Q1. Explain the step-by-step method of yoghurt manufacture and describe the practical techniques used to enhance its shelf life, highlighting their importance in quality preservation.
- Yoghurt manufacture involves standardization, heat treatment, inoculation with *L. bulgaricus* and *S. thermophilus*, incubation to pH 4.2-4.5, and rapid chilling.
- Starter cultures ferment lactose into lactic acid, causing casein coagulation to form the characteristic yoghurt gel and tangy flavor.
- Key shelf life techniques include strict cold chain management (0-5°C), robust heat treatment, aseptic processing, rapid post-incubation cooling, and rigorous hygiene.
- Homogenization prevents creaming and refines texture, while heat treatment eliminates microbes and denatures whey proteins for improved water retention.
Answer: Yoghurt, a popular fermented dairy product, is manufactured through a series of carefully controlled steps that transform milk into a gel-like consistency with a characteristic tangy flavor. This process relies on specific starter cultures and precise environmental conditions to ensure quality and safety. **Step-by-Step Method of Yoghurt Manufacture** 1. **Standardization of Milk:** The process begins with adjusting the fat and solids-not-fat (SNF) content of the milk to meet specific product...