Evaporated milk is a concentrated dairy product one may find in cans at your grocery store, made by removing about 60% of water from regular milk. It's richer and creamier than regular milk, with a slightly caramelized flavor that works well in baking, cooking, and creating smooth sauces. One may choose from whole, reduced-fat, or fat-free varieties depending on one's needs. Understanding how to use this versatile ingredient will change your favorite recipes.
Key Takeaways
- Evaporated milk is concentrated dairy made by removing 60% of water from regular milk, creating a richer, creamier product.
- Available in whole, reduced-fat, and fat-free varieties, with whole milk containing 6.8g fat and protein per cup.
- Unopened containers last up to a year without refrigeration, but require refrigeration after opening and use within 5-7 days.
- Can be diluted with equal parts water to substitute for regular milk in recipes and cooking.
- Commonly used in baking, soups, sauces, and desserts to add richness and create smooth, creamy textures.
Definition
Evaporated milk is a concentrated dairy product that's made by removing about 60% of water volume from regular milk through heating. You will find it's richer and creamier than regular milk, with a slightly caramelized flavor due to the heating process. The removal of water concentrates the milk's nutritional benefits, giving you more protein and calcium per serving.
When you are shopping, you will observe evaporated milk comes in containers that don't require refrigeration until opened. For storage tips, keep unopened containers in a chilly, dry place where they will last up to a year. Once you have opened a container, transfer any unused portion to an airtight vessel and refrigerate it. You will want to use the opened evaporated milk within 5-7 days for the best quality and safety.
Category
In the dairy aisle, an individual will find two main categories of evaporated milk: whole and reduced-fat varieties. You'll observe that each kind offers distinct nutritional benefits and cooking techniques that may enhance your culinary endeavors.
| Kind | Fat Content | Protein | Best Used For | Storage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whole | 6.8g/cup | 6.8g/cup | Sauces, desserts | 12 months |
| 2% Reduced | 4.4g/cup | 6.8g/cup | Light cooking | 12 months |
| Fat Free | 0.2g/cup | 6.8g/cup | Beverages | 12 months |
| Organic | 6.8g/cup | 6.8g/cup | All purposes | 12 months |
| Vitamin D | 6.8g/cup | 6.8g/cup | Daily use | 12 months |
When you are selecting evaporated milk, you'll want to reflect on your specific cooking needs and dietary requirements. The whole milk variety works best for rich sauces and creamy desserts, while reduced-fat options are ideal for more delicate cooking applications.
How It's Used
Many creative possibilities open up once a person has chosen their preferred variety of evaporated milk. One will find it's an excellent ingredient for enriching soups, sauces, and casseroles, adding a creamy texture without thinning your dishes. In baking, one is able to use it to create richer cakes, pies, and custards.
When exploring cooking techniques with evaporated milk, one will discover it's ideal for making smooth mac and cheese, creamy mashed potatoes, and velvety cream-based soups. Recipe variations are endless – one is able to dilute it with equal parts water as a milk substitute, blend it with smoothies for extra protein, or add it to your morning coffee. One will also find it's exceptional for making homemade ice cream and fudge, where its concentrated richness enhances the final product.
Example in Baking
A classic example of using evaporated milk in baking is the traditional pumpkin pie, where it creates a silky-smooth custard filling that's ideally harmonized.
One of the key evaporated milk benefits in baking is its concentrated richness, which adds a creamy texture to your desserts without thinning the batter. You'll find it works wonderfully in recipes for cakes, cookies, and bread puddings. If one is looking for evaporated milk substitutes, one can reduce regular whole milk by 60% through gentle simmering, or use heavy cream diluted with water. When one is making custard-based desserts, one will observe that evaporated milk helps prevent curdling because of its stability at high temperatures, making it ideal for baked treats that need a smooth, consistent texture.
Related Terms
• Condensed Milk
A sweetened dairy product made by removing water from milk while adding sugar. The result is a thick, sticky liquid with a caramel hue and intense sweetness. Often used in dessert recipes and as a sweetener in beverages.
– Powdered Milk
A manufactured dairy product made by evaporating milk to dryness. It has a longer shelf life than liquid milk and requires no refrigeration until reconstituted. Commonly used in baking, confectionery, and as an emergency food supply.
– Half-and-Half
A dairy product made of equal parts whole milk and pale cream. Contains between 10.5% and 18% butterfat. Primarily used in coffee and cooking applications where a more delicate alternative to heavy cream is desired.
– Heavy Cream
A dairy product with a high butterfat content, typically around 36%. Obtained from the upper layer of fresh milk before homogenization. Used extensively in cooking and baking, particularly for whipping and creating rich sauces.
– Whole Milk
Fresh, unprocessed milk that retains its natural fat content of about 3.25%. Contains all original nutrients and components of milk directly from the source. Serves as the base product from which evaporated milk is created.
– UHT Milk
Ultra-high temperature processed milk that has been sterilized at temperatures exceeding 275°F (135°C). This process gives it a shelf life of six months or more without refrigeration. Similar to evaporated milk regarding preservation method but with different water levels.
– Milk Solids
The dried powder that remains after all moisture is removed from liquid milk. Contains proteins, lactose, and minerals naturally found in milk. Used as an ingredient in many processed foods and nutritional supplements.
Pro Tips
When using evaporated milk in recipes, an individual will want to keep several practical tips in consideration to achieve the best results. You will find that diluting evaporated milk with an equal amount of water creates a substitute for whole milk, while using it directly adds richness to recipes. For best cooking techniques, always shake the container well before opening, as the milk solids might settle at the bottom.
For storage tips, you will want to move any unused portion to an airtight container and refrigerate it promptly. Once opened, evaporated milk typically stays fresh for 4-5 days when refrigerated. If an individual is using it in hot dishes, add it gradually while stirring to prevent curdling, and avoid boiling it directly to maintain its smooth texture.
Common Mistakes
Many home cooks make preventable mistakes when working with evaporated milk, which might influence their recipes' final results. You will want to avoid storing opened cans of evaporated milk in your refrigerator, as this could result in metallic flavors. Instead, move the unused portion to an airtight container.
Don't assume you are able to freely swap evaporated milk substitutes without adjusting your recipe. While whole milk or half-and-half might work in some cases, they won't provide the same richness and consistency. You will also want to avoid confusing evaporated milk with sweetened condensed milk, as they serve different functions in recipes. When measuring, don't eyeball the amounts, as evaporated milk's concentrated nature signifies precise measurements are essential for success.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Evaporated Milk Be Frozen for Later Use?
With proper freezing techniques, one will maintain 90% of milk's quality for up to three months. One is able to freeze it in ice cube trays, then move to freezer bags for ideal milk storage.
Does Evaporated Milk Need to Be Refrigerated After Opening?
You'll need to refrigerate opened tins using proper storage methods. Following essential cooking tips, move materials to an airtight container and utilize within 5-7 days for best quality.
How Long Does Unopened Evaporated Milk Last in the Pantry?
Time flies, but your pantry storage may last quite a while. One will find the shelf life of unopened containers extends up to 12 months when one keeps them in a chilly, dry place.
Can You Make Evaporated Milk at Home From Regular Milk?
You are able to make homemade milk alternatives by simmering regular milk over low heat until it's reduced by 60%, creating a concentrated product that mimics store-bought evaporated milk's consistency.
What's the Best Substitute if I'm Allergic to Evaporated Milk?
One will find that unsweetened almond milk, reduced by half through gentle simmering, works ideally. For richer recipes, coconut cream delivers similar results with a silky, concentrated texture.