For many of us, curd forms an essential part of our daily meals. But if you happen to travel abroad and look for curd, you are more likely to get yoghurt. Although yoghurt is now available easily in India too, many do not know the difference between the two. The look and texture of it look the same, but there is quite some difference between the two dairy products. Yoghurt is available in many flavours, which makes it distinct but there are several other differences between the two. Let us tell you more about the difference between curd and yoghurt. Are Butter and Makkhan The Same? Know The Meaning & Differences Between the Two Commonly-Used Milk Products.

The word 'yoghurt' has its origin in the Turkish word, ‘yoğurt’, which means "to curdle or coagulated; to thicken". There are different spellings of this depending on the regions. Other spellings of it include yoghurt, yoghourt, yogourt, yaghourt, yahourth, yoghurd, joghourt, and jogourt.

Making

Yoghurt and curd are made with different forms of milk, although they are fermented similarly. For making curd, an edible acidic substance like lemon juice or vinegar is added in the fermented milk. For yoghurt, milk is fermented using bacteria, which are called as "yoghurt cultures." They consist of bacteria scientifically named Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophiles.

For making curd, the milk is coagulated. After adding the acidic substances, the milk separates into two parts, liquid whey and solid milk curd. Curd is eaten with sugar or salt and spices. It can also be processed into cottage cheese (paneer).

Flavours

Dahi or curd has its own unique taste well as yoghurt is available in many different flavours. There are several fruit flavours added to yoghurt to enhance its taste more. Yoghurt is available in strawberry, blueberry, peach, kiwi, raspberry flavours. Curd, if kept for long turns sour. Smoothies and Milkshakes are Not The Same, Know the Difference Between the Beverages.

Nutritional Value and Health Benefits

Both yoghurt and curd are a rich source of calcium, phosphorus, riboflavin-vitamin B2, vitamin B12,  zinc, potassium, protein.  So it is a common question as to which is the healthier option among the two? Fitness freaks these days prefer yoghurt over the curd, because they want to stay away from lactose products. Besides, there are sugar-free yoghurt options in the market, which are more healthy. Weight Loss Tip of the Week: How to Use Yoghurt to Lose Weight.

Meanwhile, the curd is good for digestion because of the healthy bacteria. It prevents constipation and acidity, along with prevention of inflammatory infections. So both of these dairy products are beneficial and should be consumed according to one's preference and health requirements.

We hope, we have given you the distinction between yoghurt and curd. You could try both of them and notice the difference in taste too. Don't get fooled in buying either as a replacement of the other.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 16, 2019 04:30 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).