Why Does Buttermilk Smell So Bad?
Buttermilk has a sour and tangy odor due to lactic acid fermentation. When bacteria convert lactose (milk sugar) into lactic acid, it lowers the pH of the buttermilk, giving it a sour taste and odor. This fermentation process is intentional and used to make buttermilk, as it adds flavor and increases its shelf life. Therefore, while the smell may not be pleasant to some people, it is a sign of the buttermilk’s quality.