The spelling of the word "yoghurts" is interesting, as it contains a silent letter "h". In IPA phonetic transcription, it is pronounced /ˈjəʊɡəts/. The letter "h" is used to indicate that the "g" should be pronounced as a soft /ɡ/, as in "genre" or "giraffe". This spelling variation arose from the original Turkish word for yogurt, "yoğurt", which uses this same letter "ğ" to indicate soft "g". Despite the potential confusion of the silent "h", "yoghurts" is now an accepted spelling in English.
Yoghurts, also spelled yogurts, are dairy products that are commonly consumed as a food source or snack. They are created through a fermentation process that involves the conversion of milk into a thick, creamy substance with a slightly tart or sour taste. Yoghurts are made by introducing live bacteria cultures, specifically Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus, to fresh milk.
The bacteria present in yoghurts convert lactose, a natural sugar found in milk, into lactic acid through the process of fermentation. This acidification results in the characteristic tangy taste of yoghurts and contributes to their extended shelf life due to the inhibition of harmful bacteria growth. The fermentation process also thickens the milk, transforming it into a creamy and smooth texture.
Yoghurts usually come in various flavors, such as strawberry, vanilla, or peach, typically achieved through the addition of fruit preserves or flavorings. They can also be plain or unsweetened. Yoghurts are widely consumed for their nutritional benefits, as they are a good source of protein, calcium, and probiotics, which promote the health of the digestive system. They are commonly enjoyed on their own, mixed with fruits or granola, used in smoothies, or used as a base for sauces and dressings. Yoghurts can be found in various forms, including cups, pouches, or larger tubs, in supermarkets and grocery stores worldwide.
The word "yoghurt" is derived from several different languages. The term originated from Turkish, where it is referred to as "yoğurt". The Turkish word comes from the verb "yoğurmak", which means "to thicken" or "to coagulate".
The Turkish word for "yoğurt" is believed to have its roots in the Old Turkic language. It has been suggested that the Old Turkic term "yoğur-" or "yoğurun" was used for "boiled" or "thickened milk". Old Turkic itself is part of the larger Turkic language family, where similar words can be found in other members of the family.
In addition to Turkish, the word "yoghurt" also has influences from various other languages.