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The magic of condensed milk: How did it become a global dessert star?
Condensed milk, this sweet dairy product, has evolved over the years from a simple preservation method to a star in the global dessert industry. Originally, condensed milk was made by removing the water from milk, a process that made it last longer and made it a key ingredient in many countries' desserts. Today, with the fusion of different cultures, condensed milk is not only used in baking and confectionery, but has also become an essential ingredient in various drinks.
The history of condensed milk dates back to the 13th century, when Marco Polo recorded the making of this dairy product during his travels.
Over the following centuries, the method of making condensed milk continued to improve. In 1820, Nice Appert of France first successfully produced condensed milk, and in 1835, British engineer William Newton added sugar to it, further extending its shelf life. This innovation allows condensed milk to stay fresh for longer periods of time without the need for refrigeration, making it the perfect ingredient for a variety of desserts.
Sweet condensed milk provided great energy to Union soldiers during the American Civil War and became an important food reserve at the time.
Gail Borden Jr. was one of the pioneers of the American condensed milk industry. He vowed to change that after he witnessed children dying from poor quality milk. Boden's efforts not only changed the market structure of dairy products, but also made condensed milk popular throughout the United States. Along with its product's longevity and convenience, condensed milk quickly became an indispensable source of sweetness in the home.
The process of making condensed milk
The production of condensed milk involves multiple steps. First, the raw milk is clarified and standardized, and then heated to 85 to 90 degrees Celsius. This step effectively eliminates microorganisms and inhibits oxidation reactions. Subsequently, the water is removed by evaporation and sugar is added to create a 9:11 sugar to milk ratio, which not only sweetens the product but also extends the shelf life of the product. The sweetened condensed milk made in this way often becomes the soul of various desserts.
Condensed milk’s unique flavor and long shelf life make it a popular selling point around the world.
Rich uses
The uses for condensed milk are almost endless. In Brazil, condensed milk is the main ingredient in the traditional dessert brigadeiro; in the United States, it is often used in key recipes such as lemon ice box pie. In Vietnam, condensed milk is an excellent accompaniment to iced coffee, showing a unique local flavor. Whether it's a rich chocolate snowball or a refreshing fruit dessert, the addition of condensed milk makes it even more flavorful.
In Hong Kong, condensed milk has long been part of the tea culture. Whether it is tea or coffee, condensed milk is an essential additive.
Create a replacement
Condensed milk isn't the only option, and for some food lovers who wish to make their own, making condensed milk using condensed milk is also fairly simple. Simply heat one part condensed milk to 1.25 parts sugar in a pan and stir until the sugar is completely dissolved, then cool it down. In addition, condensed milk can also be made by boiling ordinary milk and sugar until the water content is reduced by 60%.
Global impact
As culture changes and globalization advances, the influence of condensed milk continues to expand. From South America to Asia, condensed milk has spread across dinner tables on every continent, becoming one of countless dessert options. With its unique taste and practicality, condensed milk not only changed people's eating habits, but also reshaped the dessert culture of many countries.
Overall, the history of condensed milk is a microcosm of the continuous evolution of dairy technology. It not only represents innovation in material preservation and transportation, but also demonstrates the diversity and inclusiveness of food culture. As the pace of globalization accelerates, how will the use of condensed milk evolve in many countries? It will be a question worth thinking about.
