site.btaBulgarica Center in Chicago Hosts Event Dedicated to Bulgarian Yogurt

Bulgarica Center in Chicago, Illinois, hosted an event dedicated to the history and cultural significance of yogurt in North America on January 17, Niko Stoychev of the Macedonian Patriotic Organization (MPO) Pirin, which organized the event, told BTA. The initiative gathered representatives of the Bulgarian diaspora, lovers of traditional cuisine, historians, and guests interested in the Bulgarian cultural heritage of Macedonian Bulgarians.

Presenters shared historical facts about the discovery and scientific research of Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus, which is the bacterium that gives authentic Bulgarian yogurt its unique qualities. They highlighted the popularity of Bulgarian yogurt, which spread in the early 20th century, when it attracted the interest of scientists and physicians because of its connection with longevity and good health. The importance of Bulgarian migrants, many of whom from Macedonia, who carried on the tradition of homemade yogurt and preserved it far from their homeland, was also emphasized, Stoychev said.

He added: "Visitors had the opportunity to taste different types of Bulgarian yogurt made by local producers in North America who work according to traditional recipes and use Bulgarian starter cultures. The tasting showed a variety of flavours and textures, as well as the efforts of producers to preserve the authentic character of the product, regardless of the various conditions and raw materials."