I finished making my first batch today, and I’m not sure it is safe to eat. It has a smell and a taste that seems “off”.
I thought the reason may have been that I had covered it with cling film, but, because I had inserted a (sanitized with vinegar) thermometer through the clingfilm into the product, and, so, the plate I put on top did not sit flush with the bowl, that air from the dehydrator, which definitely would have had some contaminants, had ruined it, if I used an gasketed/airtight container (without the benefit of a dedicated probe), as I had done before (only, using a storebought reuteri that came with other strains–not ideal), it would come out “correct”.
However, while I was pouring the bacteria from the capsule (for the second attempt), I noticed that the smell of the reuteri bacteria was exactly the smell of the finished “yogurt”/product.
Was anyone else struck by the “off” smell and flavor of their finished product? I mean, it tastes and smells like, bare minimum, rancid milk… and, yet, that is precisely what the reuteri bacteria smells like.
My plan was to see how the second attempt turned out (because it would not have the variable of the dehydrator blow yoing air into it), and comparing the first and second batches, and going forward from there, but if there is anyone who can verify that this is actually how the yogurt is supposed to smell and taste, then I can proceed with the yogurt immediately (not having to wait would be preferable to me).
Thanks!
It basically smells a bit like a garbage can.
Reuteri yogurt should smell like regular yogurt but a bit milder in taste.
If any fermented food smells bad, then this indicates that it is not suitable for consumption.
Please note that lactic bacteria do not smell before fermentation.
The use of vinegar for sanitising is not ideal for sure, as it is acid, and even small particles of vinegar can separate the milk
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I assumed the same, and did not try it.
I’m glad you contacted me, because, otherwise, seeing that the two yogurts smelled the same–and that these smelled the same as the bacteria in the capsules (Oxiceutics brand)–I would have gone ahead and eaten the garbage-smelling yogurt.
It’s a bit disheartening, though, as well.
I had made reuteri (plus two other strains) yogurt in the dehydrator before, and it really did taste quite similar to regular yogurt. I’m getting an immersion circulator for this job.
I don’t know what to tell you : when I open the capsule of reuteri bacteria from Oxiceutics, it smells like garbage–the same smell as the yogurt.
UPDATE : I’ve contacted Oxiceutics to inform them their reuteri product smells like garbage, and produces yogurt that smells like garbage–either they’ll say that that’s how it’s supposed to be, or they’ll discover that that batch is contaminated.
I’ve used vinegar to sanitize the utensils and have not had any issues (in prior batches–using the three-strain with reuteri).
Those bacteria do not smell at these concentrations. What might smell is the filler.
Vinegar is a bactericide. It kills bacteria, and it does not distinguish good from bad. On top it could separate the milk as it is acid(depending on the concentration)
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Regarding bacteria : waiting to hear back from Oxiceutics.
Regarding vinegar : lol I’m not pouring it in the milk, I wrap the utensil in a paper towel and dampen with vinegar, so when these have contact there is minimal transmission of vinegar.