Microbes in Household Products
Microbes are ubiquitous and essential to many processes in our daily lives. Specifically, lactic acid bacteria (LAB) such as Lactobacillus turn milk into curd. This not only preserves the milk but enhances its taste and nutritional value, primarily by increasing vitamin B12 levels.
In addition to dairy products, microbes play crucial roles in the fermentation of dough for idli, dosa, and bread. The process involves yeast—Saccharomyces cerevisiae—which ferments the dough by producing carbon dioxide (CO2), causing it to rise.
Fermentation is culturally significant; traditional beverages like 'toddy' are crafted via microbial fermentation. Moreover, various cheeses rely on different microbial strains, each contributing unique flavors and textures, exemplified by Swiss cheese, which owes its holes to the action of Propionibacterium sharmanii.
Thus, these microscopic organisms not only help in food preparation but also bring about significant nutritional benefits and enhance food safety.