Milk is one of the most basic of all food. Milk constitute a complete diet and even for adults, cow’s milk includes many essential nutrients particularly calcium.
SOURCE
Mankind from time immemorial has used the milk of animals. The milk of cow, buffalo and goat is generally used. In some countries, milk of sheep, mare and camel is also used.
Milk represents a major ingredient in our diet- poured over cereals, drunk in glasses, in tea and coffee- but it also enters the composition of many dishes especially desserts such as ice cream, custard, pancakes, rice puddings etc. it is particularly high in calcium, but it is also fairly in fat.
COMPOSITION
Whole milk – that is, milk comes from the cow- is composed of water ( 88%), milk fat ( 3.25 %), other milk solids( protein, lactose and minerals)- 8.25%.
There are many types of milk consumed though mostly it is cow’s milk, goat’s milk and sheep’s milk.
HISTORY OF MILK
Milk can be defined as a white opaque slightly sweet nutritious liquid secreted by the mammary glands, Milk has always been a symbol of fertility and wealth since biblical times and the promised land was described to be flowing with milk and honey. In India and Asia, zebus and water-buffalo’s milk were considered sacred while the Romans and the Greeks were partial to the goat’s and ewe’s milk they also drank mares, camels, and asses milk.
Milk has a flourishing population of microbes. This is vital for natural coagulation of milk, but it can be harmful that is why various methods are used to pasteurize or sterilize the milk, thus avoiding deterioration and prolonging the length of time it can be stored.
Chart of 50 types of milk products and relationships, you might wanna have a look on it.
