Effect of Garlic Powder on Preparation and Quality Characteristics of Yogurt

Yogurt base was prepared from skim milk supplemented with 0.2-1.0% (w/v) garlic powder and fermented with lactic acid bacteria (the mixed strain of Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium longum and Streptococcus thermophilus) at 40 for 18 h. Quality characteristics of the prepared yogurt were evaluated for acid production (pH and titratable acidity), number of viable cells, viscosity and sensory properties. The addition of garlic powder inhibited the growth of lactic acid bacteria and decreased the acid production. After 18 h incubation, titratable acidity of garlic yogurt was 1.28-1.08% and was lower than that (1.35%) of yogurt made with only skim milk. However, the viscosity of yogurt was remarkably increased by the addition of garlic powder. The sensory score of yogurt added with 0.2% garlic powder was similar to ordinary yogurt in flavor and overall acceptability. According to sensory score and fermentation characteristics, the optimum concentration of garlic powder was around 0.2%.