Final answer:
The ideal temperature for steamed milk used in coffee drinks is between 60°C and 70°C, while for yogurt making, the temperature should be around 38-40°C. Higher temperature treatments, like UHT pasteurization, can change milk's flavor and smell.
Step-by-step explanation:
The ideal temperature range for steamed milk, especially when making beverages like lattes or cappuccinos, is typically between 60°C and 70°C. This range helps to ensure that the milk is heated sufficiently to achieve a sweet flavor and ideal texture without burning it or altering the protein structure excessively, which can happen at higher temperatures.
When making other dairy products such as yogurt, a lower temperature range is preferred. For example, to incubate yogurt, you mixture steamed milk with a culture and keep it at a temperature of 38-40°C. This facilitates the fermentation process without damaging the proteins or culture activity. It is important to note that exposing milk to very high temperatures, such as in UHT pasteurization, while it increases shelf life, can alter the taste and smell of the milk due to changes in protein structure.