Iranian Doogh -All you need to know

Doogh is the most famous Iranian beverage, made from yogurt, salt, water, and sometimes herbs like mint. This healthy and delicious drink is ideal to accompany meals and is found almost everywhere in Iran. It is a traditional beverage that everyone should try, served chilled and widely available throughout the country.

Ingredients: Yogurt, salt, water, herbs (sometimes).

Don’t think that after leaving the bathhouses, the wanderers and the strongmen ate anything other than doogh with sangak bread in the alley’s corner. It is a mixed drink that we will learn more about in this article.

In fact, doogh is a dairy beverage resulting from the fermentation of milk, made by blending pasteurized yogurt, water, natural herbal essences, and salt. This product contains an average of 50% of the components and nutritional value of yogurt. Since no additives or preservatives are used in its production, it is not only a nutritious food but also crucial for consumer health.

History

The history of using various fermented milk products dates back to 1300 years before Christ and seems to have started from the Middle East, gradually spreading across Central and Eastern Europe. It’s worth noting that different attitudes towards fermented milk products existed in various periods. From ancient times, the role of these products in human health has been emphasized, and thus, their consumption as health-promoting foods has become prevalent.

In addition to nutritional benefits, doogh contains beneficial bacteria that have significant effects on digestive health.

A broad category of these fermented products consists of fermented milk drinks or lactate drinks, such as kefir, koumiss, ayran, labneh, and more. Doogh belongs to the category of lactic drinks and is one of the traditional drinks of Iran.

History of Doogh in Iran

Traditional and Iranian doogh was initially considered a byproduct of butter. Initially, the high-fat yogurt was diluted with water, and then using muslin, its fat was separated, and the remaining part was consumed as doogh. Today, with changes in the production process of butter in terms of technology, the method of producing doogh as a fermented milk beverage has also changed.

Industrial production without gas and with gas in Iran has a history of about half a century.

Characteristics of Doogh

According to Standard No. 2453, which defines the characteristics of doogh, it is a product obtained by diluting drinkable or mineral water or whey-fermented yogurt. Its color should be white to milky white, having a pleasant and distinctive taste without any external flavor or odor.

According to the standard, doogh can be classified into four types:

• 1. Carbonated
• 2. Non-fat carbonated
• 3. Non-carbonated
• 4. Non-fat and non-carbonated

Nutritional Value of Doogh

Doogh is a suitable dairy beverage that can replace soft drinks in our diet. It is a healthy and beneficial drink that provides daily calcium needs and contains B-group vitamins. Unlike soft drinks, it strengthens bones. In addition to nutritional benefits, doogh contains beneficial bacteria that have significant effects on digestive health. Each liter of doogh contains approximately 1-2% protein, 1% fat, and 6.0 grams of calcium.

Considering the high calcium, phosphorus, and protein content of doogh, these substances are essential for bone formation, oxidation, and body metabolism. It is important to note that it is better to use doogh without carbonation and low salt. Carbonating beverages, including doogh, imparts a better taste but reduces their nutritional value. Therefore, regular dooghs are preferable to carbonated ones.

Types of Doogh Based on Production Method

Considering the production method, doogh can be categorized as follows:

• 1. Regular Doogh
• 2. Carbonated Doogh
• 3. Heat-Treated Non-carbonated Doogh
• 4. Heat-Treated Carbonated Doogh

Regular Doogh

It is a product made by blending yogurt with drinking water and salt (with or without salt) and adding fragrant herbal essences such as kakuti, mint, and pennyroyal. In this type of doogh, gas may be produced due to natural fermentation under storage conditions and the activity of microorganisms in the initial yogurt.

For processing regular doogh, various types of yogurt with different fat percentages and with an acidity of more than 1% lactic acid are produced. Then, they are mixed with a maximum of 50% drinking water, and if necessary, salt and essence are added. This doogh, if stored in cold conditions for a limited time, is non-carbonated. However, if stored at room temperature (above 20 degrees Celsius) for a few days, it becomes carbonated due to natural fermentation.

Carbonated Doogh

It is a product to which CO2 gas is injected after processing using the above method.

