How does Amasi compare to other types of fermented milk products, such as kefir or yogurt?
Amasi is a fermented cow's milk from Southern Africa made with a defined set of bacterial cultures. It is creamy, thick and mildly sour. Kefir is made with kefir grains, a mix of bacteria and yeast, and is tangier and slightly fizzy. Yogurt is a thicker, spoonable fermented milk with a milder tang than kefir.
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In this article
What is amasi?
Amasi is a traditional fermented dairy drink from Southern Africa made from cow’s milk. The Lab Manager report on a comparative study says it is fermented with Lactococcus lactis and Leuconostoc mesenteroides bacteria.
Amasi vs kefir vs yogurt
| Amasi | Kefir | Yogurt | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Origin | Southern Africa | Caucasus region | widely made worldwide |
| Culture | a few defined bacteria | kefir grains: bacteria and yeast | usually yogurt bacteria |
| Texture | creamy, thick, drinkable | thin, slightly fizzy | thick, spoonable |
| Taste | mild, sour | tangy, slightly fizzy | mild to tangy |
The same report says amasi is milder, creamier and smoother than kefir, while kefir is tangier and slightly fizzy. Yogurt column entries are general descriptions.
Taste and texture
Amasi is creamy and smooth, with a mild sour taste. Kefir is tangier and slightly fizzy. Yogurt tends to be the mildest of the three, unless it is a tart or unsweetened type.
Nutrition and health
The three are all fermented dairy, so they contain milk protein, calcium and lactose in amounts that depend on the product. Claims that one is much higher in protein or lower in sugar than the others depend on brand, fat level and added sugar. Compare the Nutrition Facts panel. Research on possible health benefits of amasi, such as its branched-chain fatty acids, is early; do not treat it as a cure for anything.
How to use amasi
- Drink it cold on its own.
- Pour it over porridge.
- Use it in baking in place of buttermilk or yogurt.
Who should avoid them
All three contain milk, so people with a milk allergy should avoid them. Some people with lactose intolerance tolerate fermented milks better, but others do not.
People also ask
Is amasi the same as yogurt?
No. It is a different fermented milk, drinkable, creamy and mildly sour, with its own cultures. Both are fermented milks.
Is amasi better than kefir?
Neither is better in general. Amasi is milder and creamier, kefir is tangier and slightly fizzy.
Does amasi contain alcohol?
The Lab Manager report says amasi has minimal alcohol and kefir the most of the drinks compared.
Sources
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