Filmjölk, a fermented milk product of Sweden, is made by fermenting cow’s milk with a variety of bacterial species. The two most common species are Lactococcus lactis and Leuconostoc mesenteroides. This tangy, delicious yogurt, dating back to the Viking era, is a great addition to morning granola, berries, and preserved fruits.
Science Behind Making Filmjölk
So how is this tangy breakfast treat made? The Lactococcus lactis and Leuconostoc mesenteroides bacteria metabolize lactose, the sugar found naturally in milk, into lactic acid. Because of the process of breaking down lactose into lactic acid, lactose intolerant people can tolerate and enjoy filmjölk. Filmjölk is also a great source of probiotics, protein, potassium, and calcium.
This mesophyllic yogurt, which is made at room temperature, can easily be made at home. All you need is milk (cow or goat), yogurt cultures, and time. We've had great results using cultures from friends as well as from Cultures for Health. Gather together a glass jar, cloth cover, and wooden spoon. For every one cup of milk, you'll need one tablespoon of cultures. Above, we use two cups of whole organic cow's milk and two tablespoons of filmjölk yogurt culture.
Making Filmjölk at Home
Pour milk in two glass jars and stir in the yogurt culture with the wooden spoon. Let it sit at room temperature for 12-48 hours. Time depends on the room temperature of your kitchen or pantry. In winter, you'll need to sit out for a long time, whereas in summer you may only need to sit for 12 hours. The consistency will be thicker like European yogurt and will have a sweet, buttery, slightly sour taste to it. You can then pop the yogurt in the fridge if you like it colder, or eat it right away. We tend to pop it in the fridge and enjoy it the following day for breakfast.
Check out the recipe below and give filmjölk a try with your friends and family. Please leave a comment below to tell us how yours turned out.
Filmjölk Recipe
Ingredients & Supplies:
glass jar
cloth cover
wooden spoon
2 tbsp filmjölk yogurt culture
2 cups milk (whole organic cow or goat's milk)
Directions:
Pour milk into glass jar
Add filmjölk cultures to milk
Stir everything with a wooden spoon
Cover with cloth and rubber band
Leave at room temperature for 12-48 hours
Eat right away or put in fridge for a cooler treat
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