To produce carbonated doogh, yogurt with a minimum acidity of 4% lactic acid is prepared. Then, by adding carbonated water (up to 50%) and salt, it is produced. This doogh is flavored by adding fragrant herbal essences.

Doogh in Iran was initially considered a byproduct of butter. In this way, high-fat yogurt ( doogh )was first diluted with water and then separated using muslin. The fat was separated, and the remaining part was consumed as doogh.

Heat-Treated Non-Carbonated Doogh

It is a product that, after processing, is subjected to heat treatment to increase shelf life and prevent gas production.

This doogh is immediately subjected to pasteurization after the production of gas and natural fermentation. This process increases its shelf life.

Heat-Treated Carbonated Doogh

It is a product that, after processing, has Doogh added to it to create gas due to natural fermentation with thermophilic bacteria used in production.

At least 1% starter Doogh is added to this drink. After production and packaging, it is placed at room temperature (above 20 degrees Celsius) for a minimum of 24 hours to create the right acidity and natural gas.

DOOGH as a Dairy Beverage: A Healthy and Traditional Iranian Drink

Doogh is considered one of the best and healthiest dairy beverages. This dairy product is typically derived from a combination of water and yogurt( doogh ). Scientifically, yogurt ( doogh )is composed of yogurt and water, which are mixed in a churn or industrially processed in a centrifuge machine to separate the cream, leaving the remaining yogurt. After being left in an open environment for a few days, natural gas transforms it into yogurt( doogh ).

The method described was originally used for butter production in the past, with yogurt( doogh ) being a byproduct of butter production. However, with technological advancements in butter production, the Doogh production process has evolved into a fermented milk beverage directly obtained from milk in most cases.

Doogh , a Healthy Beverage:

It’s interesting to note that yogurt is considered a traditional Iranian beverage. Currently, its international standard is registered under the name “Iran” and is recognized as a cultural food heritage. Doogh  is often consumed with added flavors such as mint, pennyroyal, cocotte, sometimes cucumber, and even rosewater. The most common flavors used are usually mint and pennyroyal.

Nutritional Value of Doogh :

Doogh is rich in protein, calcium, sulfur, phosphorus, and vitamins of the B group. Surprisingly, the nutritional value of 2 cups of yogurt ( doogh )is equivalent to one cup of milk. Yogurt proteins contain essential amino acids crucial for the body’s protein requirements. Additionally, yogurt proteins are better digested in the digestive system compared to milk proteins, and due to lower lactose content, it produces less bloating in individuals with sensitive stomachs.

Benefits of Yogurt ( Doogh )

Yogurt ( Doogh )  prevents the growth of many harmful bacteria in the human digestive system.
– It aids in digestion and has healing properties.
– Yogurt contributes to better blood circulation in the body.
– Some headaches caused by warm weather can be alleviated by consuming yogurt( doogh ).
– Drinking yogurt( doogh ) also prevents bad breath.

In summary, yogurt is not only a delicious beverage but also offers various health benefits, making it a significant part of the Iranian cultural and culinary heritage.

Types of Doogh

Doogh is commonly categorized into two types: carbonated (fizzy) yogurt and non-carbonated yogurt. Industrial production of carbonated and non-carbonated yogurt( doogh ) in Iran has a history of more than forty years. Based on the production process, yogurt can be classified into the following types: carbonated yogurt, heat-treated non-carbonated yogurt, heat-treated carbonated yogurt( doogh ), and kafir yogurt. Flavored yogurts, such as mint and pennyroyal yogurt, also fall into this classification.

Difference Between Carbonated Doogh and Heat-Treated Yogurt

Heat-treated yogurt is a type that undergoes pasteurization and is then pasteurized again to reduce the presence of yogurt microorganisms. The reduction of microorganisms in yogurt slows down the fermentation process, unlike regular yogurt.

Carbonated yogurt, on the other hand, is a type of yogurt ( doogh )to which CO2 gas is injected after processing. Adding carbon dioxide gas, if done under standard sanitary conditions and following proper principles, does not pose any issues. Artificially carbonating this product is an accepted practice endorsed by the Codex Alimentarius Commission (an international body that develops food standards).

