Question

Which of the following is not a concentrated fermented milk product?

• A. Viili
• B. Ymer
• C. Skyr
• D. Shrikand

Hint:

Concentrated fermented milks require physical drainage of whey (e.g., Shrikhand, Skyr, Ymer). Viili achieves its thick, ropy body purely through the synthesis of exopolysaccharides (EPS) by its starter culture, retaining all whey.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Fermented milk products can be divided into non-concentrated (liquid or viscous) and concentrated categories.
Concentrated fermented milks are characterized by the removal of whey after coagulation to increase the dry matter, fat, and protein content.
This concentration process is traditionally achieved by draining the curd in cloth bags, using centrifugal separators, or employing ultrafiltration systems.
A non-concentrated fermented milk retains all the liquid whey within its gel structure.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Skyr is a traditional Icelandic product made from skim milk, coagulated with acid and rennet, and subsequently strained to remove whey, yielding a dense, high-protein curd.
Shrikand (Shrikhand) is a traditional Indian sweet dessert made by hanging dahi (curd) in a muslin cloth to drain off whey (yielding a paste called chakka) before mixing with sugar and spices.
Ymer is a traditional Danish fermented milk product where whey is drained from the coagulum to achieve a high protein content of at least 6%.
Viili is a traditional Finnish mesophilic fermented milk product.
It has a highly viscous, ropy, and elastic texture because of the exopolysaccharides (EPS) produced by the starter culture strain Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris.
However, Viili is not subjected to any whey separation or concentration process during its manufacture, so all water and whey remain in the product.
Consequently, Viili is categorized as a non-concentrated, ropy fermented milk product.

Step 3: Final Answer
Viili is not a concentrated fermented milk product because it is produced without any drainage of whey.