Yogurt And Sour Cream

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Oregon Yogurt... The Anytime Food

Breakfast? Lunch? Dessert? Oregon yogurt can be a savory portion of any meal or a creamy nutritious treat. The nutritional and caloric contents of yogurt are similar to those of the fluid milks from which they are made and are an important source of calcium, riboflavin, and protein.

Yogurt is made by a fermentation process. Desirable bacteria added to milk, skim milk and/or cream convert lactose (milk sugar) to lactic acid. The acid thickens the milk and creates the tangy flavor characteristic of yogurt. Sweeteners, flavorings and other ingredients added to yogurt offer a variety of delicious choices, all bursting with taste and packed with essential vitamins and minerals. The aroma, texture and flavor of yogurt and other cultured dairy products can vary depending on the type of culture and milk, amount of milk fat and nonfat milk solids, fermentation process and temperature used.

Most Frequently Asked Yogurt Questions:

I suffer from lactose sensitivity and have problems drinking milk. Can I eat yogurt?
Quite possibly. Many yogurts contain lower amounts of lactose than milk. As yogurt ferments, some of the lactose (milk's sugar) changes to lactic acid. Importantly, starter cultures in yogurt may produce the enzyme lactase, which digests lactose. Yogurt's semi-solid state also contributes to improved tolerance to lactose. Try it (in small amounts) along with other foods – most are able to tolerate, and enjoy, yogurt quite nicely!

What are the benefits to buying yogurt containing live, active cultures?
Numerous health benefits beyond its nutritional value have been associated with consuming yogurt. Scientists have found that intake of yogurt with active cultures may aid digestion, ease diarrhea, boost immunity, fight infection and protect against cancer. These specific health benefits depend on the strain and viability of the culture in yogurt. This is why it is important to choose yogurt with a label indicating that it contains live, active cultures.

Is yogurt fortified with vitamin D?
Vitamin D-fortification of milk products is optional. If vitamin D is added to yogurt, it must be indicated on the product label.

Why do I sometimes find a layer of liquid on the surface of the yogurt when I open the carton?
The liquid is milk whey, and separation may occur even in the freshest yogurts. Simply stir the liquid back into the yogurt.

I love the fruit flavored yogurts, but not the calories. Any suggestions?
You bet! Add fresh fruit or no-sugar-added preserves to plain lowfat yogurt.

Yogurt Tips

  • Substitute plain yogurt in biscuit, muffin, nut/fruit bread, pancake and waffle recipes calling for sour milk, buttermilk or sour cream.
  • Toss lemon yogurt with your favorite fruit to make a quick, zesty and nutritious fruit salad.
  • Mix your favorite yogurt with granola for a delicious breakfast twist or yummy snack.
  • Use yogurt as a dip ingredient in place of mayonnaise to trim fat and improve nutrition or use as a garnish.
  • Blend yogurt as a main ingredient to your favorite fruit smoothie.

Oregon Sour Cream... Only 25 Calories

Looking for a quick and easy way to add extra flavor to a dish or snack? Well, Oregon sour cream is your answer. Low in calories and sodium, sour cream fits right into busy, health-conscious lifestyles. Each tablespoon of real sour cream contains only 25 calories, much less than toppings such as mayonnaise and salad dressings.

Many chefs have built their reputations on popular German world dishes that owe their flavor appeal to sour cream, such as beef stroganoff and schnitzels. Below are a few ideas on how you too can dress up foods with sour cream.

Sour Cream Tips:

  • Spread sour cream and jam on toasted bagels or bread.
  • Use sour cream in place of mayonnaise (on sandwiches, in salad dressing and potato or macaroni salad or as spreads such as shrimp, tuna or egg salad).
  • Toss any vegetable with sour cream and a seasoning...

Asparagus: sour cream and lemon juice.
Peas: sour cream and dill.
Zucchini: sour cream and salsa or green chilies.

  • Dip fresh strawberries, apricots, apple and pear slices into sour cream, then into brown sugar, finely chopped nuts, or flaked coconut for a tasty snack.
  • Marinate chicken breasts in garlic and sour cream for a delicious dinner.
  • Spread sour cream on broiled fish, or stir sour cream with pickle relish for a quick tartar sauce.
  • Mix sour cream with rice, pasta and mashed potatoes for some added flavor.
  • Use sour cream as a plain dip for raw vegetables.
  • A little sour cream with fresh fruit, jam or preserves will dress up any waffle, pancake or crepe.