Where can we use buttermilk?

Increasingly, buttermilk is one of the ingredients in the recipe. It is used in many recipes, but most often in desserts. Buttermilk is an ingredient that helps to activate the baking soda, which makes the sponge or dough rise.

It can also be used in other dishes such as marinades for meat or poultry, as a base for salad dressings or as a refreshing drink on its own. In some cultures, buttermilk is also consumed as a probiotic drink, as it has various beneficial effects on our health.

1. What is buttermilk?

Buttermilk is a dairy product. It is also known as a slightly acidic liquid with a creamy texture and a slightly thick consistency. But if we go one step further, we are talking about the liquid left after churning butter. Today, the preparation itself has changed a little, since it is produced by adding lactic acids and bacteria to low-fat or even fat-free milk. The added bacteria ferment lactose (milk sugar) and produce lactic acid in the milk, which gives buttermilk its characteristic taste.

2. Where can buttermilk be used?

Buttermilk is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of ways, both in baking and in the preparation of lunch or dinner. When using buttermilk in recipes, remember that it has a slightly sour taste, so you may need to adjust the amount of baking powder or baking soda. If you don''t happen to have any on hand, you can substitute by adding a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to a cup of plain milk and letting the mixture stand for a few minutes to allow the ingredients to bind and the milk to curdle slightly.

It can then be used for:

Baking: it is increasingly being used in biscuits, pancakes, waffles, muffins or other pastries. It adds a rich flavour to desserts, but also provides extra richness. Buttermilk can be replaced by plain milk.

For marinades: buttermilk can also be used to marinate meat. The acid in the buttermilk helps to tenderise the meat, making it more flavoursome and tender.

Salad dressings: it can be an excellent base for creamy and full-flavoured dressings. It can be combined with herbs, spices or other ingredients to create a tasty salad dressing.

Drinks: it can also be enjoyed as a stand-alone probiotic drink.

3. Where can we buy buttermilk?

Buttermilk is usually available in most grocery stores and supermarkets, usually found in the dairy section. It can be found in regular or low-fat versions. Organic or locally produced buttermilk is also available in some specialised shops, such as health food stores or farmers'' markets.

Buttermilk can also be bought online from a variety of retailers, including grocery delivery services and specialised food websites. When buying buttermilk online, we check the expiry date and shipping options to ensure that the product arrives fresh at your address.

If you can''t find buttermilk at your local grocery store, you can make it at home:

• Buttermilk with milk and apple cider vinegar
• Buttermilk with milk and lemon juice
• Buttermilk with milk and cream of tartar

Recipes for all three methods are waiting here.