Flavored Dooghs

Flavored Dooghs are commonly enjoyed, and the flavors added to enhance the taste include mint, pennyroyal, cocotte, sometimes cucumber, and even rosewater. Mint and pennyroyal are the most commonly used flavors. The appeal of these flavors not only lies in the pleasant taste they impart to yogurt( doogh )but also in the inherent benefits of mint and pennyroyal and the potential effects created by the combination of these two.

According to traditional medicine, Doogh is classified as a cold substance, which may pose challenges for some individuals. The use of flavorings such as mint and pennyroyal helps overcome the cold nature of yogurt, as per traditional medicine principles.

Mint, in traditional medicine, is considered to have a warm nature, and its consumption offers numerous health benefits. The incorporation of mint and pennyroyal not only enhances the flavor of yogurt( doogh ) but also adds potential health advantages.

Why It’s Better to Drink Doogh Instead of Soda

Soda is one of the most popular beverages worldwide, and its consumption is increasing every day. Even children consume a significant amount of soda, and teenagers and young adults globally show a strong preference for it. However, have you ever wondered how beneficial or harmful this beverage is?

Recent research indicates a direct link between soda consumption and an increase in obesity rates in children and adolescents. Individuals who regularly consume soda receive, on average, 7 tablespoons of sugar daily, contributing to both high-calorie intake and detrimental effects on dental health.

One of the main components of soda is phosphoric acid, resulting in a pH of around 2.8, indicating high acidity. Since our bodies naturally have a slightly alkaline state, the consumption of highly acidic substances has adverse effects on overall health, disrupting the body’s balance. Another effect of phosphoric acid is the leaching of calcium from bones, increasing the risk of osteoporosis.

An appropriate dairy beverage that can replace soda in our diet is yogurt( doogh ). It is a healthy and beneficial drink that provides one-fourth of the daily calcium needs and contains vitamins B2, B6, and B12. Unlike soda, yogurt strengthens bones.

In addition to its nutritional benefits, yogurt contains beneficial bacteria that have significant effects on digestive system health. Regular consumption of yogurt introduces beneficial bacteria such as Streptococcus, Thermophilus, and Lactobacillus bulgaricus to the digestive system, promoting overall digestive health and preventing the growth of harmful organisms.

When to Drink Doogh ?

It’s best not to consume yogurt( doogh ) on an empty stomach, as it stimulates the digestive system. Enjoy yogurt 30 minutes to 2 hours after a meal to aid in digestion.

Notably, calcium absorption is higher in the late hours of the day, so consuming Doogh after dinner allows for increased calcium intake.

Make sure to add spices and herbs such as mint to your yogurt( doogh ), and after consumption, remember to brush your teeth for oral hygiene.

Drinking yogurt after consuming meat dishes can, in some cases, lead to joint pain. Therefore, it’s recommended to delay drinking yogurt( doogh ) for one or two hours after eating meat.

Drinking yogurt before bedtime can induce sleepiness due to peptides present in casein, a protein in milk. Some traditional medicine practitioners also suggest drinking yogurt for a restful and enjoyable sleep. Due to its sleep-inducing nature, it’s advisable to avoid yogurt consumption before tasks that require full alertness.

In conclusion, choosing yogurt over soda not only offers a healthier alternative but also provides numerous nutritional benefits and promotes overall well-being.

Why Do We Consume Doogh with Mint?

Yogurt is a traditional dairy beverage familiar to Iranians for many years. The production process of yogurt usually involves fermenting milk. While traditionally prepared yogurt may be susceptible to environmental contaminants leading to spoilage, it is advisable to consume yogurt that is packaged following hygiene standards in the industry.

This beverage is resistant to spoilage in warm temperatures without the need for any artificial preservatives, making it suitable for individuals intolerant to lactose.

Yogurt has numerous benefits, including being a source of protein, fats, vitamins B, D, calcium, and the essential water needed by the body.

Flavored yogurts are often preferred, and the flavors added, such as mint, pennyroyal, cocotte, sometimes cucumber, and even rosewater, enhance its taste. Mint and pennyroyal are the most commonly used flavors, not just for their pleasant taste but also for the inherent benefits and potential effects of their combination.

