to ten days and have not need to get any fresh starter in well over a year and a half to two years.
1141196
Even if it comes out to cost the same how much would you price getting rid of all the garbage you no longer will be taking in from commercial bread, especially if you have kids? Please read this link. It is why I'm here looking for a bread machine ;)http://realfoodforager.com/why-i-never-eat-commercial-bread/
1241697
YES! I haven't tried it yet but I really want to! I found a non-dairy yogurt starter and Instant Pot has a users group on Facebook that has lots of helpful information.
975024
YES, I just started using my own starter from my previous batch of yogurt. The previous batch was made with a starter packets, two (2) packets of 5g of yogurt starter, making two (2) quarts. My new batch I used 3-4 Tablespoons of previous batch, which is probably way too much. It did come out wonderful, a little thick, just add some milk if it is too thick. I have read and you only really need "...2-3 teaspoons of commercial or homemade yogurt..." I just get carried away. I make at least two (2) batches a week, so yummy--add raspberries for a topping. I use 2 bags of frozen raspberries place in a pot, adding some water, maybe a 1/2 cup and add about 1/2 cup of sugar.
520442
I would say no for all intents and purposes. That's because people who make yogurt do it very regularly like I do. I have bought this stuff 3 times and it works well. plus I only use half a packet (and a bit from the last batch) to make 7 six ounce servings at a time. I store it in the fridge but it came shipped in plain envelope and still works perfectly well. The last time I bought 10 packets and I expect them to last months or even a year. This is good stuff and even thou I live in a big city no stores carry yogurt starter.
1455098
i love this fruit from Traverse Bay! i use it within a couple months.. but i think a daughter has some in her pantry about 3 years now.LOL, keep it sealed. i freeze mine. never bad. perfect food. use in yogurt, with cereal and mostly for baking (put in boiling water for a couple minutes and drain, perfect for all recipes). I suppose, unopened this product would last for years, but you could check with the company for exact answer. These fruits are far more quality and taste than the little packages in the grocery store. wait till you make granola with them. yummy. Enjoy! hope my answer helps. i love this fruit from Traverse Bay! i use it within a couple months.. but i think a daughter has some in her pantry about 3 years now.LOL, keep it sealed. i freeze mine. never bad. perfect food. use in yogurt, with cereal and mostly for baking (put in boiling water for a couple minutes and drain, perfect for all recipes). I suppose, unopened this product would last for years, but you could check with the company for exact answer. These fruits are far more quality and taste than the little packages in the grocery store. wait till you make granola with them. yummy. Enjoy! hope my answer helps.
2119588
What is "wheat germ"? What is in it? How is it made. I guess the question is "where does it come from"? It is in quite a few dog recipe in smaller quantities. I wonder if it is bad for them? Do you know?
1964506
No! I thought you could use it as that, but it is really just like an instant yogurt and doesn't even taste that good. Just get the yogurt starter in the boxes...I know they are expensive, but better than wasting money on this product. If you want to save money just use some of your last batch to get the next one started.
1808884
I just received my yogurt maker yesterday and would like to make flavored yogurt. Can you tell me when to add the fruit and if I have to cook it first or can I add it raw.Thank you.