CONDENSED MILK

What is condensed milk?

Condensed milk is a dairy product obtained by removing most of the water content from milk, thus concentrating its flavor and increasing its density. Additionally, it is usually added sugar, giving it a thick texture and a characteristic sweet taste.

Properties of Condensed Milk

• High calorie concentration: Due to its sugar content, it is a dense source of energy.
• Rich in calcium: Like the milk it comes from, it retains the benefits of calcium.
• Natural sweetness: The combination of milk and sugar gives it a sweet and creamy flavor.
• Long shelf life: By removing the water and packaging it in sealed conditions, condensed milk has a longer shelf life than fresh milk.

Varieties of Condensed Milk

Sweetened condensed milk: This is the most common version, with a high amount of added sugar.
Unsweetened condensed milk: In this version, sugar is omitted, but the process remains the same. It is ideal for people looking to control their sugar intake.
Light condensed milk: It has fewer calories than the standard version due to a reduction in sugar or fat content.

Main producing countries

Condensed milk is produced and consumed worldwide, but some of the main producers are:

Brazil: One of the largest consumers and producers of condensed milk, especially in dessert recipes.
Mexico: Condensed milk is a common ingredient in Mexican cuisine, in drinks and desserts.
United States: It has a high production of condensed milk, especially in the baking and pastry industry.
India: It is also a major producer due to the popularity of condensed milk in traditional sweets.
Argentina and Chile: In Latin America, these countries are big consumers and producers.

Ways of consumption and preparation

Condensed milk is very versatile and can be used in many ways:

As an ingredient in desserts: It is commonly used in cake, pie, ice cream, flan, and cookie recipes.
In beverages: It is common in cafes, such as the famous "Vietnamese coffee", or in shakes and smoothies.
In cooking: It can be used to prepare sweet sauces or as a base for candy fillings and chocolates.
Straight from the can: Many people enjoy condensed milk on its own, either as a snack or as a complement to fruits.