Why Mint and Pennyroyal in Doogh ?

According to traditional medicine, yogurt is considered a cold substance, which may pose challenges for some individuals. The use of flavorings such as mint and pennyroyal helps overcome the cold nature of yogurt, promoting easier digestion.

Mint, with its warm nature in traditional medicine, offers numerous health benefits. The combination of mint and pennyroyal not only enhances the flavor of yogurt but also adds potential health advantages.

Benefits of Mint in Doogh :

• – Mint is highly effective in relieving digestive system pains, including stomachaches, intestinal discomfort, bloating, heartburn, nausea, and diarrhea.
• – It acts as an appetite stimulant and invigorating agent, beneficial for treating colds, flu, coughs, mental and nervous discomfort, hemorrhoids, palpitations, and hiccups.
• – Mint is rich in menthol, creating a refreshing sensation in the mouth.
• – Using mint in Doogh is effective for insomnia, sleep disorders, and nighttime discomforts, serving as an effective remedy.In summary, the addition of mint and pennyroyal to yogurt not only enhances its taste but also provides potential health benefits, making it a popular and refreshing choice in Iranian cuisine.

Treating Diabetes with Doogh

Scientific findings indicate that consuming Doogh helps control blood glucose levels and aids in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

Yogurt ( Doogh ) , a well-known and ancient Iranian beverage, has successfully retained its place in modern urban life and even serves therapeutic purposes. The consumption of yogurt improves blood glucose levels, lipid status, and biomarkers within blood vessels. Researchers state that an increase in biomarkers within blood vessels is a sign of an elevated risk of type 2 diabetes, and controlling it is beneficial for the body.

In a study conducted under the supervision of Dr. Nistani from the School of Medicine at Shahid Beheshti University in Tehran, individuals with type 2 diabetes were asked to consume either plain yogurt or Doogh  enriched with vitamin D and calcium. Participants, aged between 30 and 60, consumed two bottles (200 ml each) of yogurt daily for 12 weeks.

The review of results revealed a reduction in several indicators of type 2 diabetes in both groups. Additionally, the consumption of enriched yogurt increased the level of adiponectin hormone, known for its anti-inflammatory properties and assistance in glucose metabolism. A higher level of adiponectin in the body is associated with a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes.

Doogh and Essential Vitamin D

Ancient Iran covered a much larger area than today’s Iran and Afghanistan combined. In the region where the two countries are now located, our ancestors combined water and milk and added the pleasant taste of mint to create a refreshing beverage known as Doogh.

Doogh, known by different names outside its place of origin, is not only used in these two countries but also in Armenia, Turkey, Syria, Pakistan, and Balkan countries.

Sometimes, Doogh is carbonated, and other times, another member of the mint family, pennyroyal, is added to it.

You probably know that only a few foods are good sources of vitamin D, and many people do not receive enough sunlight exposure to produce this vitamin in their bodies, especially in Muslim countries where women observe the hijab from the age of 9. In such cases, alternative sources must be utilized to address the vitamin D deficiency.

A healthy diet with nutritious and beneficial substances ensures the supply of essential vitamin D to the body. Yogurt is one of the healthy beverages that accomplishes this.

In addition to nutritional benefits, yogurt ( Doogh ) contains beneficial bacteria that have significant effects on digestive system health.

A wide range of fermented products constitutes these fermented milk beverages, such as kefir, koumiss, ayran, labneh, and more.

Considering the nutritional value of yogurt, its calcium, phosphorus, and protein content are high, which are essential for bone formation, oxidation, and body metabolism. It is crucial to note that doogh is better when consumed without carbonation and with less salt.

While carbonating beverages, including Doogh, enhances their taste, it reduces their nutritional value. Therefore, plain yogurts are preferable to carbonated yogurts.

Doogh , a Summer Beverage

In the past, doogh was considered a byproduct of butter. To make it, they diluted full-fat buttermilk with water, separated the fat using a strainer, and consumed the remaining liquid as yogurt. Doogh has been a natural, nutritious, and beneficial beverage for centuries, adding flavor to our tables alongside meals.

