What is amasi and how is it different from milk, yogurt and kefir?
Amasi is a traditional fermented milk from southern Africa, popular in South Africa, with a thick, sour, tangy taste. It differs from fresh milk because bacteria have soured it, and from yogurt and kefir in how it is made and how thin or thick it is. Amasi is a dairy product and is not lactose-free.
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What is amasi?
Amasi (also maas) is a sour, fermented milk from southern Africa, eaten by Zulu, Xhosa and other communities. Traditionally fresh milk is left to ferment naturally for a few days in a container such as a calabash or hide bag, and the watery whey is poured off. Commercial amasi is made with starter cultures and is pasteurized before sale.
How is amasi different from regular milk?
Regular milk is fresh and sweet. Amasi has been fermented, so bacteria have turned some of the lactose into lactic acid. That makes it thick, tangy and sour. Commercial amasi is sold refrigerated, so keep it cold and check the label for the date.
How does amasi compare with other fermented dairy?
| Product | Texture and taste | How it is made |
|---|---|---|
| Amasi | Thick to pourable, sour | Milk fermented naturally or with a culture |
| Yogurt | Thick, mildly tangy | Milk heated, then fermented with specific yogurt cultures |
| Buttermilk | Thin, tangy | Cultured milk, or the liquid left after churning butter |
| Kefir | Thin, tangy, slightly fizzy | Fermented with kefir grains (bacteria and yeasts) |
How do you eat or drink amasi?
- On its own as a drink
- With maize meal porridge (pap), a traditional pairing
- In smoothies, dressings and baking, in place of buttermilk or yogurt (taste and thickness differ)
Is amasi lactose-free?
No. It is a dairy product. It is sometimes said that fermentation lowers lactose and that some people with lactose intolerance tolerate it better, but we found no reliable figures, and the amount varies. If you have a milk allergy, avoid it. Ask a doctor or dietitian if unsure.
Keep it in the fridge and discard it if it shows mold, unusual colors or smells off.
People also ask
What is amasi?
A traditional fermented milk from southern Africa with a thick, sour taste, now sold commercially in South Africa.
Is amasi the same as yogurt?
No. Both are fermented milks, but amasi is soured by natural fermentation or its own starter culture, and yogurt with specific yogurt cultures. Texture and sourness differ by brand.
Is amasi lactose free?
No. It is dairy and can contain lactose. Fermentation may lower it, but we found no reliable figure.
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