Powdered milk is becoming more popular in Brazilian homes every day. Its manufacturing method can take place in factories or even at home.
Let’s now demystify how to make powdered milk and expose its benefits at the table. Many people associate the habit of using this device only with children, but it is possible to use it in other ways. Maranhão, for example, in the northeast region of Brazil, always has powdered milk listed when shopping at the end of the month.
Initially, we always have the reference to powdered milk in the markets, however, there are now simple recipes for producing milk with a powdered texture at home. This food has existed since the 18th century and is the result of an ancient oriental tradition. The basis of its production is unique, as the benefits are innumerable when it comes to the concentration of vitamins and minerals.
Furthermore, powdered milk is a great option for those who are starting to take their first steps on the diet. You know that fat that usually remains on unprocessed milk? So, she is the biggest villain of diets that aim to lose weight. Therefore, the powder version is ideal in these specific cases. Just take a look at the origins and preparation methods to find out about this powerful health tool.
What is powdered milk?
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Surely you have already seen moms and dads making that delicious bottle for their baby with powdered milk. This version of the food is a healthier way in which it is made from milk water extraction procedures. It’s almost a mystery to think about how the bright, white liquid turns into powder.
But, for those who don’t know, powdered milk is not a recent invention that came into existence thanks to technology. Home cooking came long before machines and is an oriental technique that has proliferated around the world. Since the 18th century, Eastern Siberia has managed to turn frozen milk into powder.
However, it was only in the 19th century with the help of the Russians that this version as we know it managed to be made with excellence. The procedures were certainly not easy, but the most important thing is that regardless of the means of production, the final result maintained the ideal amount of vitamins and minerals necessary for the body’s daily diet.
How is powdered milk made?
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First of all, we will show below the first production processes carried out in factories. There are 3 basic steps for powdered milk to reach the shelf of the closest market to your home in the format we know.
A single cow is capable of producing up to 60 liters of milk per day. It is clear that after the procedure these values will be reduced since the main objective is to reduce the water to practically zero and give rise to the solid form of milk. The biggest gain from industrial means of production is that it meets a greater consumer demand to supply the population.
Extraction phase
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At first, the first step is mainly to extract milk from the cows. As each one produces a huge amount of milk, the process is accelerated with milking machines. The manual work of expressing milk in this case is unable to meet the company’s needs and thanks to this technology came to add the procedure.
Milk is normally delivered by suppliers who forward the quantity requested by powdered milk producers. Depending on the industry, the estimated annual production is half a million raw milk, which is sent to large machines for concentrating and removing water.
Concentration phase
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The concentration stage is carried out after removing the fat from the milk received at the factory. This is the strong point for dieters. The preheated liquid separates the fatty molecules that are stored in other containers. After separation, the calories can be replaced after processing the milk. This all depends on the factory’s production policy. Therefore, the tip is to always look at the labels before buying.
Continuing, after briefly heating the liquid is deposited through a thin cloud into a chamber as illustrated above. There, a large amount of dry, hot air is concentrated, causing every drop to turn into dust. Finally, the material is tasted and analyzed before reaching the final stage.
Final phase
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After laboratory approval of the products, the final part could only be packaging. Using machines, the powdered milk is placed in the cans above, or in other containers, depending on the production location, and sent to the sales stores closest to your home.
Homemade powdered milk
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Now, the biggest curiosity of all is to know how the entire procedure described above can be done at home. Homemakers on duty will certainly be happy with this basic recipe for producing their own powdered milk. Be careful, as it is a little time-consuming and requires attention when preparing.
Ingredients
- 1 liter of whole milk
- 1 large non-stick pan
- a straight shape
- food processor
Preparation mode
At first, the first step is cooking. Pour the milk into the pan and cook over low heat. Ideally, with the help of a spoon, you should stir so that the milk doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan. This must be done for a long 40 minutes, because it is from there that the excess water present in the milk will evaporate.
The end result of this time in the fire can be seen when there is a creamy consistency. Once done, transfer everything to a straight form and finally prepare for the second stage. Place the contents in the oven at 180º and try to leave a small crack open so that the hot steam can escape from the inside during the process. Wait for another 40 minutes.
Ultimately, the final texture resembles very firm pebbles. In fact, the noise is also an indication that you have reached the correct point. Stay tuned! Remove from the oven, let it cool well and place everything in the food processor. For those who don’t have the device, a blender could be an option. Blend until the solid milk turns into a very fine powder. That’s it, now just store it in jam and use it whenever you want!
Health benefits of powdered milk
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The first of all the benefits of powdered milk is that its form is more concentrated. In other words, vitamins and minerals will be in greater quantities with each potion, which is very advantageous for the body. Another strong point is that the fat is not so concentrated, therefore it is ideal for inclusion in weight loss diets.
In fact, for those who don’t know, 100% liquid milk contains around 87% water, that is, 13% just proteins, minerals, fat and lactose. Therefore, this is where the explanation for why powdered milk is so suitable for health comes from. The advantages of factory production are that nutritional values can be increased at the time of manufacturing.
Finally, read more about curiosity in Benefits of chocolate – 12 advantages of the sweet and contraindications
Sources: Metrópolis, Tudo Gostoso, Minute Recipes, Ultra Curioso, Terra, ecila, Tram
Image sources: Drogaria Minas Brasil, Agro em Dia, Reahgro, BEQ, Educa Point, Correio, Grupo Independente, Ecila