Doogh Production Methods:

Today, with changes in butter production technology, the method of yogurt ( doogh )production as a fermented milk beverage has also evolved. Industrial yogurt ( doogh )  production in Iran has a history of over forty years, and based on the production process, doogh can be categorized into the following types: plain yogurt ( doogh ), carbonated Doogh , heat-treated plain yogurt, and heat-treated carbonated doogh .

Market-available Dooghs are prepared as follows:

– Plain yogurt is made from curdled yogurt( doogh ), often flavored with spices like mixed pepper. For sweetened varieties, it is mixed with rosewater, mango, or lime. This type is commonly consumed in Iran and Turkey. In India, they have their own Doogh beverage called Lassi, which comes in sweet and savory variations.

– Yogurt( doogh ) is made by mixing buttermilk with water, salt, and various additives like peppermint and pennyroyal. The use of sweet yogurts resembling sweet Lassi is common in the United States.

One of the foods that used to be prevalent and is recommended for revitalization in hot climates is cucumber yogurt( doogh ). This healthy and nutritious option provides both food and refreshment. Adding various ingredients such as walnuts, different greens, garlic, raisins, and barley can enhance its effects, nutritional value, and temperature-regulating properties.

Benefits of Doogh with Mint and Pennyroyal:

In some regions of Iran, yogurt( doogh )is combined with pennyroyal. Pennyroyal, along with other herbs such as mint, celery, parsley, and thyme, can enhance calcium absorption. Traditional medicine books suggest that these herbs can strengthen bone-forming cells.

Nutritional Value of Doogh :

Yogurt ( doogh )is rich in protein, calcium, sulfur, phosphorus, and B-group vitamins. Interestingly, the nutritional value of two cups of yogurt is equivalent to one cup of milk. Yogurt proteins, containing essential amino acids for the body, are more efficiently digested in the digestive system than milk proteins. Due to lower lactose content compared to milk, yogurt causes less bloating in individuals with sensitive stomachs.

Advantages of Consuming Doogh as the Best Beverage:

Approximately 60% of the human body is composed of water. Throughout the day, the body loses water, and this loss needs to be compensated through fluid intake. Increased fluid consumption, especially in summer, is recommended as water loss is higher during this period. Yogurt( doogh ), a healthy beverage, can be preferred to compensate for fluid loss.

• – Contains Protein and Calcium:
  Proteins are essential for all living organisms and play a crucial role in sustaining life. Proteins, which constitute the building blocks of muscles, bones, skin, and hair, must be included in the diet for a healthy life at any stage. Yogurt( doogh ), due to its calcium content and protein, aids in bone and tooth formation. One cup (250 ml) of yogurt per day provides 10% of the daily protein requirement and 25% of the calcium requirement for an average adult.
• – Contains Beneficial Bacteria:
  Yogurt ( doogh )contains a minimum of 10 million beneficial or probiotic bacteria derived from yeast, known as the yeast family. These bacteria (Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Streptococcus thermophilus) reduce discomfort resulting from lactose intolerance by producing the lactase enzyme, aiding digestion.
• – Nutrient-Rich:
  Yogurt ( doogh )is a natural beverage containing protein, calcium, phosphorus, vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B1 (thiamine), and vitamin B12. Consuming yogurt with meals or between meals helps contribute to a balanced diet.
• – Refreshes and Renews the Body:
  Yogurt ( doogh )contains electrolytes such as sodium and calcium that play a role in maintaining balance in many bodily functions and systems. Thanks to these electrolytes, it keeps you in shape and energized, providing a sense of freshness and well-being.
• – Ideal for Meals and Snacks:
  At any time of the day, for any meal, you can enjoy Doogh with your food. Doogh can not only accompany main meals but also be consumed as a snack between meals, alleviating hunger.

Doogh , a Summer Beverage

In the past, Doogh  was considered a byproduct of butter. To make it, they diluted full-fat buttermilk with water, separated the fat using a strainer, and consumed the remaining liquid as Doogh . Doogh has been a natural, nutritious, and beneficial beverage for centuries, adding flavor to our tables alongside meals.

