The exact person or culture who “discovered” yogurt is unknown because it likely originated as an accidental result of fermentation thousands of years ago. However, the first people to intentionally make yogurt were likely the nomadic tribes of Central Asia, including the Turks and Mongols.
Here’s why:
1. Accidental Discovery:
- Early humans likely discovered yogurt by storing milk in containers made of animal skins or other materials. When the milk was exposed to heat, the natural bacteria in the environment would cause the milk to ferment, turning it into a thicker, tangy substance. This would happen unintentionally, making it a lucky accident.
2. Turkish Connection:
- The word “yogurt” comes from the Turkish verb “yoğurmak”, which means “to thicken” or “to curdle.” This linguistic connection suggests that the Turkish people were involved in the early use and popularization of yogurt.
- It’s widely believed that the practice of fermenting milk into yogurt was common among Central Asian nomads, particularly Turkish tribes, who would have stored milk in leather bags, allowing it to ferment into yogurt. The Seljuk Turks and Ottoman Empire also helped spread yogurt throughout the Middle East and into Europe.
3. Mechnikov’s Influence:
- The science behind yogurt wasn’t fully understood until the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Ilya Mechnikov, a Russian biologist, is often credited with researching the health benefits of yogurt. He suggested that the bacteria in yogurt could promote longevity, particularly in Eastern European populations, like the Bulgarians, who consumed yogurt regularly. This helped cement yogurt’s role as a health food.
Conclusion:
While the exact “inventor” of yogurt is not known, nomadic Central Asians, especially Turkish tribes, are often credited with its discovery and early use. Over the centuries, yogurt spread through the Middle East, Europe, and eventually the rest of the world…
