Are Buttermilk & Amasi Really Different from One Another?

With increasing attention towards these healthy dairy beverages, it is often possible to get confused between buttermilk versus amasi.

Both buttermilk and Amasi are loaded with excellent nutritional benefits and I don’t want you to miss out on any valuable information that you must know. So, in this article, I list down detailed information that will help you to understand them better and choose what works best for you. 

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Comparing  Buttermilk Versus Amasi to Understand Their Differences & Similarities

Let us begin by taking a look at the table below that compares buttermilk and amasi on various criteria –

*Source: USDA; Quantity defined is 1 cup, made from whole milk

I hope that my table helped you get an answer to the basic question “Is amasi a buttermilk?”. Clearly, it’s not and let me elaborate on each point for you to understand better –

Understand the Base Ingredients in Buttermilk & Amasi Preparation

Both buttermilk and amasi are made from cow’s milk. However the process of preparing them differs. Traditional buttermilk is made by churning cream and removing butter while modern or cultured versions are made by curdling cow’s milk with lemon or vinegar.

Amasi is traditionally made by fermenting raw milk in a calabash (dried pot-shaped vegetable) or in a mud pot for 1-2 days in a hot place. As the milk ferments a watery layer forms on top and a thick creamy liquid settles on the bottom which is called amasi or maas or maafi.  It originated in South Africa. 

What do Buttermilk & Amasi Tastes like?

When it comes to the taste of these fermented drinks, it’s not much different. Buttermilk has a sour and tangy taste to it. It can be consumed by adding salt or even honey.

Amasi has a tart and milky taste. Its taste is often described as a cross between cottage cheese and plain yogurt.

Suggested Daily Intake Of Buttermilk Verus Maas or Amasi

For both buttermilk and amasi, a cup is suggested for daily consumption. 

A full cup of buttermilk or amasi every day ensures your well being by helping in so many ways. Let’s see them in detail below.

Take Care of Your Calorie Requirement With Buttermilk and Amasi

The calorie level in buttermilk is low and is a great option for people who want to shed some extra weight. This is especially true for buttermilk made from low-fat milk which has even lower calories than the whole milk buttermilk. 

On the contrary, the calorie level in amasi is high because it is usually made from full fat or whole milk. So, in case you are concerned about calories, low-fat buttermilk would be the possible option for you.

Buttermilk and Amasi  – A Friendly Fitness Option

Buttermilk and more specifically buttermilk made from low-fat milk is a low-fat drink and is an excellent choice for people who are looking for healthy low calorie drinks.

Amasi, on the other hand, has high-fat content in comparison to buttermilk. However, being nutrient-rich, it also keeps you full and controls cravings. 

Fulfil Your Protein Requirements With Buttermilk and Amasi

The amount of protein in buttermilk and amasi is the same as is evident from the table above.The rich protein content in these drinks helps in energising and building your body.

Both these drinks are also great options for people who work out regularly. The reason being it helps in contributing to the daily protein requirements. 

Meet Your Calcium Needs With Buttermilk and Amasi

Both buttermilk and amasi are rich in calcium. However, amasi has higher levels of calcium in comparison with buttermilk.

The calcium content in these drinks plays a major role in strengthening your bones. In case you are looking for a healthy drink that increases your calcium levels then go for amasi.

Best Time To Consume Buttermilk  & Amasi

The best time to consume both buttermilk and amasi is in the morning. Both of them are filled with good bacteria that helps in easy digestion.

Traditionally in Africa amasi is taken in the morning with a bowl of maize porridge called “pap”. It is very filling and energizes the body for the day ahead.

What Impact Does Buttermilk & Amasi Have On The Environment?

Buttermilk and amasi both are dairy products that have a negative impact on the environment as they are made from cow’s milk. 

As the consumption of these drinks goes up the grazing lands also increase. This leads to more grazing of lands which in turn means more cutting of trees and carbon emission.

Buttermilk or Amasi – Are they Vegan Friendly?

Both buttermilk and amasi are dairy products that are made from cow’s milk. In short, they are made from animal sources.

Hence, they are not vegan friendly. Therefore, if you are a vegan, both these drinks are not suitable for your consumption. However, with increased demand for dairy-free drinks, vegan buttermilk is becoming available. These are made from soy, oat, almond milk, etc. 

Enrich Oral Health with Buttermilk and Amasi

Buttermilk and amasi play an important role in oral health as they are rich in calcium. calcium is required for strong teeth.

Along with this, since both amasi and buttermilk are fermented dairy products, they not only strengthens teeth but also your gums. When consumed regularly, they make sure your overall oral health is great.

Buttermilk & Amasi Makes a Healthy Tummy

Both buttermilk and amasi are excellent drinks for a healthy gut. They make digestion easier, helps in building better washroom habits, regulates the gut functions with a load of good bacteria.

These fermented drinks are excellent choices for maintaining a healthy tummy and boosting immunity.

Cool Your Body with Buttermilk & Amasi

It is by no doubt that buttermilk is an amazing body coolant. It is prefered by people especially in tropical countries to beat the heat. 

Amasi is a naturally cooling drink that replenishes your body and energizes it. If you want to maintain a balanced body heat then consuming them regularly will help you achieve it.

Stay Hydrated With Buttermilk & Amasi

Though both drinks hydrate the body, buttermilk is a better option than amasi because of its high water content.

Consuming buttermilk regularly helps in hydrating the body. This in turn prevents dehydration and keeps the skin soft and moisturized.

Nourishing Additives that Complement Buttermilk  & Amasi

Buttermilk and amasi have been widely consumed by different people across continents. Buttermilk is consumed with spices like cumin, pepper and herbs like mint, coriander, parsley and ginger added to it.

Amasi tastes tart.  So, sometimes it is taken as such or with jaggery or honey. 

Buttermilk and amasi are nature’s best gifts. They both have loads of benefits that are extremely beneficial to the human body.  So in case you are thinking, Is buttermilk and maas the same? It is not. The texture, taste and method of preparation are all different. What is common between them are the health benefits. 

Thank you for reading my blog till the end. I hope it helped you to understand the similarities and differences between buttermilk versus amasi.

Looking forward to more questions from your side in the comments section below.