Dooghh Production Methods:

Today, with changes in butter production technology, the method of yogurt ( doogh )production as a fermented milk beverage has also evolved. Industrial yogurt production in Iran has a history of over forty years, and based on the production process, Doogh can be categorized into the following types: plain yogurt, carbonated yogurt, heat-treated plain yogurt, and heat-treated carbonated yogurt.

Market-available Dooghs  are prepared as follows:

• – Plain Doogh  is made from curdled yogurt ( doogh ), often flavored with spices like mixed pepper. For sweetened varieties, it is mixed with rosewater, mango, or lime. This type is commonly consumed in Iran and Turkey. In India, they have their own yogurt beverage called Lassi, which comes in sweet and savory variations.
• – Doogh is made by mixing buttermilk with water, salt, and various additives like peppermint and pennyroyal. The use of sweet Dooghs resembling sweet Lassi is common in the United States.

One of the foods that used to be prevalent and is recommended for revitalization in hot climates is cucumber yogurt. This healthy and nutritious option provides both food and refreshment. Adding various ingredients such as walnuts, different greens, garlic, raisins, and barley can enhance its effects, nutritional value, and temperature-regulating properties.

Benefits of Doogh with Mint and Pennyroyal:

In some regions of Iran, yogurt ( doogh )is combined with pennyroyal. Pennyroyal, along with other herbs such as mint, celery, parsley, and thyme, can enhance calcium absorption. Traditional medicine books suggest that these herbs can strengthen bone-forming cells.

Nutritional Value of Doogh :

Doogh is rich in protein, calcium, sulfur, phosphorus, and B-group vitamins. Interestingly, the nutritional value of two cups of yogurt is equivalent to one cup of milk. Yogurt ( doogh )proteins, containing essential amino acids for the body, are more efficiently digested in the digestive system than milk proteins. Due to lower lactose content compared to milk, yogurt causes less bloating in individuals with sensitive stomachs.

Traditional Doogh  vs. Pasteurized Doogh

Doogh is one of the favorite beverages among Iranians, appreciated not only for its delightful taste but also for its numerous health benefits. However, the quality of this food product determines its usefulness. Some believe that traditional yogurts( doogh ) are more beneficial, while others consider factory-made yogurts( doogh ) to be of higher quality. This raises the question: Is factory-produced yogurt better than traditional yogurt( doogh )?

How is Doogh produced in a factory?

The production process of industrial Doogh involves several steps. It starts with the collection of milk from various farms, which is then transported to the company in specialized tankers. The milk undergoes initial inspections, and samples are taken to assess its quality. This initial assessment determines whether the milk meets the required standards for further processing. Depending on the milk’s classification (Grade 1, Grade 2, or Grade 3), it is accepted, and after storage, it is processed into yogurt( doogh ).

The milk is divided based on its fat and protein content, and specific units handle each type according to their needs. The selected milk is then processed into DOOGH , which undergoes a fermentation process in a warm environment. After the fermentation period, the Doogh is transferred to a cold storage area to halt the gas-producing process. Finally, the yogurt( doogh ) is ready for distribution to retail outlets.

Are traditional Dooghs superior to factory-made ones?

The distinction between traditional and factory production methods may not be as significant, as both processes aim to transform milk into Doogh . The key factor lies in the quality of the milk used. It’s essential to note that both traditional and factory settings can produce high-quality or subpar products. The critical aspect is the selection and assessment of milk quality, which varies across different production units.

Consumers often trust local, traditional DOOGH producers in smaller towns, while others may prefer large industrial companies. The level of trust depends on the consumer’s personal experiences and beliefs. Every producer, regardless of scale, should prioritize health standards and implement control measures in their operations.

Can factory-made Doogh be tampered with, using expired ingredients?

It is challenging to monitor every aspect of the production process in all companies. However, reputable companies employ stringent measures and have dedicated facilities to ensure the quality of their products. Tanks specifically designed for storage and production, along with regular inspections, contribute to maintaining high standards. Nevertheless, consumers’ trust ultimately depends on their own judgment and experiences.

Rumors and misinformation about various products circulate widely. Addressing such issues can be challenging, but focusing on maintaining the best possible practices in production is crucial.