Condensed milk is a thick, sweetened milk product made by removing most of the water from regular milk and adding sugar, resulting in a creamy syrup-like consistency suitable for cooking. People generally confuse it with evaporated milk. However, the major difference between the two is that while condensed milk is sweetened, evaporated milk is not.
The sweet flavor and versatility of condensed milk make it a favorite in cooking. Many desserts, drinks, and sauces in various cuisines include it. It enriches dishes in cakes, pies, or sweet beverages. It is readily available in grocery stores and online for your cooking needs.
WHAT IS CONDENSED MILK?
It is a thick and sweet milk product derived from the removal or evaporation of most of the water in milk. It is a necessary ingredient in the kitchen and bakery for richness and sweetness. Condensed milk is created by boiling milk and sugar, which produces a thick syrupy liquid with a concentration and smoothness.
THE VARIOUS PROCESSES OF MAKING CONDENSED MILK
The preparation of condensed milk entails heating whole milk to remove a bulk of water. During this reduction process, sugar is added and the liquid is allowed to simmer till it reaches the desired thickness. Removal of water concentrates the milk, and the addition of sugar acts as a preservative that ensures a comparatively longer shelf life. This results in a thick sweetened milk product that is used in a variety of recipes, ranging from desserts to beverages.
KINDS OF CONDENSED MILK
There are mainly two types of condensed milk:
Sweetened Condensed Milk: Sugar is added to it while in the factory to give it that special appeal. Its usual use consists of desserts, candies, and drinks.
Evaporated Milk: It is different from sweetened condensed milk in that, unlike sweetened condensed milk, it does not have sugar added. It is simply milk that has been heated to remove 60% of the water. Evaporated milk is less sweet and is thus better suited to savory recipes, soups, and sauces.
NUTRITIONAL VALUE OF CONDENSED MILK
Condensed milk is energy-dense-providing high calories in a very tiny portion. The nutritional value in hundred grams generally can be stated as follows:
- Calories: Packed with around 320-330 daily calories
- Fat: Roughly about 9g.
- Protein: Ranges from 6g-7g.
- Sugar: Around 54-60g.
HOW IS CONDENSED MILK USED IN COOKING?
BAKING AND DESSERTS
Many baking and dessert recipes, including the easy fudge and tres leches cake, find condensed milk to be one of their must-have ingredients because it contributes both sweetness and creaminess. Its rich and creamy flavor renders it suitable for pies, cakes, and other delectable sweet dishes. Here are some classic uses:
- Key Lime Pie: Directly below the surface of a Key Lime Pie, there will be a balance of the tartness of the lime with a tangy, creamy filling that is frequently composed of sweetened condensed milk.
- Milk-Based Fudge: Condensed milk needs to be there for the smooth, creamy fudge, especially when compounded with chocolate, nuts, or other flavoring options.
- Tres Leches Cake: A very popular Latin American dessert, tres leches cake is soaked with a combination of three types of milk, including sweetened condensed milk, which gives the cake its signature moistness and sweetness.
IN DRINKS
Condensed milk is widely used in beverages to sweeten and enrich their flavor. It readily blends into hot or cold drinks, lending a touch of creaminess and a sweet pinch. Some examples are:
- Coffee: In many cultures, condensed milk is used in coffee to produce a rich, sweet flavor. For example, Vietnamese iced coffee (cà phê sữa đá) is made from a mixture of strong coffee and sweetened condensed milk.
- Tea: In Thailand, sweetened condensed milk is regularly added to iced tea, creating the famous Thailand iced tea with a perfect balance between sweetness and creaminess.
- Smoothies: Smoothies can also be made sweeter and richer by adding condensed milk, especially for tropical or fruit-based smoothies.
IN SAUCES AND FILLINGS
Condensed milk has also been incorporated into savory and sweet sauces and fillings. It could serve as a base for caramel or be added to fillings for pastries, such as:
- Making Caramel Sauce: Mainly, it is part of creating smooth, creamy caramel sauce, bringing in both richness and flavor.
- Sweet Fillings for Pastries: It is very often used to make the fillings of pastries, such as some types of tarts or pies since its thick consistency gives a smooth and stable structure.
- Savory Dishes: In some savory recipes, particularly South Asian or Caribbean cuisines, condensed milk can be an ingredient in curries or sauces, giving them sweetness and a creamy finish.
HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS
PROS OF USING CONDENSED MILK IN MODERATION
A good dose of sweetness and creaminess in the right amounts is enough to fix a dish. It can generally be used to make desserts and beverages, and even some savory recipes taste better, giving them a touch of decadence and further fulfilling them.
Smooth in texture, this ingredient is often used to treat taste buds through pies, cakes, and very thick milkshakes because it blends so well with every ingredient without any gritty feel.
CONS AND CALORIC CONTENT
Certainly tasty to add as an agent to many recipes; It is also high in calories and sugar. Each serving consists of about 320 calories, with about 54-60 grams of sugar per 100-gram serving of sweetened condensed milk.
Given the high sugar and fat content of the substance, overindulgence can lead to excess calorie consumption, which in turn can lead to weight gain or other health consequences including high blood sugar levels or a higher likelihood of heart disease if consumed excessively.
WHY OVERCONSUMPTION MAY NOT BE IDEAL DUE TO HIGH SUGAR CONTENT
Evidence of health problems from excessive drinking of condensed milk stems largely from the sugar. Obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease are but a few of those conditions. Crashes in energy and cravings for yet more sugar may occur due to excessive intakes of sugar. This can easily lead to overconsumption.
The percentage of fat in a few varieties of condensed milk, especially when made from whole milk, could even contribute to keeping cholesterol somewhat on the higher side if allowed to dominate over healthier food options.
TIPS FOR STORING CONDENSED MILK
STORING
- Unopened tins: Should be stored in a cool and dry place until October.
- Opened tins: Should always be transferred to an airtight container and stored in the fridge.
SHELF LIFE
- Unopened: Unopened tins will last for about 1-2 years at room temperature.
- Opened: Opened tins must then be refrigerated and eaten within 4-5 days.
SIGNS OF SPOILING
- Smell/Taste: Sour taste or of smell means spoiled product.
- Discoloration: Any change in color or darkening means dispose of it.
- Texture: The grainy or thickened texture indicates spoilage.
CONCLUSION
Condensed milk is a versatile and beloved ingredient that enhances a wide variety of dishes, from decadent desserts to flavorful beverages and savory sauces. Its rich sweetness and creamy texture make it a must-have in many kitchens. Whether you're baking a Key Lime Pie, preparing a sweet coffee, or experimenting with new savory recipes, It can add depth and richness to your creations.
Craving enriched condensed milk desserts at home? Approach the Olpers Mart and grab the premium necessary ingredients to create sweet desserts from here out of it.
