Lungelo Mtshali
Streptococcus thermophilus is one of the bacteria behind the production of fermented Yogurt. This list provides interesting facts about the importance of S. thermophilus, the role it plays in the making of Yogurt and the food technology used to prepare Yogurt.
The streptococcus genus consists of many pathogenic species but Streptococcus thermophilus is considered to be a non-pathogenic bacterium.
S. thermophilus is a probiotic bacteria. It's a good bacteria, good for our digestive system and good for consumption.
Streptococcus thermophilus can however be harmful to people who are histamine intolerant, people with dysfunctional gut barrier and immunocompromised individuals.
Yogurt is the product of fermented milk, which involves culturing milk with live bacteria.
Streptococcus thermophilus is a thermophilic gram positive bacterium, also known as Streptococcus salivarius subsp. It's a lactic acid bacterium, essential for the production of dairy products such as cheese, milk and of course YOGURT.
The first step in the processing of yogurt is pasteurization, followed by adjusting milk composition and blending ingredients. The next step is heating. The duration of heating depends on the desired thickness of the yogurt. After heating, the cooling and inoculation process occurs and the mixture is inoculated with live bacterial culture. Following cooling and inoculation is the incubation process. The next and last step is cooling, the yogurt is cooled to end the fermentation process.
Besides being used to culture yogurt S. thermophilus also has other benefits. Some of the Medical Benefits of this bacterium include the ability to reduce antibiotic associated diarrhea, enhance immunity and causing a decrease in chances of kidney stones.
Streptococcus thermophilus is a probiotic bacteria. It's acid resistant, protects the body from pathogenic bacteria and helps with cellular regeneration.....
Lactose Intolerant?....No need to worry, Streptococcus thermophilus has got your back, it can help you breakdown lactose and make it easier for you to digest dairy products. (Click on this link to find out more about the importance of this bacterium).
