KOMPAS.com – Sweetened condensed milk has become part of Indonesia’s gastronomic treasures. However, people often ask, is sweetened condensed milk really milk?
What is sweetened condensed milk?
Sweetened condensed milk is a dairy product produced from real cow’s milk and made by reducing the water content until it reaches a thick concentration.
Then, sugar is added to this milk to give it a sweet taste and extend the shelf life. Through this process, sweetened condensed milk is more durable and does not break down easily, making it easier to use for various food and drink additives.
The Indonesian Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM) states that sweetened condensed milk is classified as a dairy product that contains macro nutrients, such as protein, fat and carbohydrates.
Regulation of the Head of the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM) Number 21 of 2016 states that sweetened condensed milk is obtained by removing some of the water from the mixture of milk and sugar until it reaches a certain level of density.
Also read: Is sweetened condensed milk not milk? Check the Complete Facts
BPOM classifies the product, which is also commonly called SKM, as a sub-category of condensed milk and its analogues, which is one of the sub-categories of the category of milk and its processed products.
Known for its delicious taste and practical use in various preparations, it turns out that this milk derivative product is also popular in various countries.
Are you curious about how this processed milk has adapted to become an important part of international menus? Read the following explanation.
History of the spread of sweetened condensed milk in the world
Sweetened condensed milk has spread throughout the world because it is long-lasting and easy to store and use for various menus.
This makes it economical to trade to various countries, including as a source of food during war times.
Also read: Can pregnant women drink sweetened condensed milk? Fact Check
As is known, sweetened condensed milk was a food created by Gail Borden to make milk last longer during the Civil War in the United States in the 1850s.
This processed milk gained momentum in popularity when industrialization in Europe at the end of the 18th century spread. Various companies, especially in Switzerland and the Netherlands, began mass producing SKM.
The popularity of this dairy product also reached Southeast Asia during European colonization. SKM is also spread across various trade networks and becomes part of local creativity.
In Indonesia, for example, sweetened condensed milk has become an important ingredient in traditional food menus, such as milk pies and mixed ice.
Similar things also happen in South America and Africa. This product was used as a substitute for milk during war times and was included in various local dishes.
Also read: So a breakfast creation, is it true that sweetened condensed milk is not milk?
