Yes, you can freeze your yogurt starter for short-term storage.
Freezing Yogurt Starter: A Practical Guide
Freezing yogurt starter is a great way to preserve it, especially if you don't make yogurt regularly. This allows you to keep the starter viable for future use without constantly culturing it.
How to Freeze Yogurt Starter
Based on the reference, here's how to effectively freeze your yogurt starter:
- Prepare Portions: Fill ice cube trays with approximately 1 tablespoon of yogurt starter per cube. This amount is typically sufficient to culture 1 cup of milk.
- Freeze Solid: Allow the yogurt starter cubes to freeze completely.
- Transfer to Airtight Container: Once frozen, transfer the cubes to an airtight container or freezer bag.
- Store in Freezer: Keep the container in your freezer until needed.
The reference states: "SHORT BREAKS, UP TO 4 WEEKS - FREEZE THE CULTURE! Fill each cube with the amount of yogurt that it will take to culture 1 cup of milk. (About 1 Tbsp.) Once frozen, store the cubes in an airtight container in the freezer."
Benefits of Freezing
Freezing your yogurt starter offers several benefits:
- Convenience: You'll have starter on hand without needing to culture a batch every time.
- Prevents Wastage: Avoid throwing away excess starter by storing it in the freezer.
- Short-Term Storage: The reference suggests freezing for short breaks up to four weeks, so it is a good option for keeping your starter active for this timeframe.
How to Use Frozen Yogurt Starter
When you are ready to make yogurt:
- Remove a frozen cube from the freezer.
- Let it thaw slightly.
- Add the thawed starter to your milk and follow your usual yogurt-making process.
