Characteristic and Development of Cow’s Milk Dadih as an Alternate of Buffalo’s Milk Dadih

Abstract

<em>Dadih</em> is a product of fermented buffalo milk in a bamboo tube from West Sumatera. The decline of buffalo population in West Sumatera caused <em>dadih</em> scarcity. The demand of dadih is high because it is an integral part of the Minangkabau’s diet and culture. Cow milk can be used as a substitute of buffalo milk for producing <em>dadih</em>, although the product has slightly different characteristics, especially lower total solids. Producing cows milk dadih similar to buffalo milk dadih, fresh cow milk should be concentrated and added with skim milk. Single or combination of lactic acid bacteria from the genus <em>Lactobacillus</em>, <em>Lactococcus</em>, <em>Streptococcus</em> and <em>Bifidobacterium</em> from dadih of buffalo milk or commercial culture can be used as a starter. Based on investment analysis, the prospect of developing cows milk dadih is feasible.