Sweetened Condensed Milk
Description
Sweetened condensed milk is a thick, sweet product made by reducing cow's milk with a significant amount of sugar. The milk is condensed through an evaporation process until it achieves a dense, creamy consistency. It is then canned and can be stored for a long time without refrigeration, as long as it remains unopened. This ingredient is a staple in many dessert recipes around the world, appreciated for its rich texture and caramelized flavor when cooked. Sweetened condensed milk is measured in both volume and weight, with common units including fluid ounces (fl oz), milliliters (mL), cups (American standard), and grams (g).
Common uses
Sweetened condensed milk is most commonly used as a sweetener and thickening agent in a variety of desserts. It is also a key ingredient in certain types of confectionery, sweet beverages, and baked goods.
Nutritional value
Calories
A standard serving size of sweetened condensed milk (2 tablespoons, approximately 39 grams) contains about 130 calories.
Protein
Each serving contains roughly 3 grams of protein.
Fat
The same serving has about 3.5 grams of fat, of which 2.5 grams are saturated fat.
Carbohydrates
It's rich in carbohydrates, mostly sugars, with around 22 grams per serving.
Vitamins
Sweetened condensed milk is a source of vitamins, particularly vitamin B12 and riboflavin.
Minerals
It contains minerals such as calcium and phosphorus, important for bone health.
Health benefits
While sweetened condensed milk is high in calories and sugar, it also offers some nutritional benefits such as calcium and protein, which can contribute to maintaining bone health and repairing body tissues.
Potential risks
Due to its high sugar content, sweetened condensed milk should be consumed in moderation to avoid contributing to tooth decay, obesity, and associated health issues like diabetes.
Common recipes
It is a key ingredient in recipes like flan, tres leches cake, fudge, and caramel sauces. Additionally, it is used in many sweetened beverages, such as Thai iced tea and Vietnamese coffee.
Cooking methods
Sweetened condensed milk can be used as is, or cooked to make dulce de leche, a thick caramel-like sauce.
Pairing with other ingredients
It pairs well with chocolate, coffee, citrus, and tropical fruits like coconut and pineapple.
Summary
Sweetened condensed milk is a versatile and sweet dairy product used in many regional cuisines. While it offers certain nutritional benefits, its high sugar content means it should be consumed in moderation. It is a key ingredient for numerous desserts and drinks, and adds a rich, creamy texture to recipes it's included in.