Processed milk refers to milk that has undergone a series of treatments or modifications to prolong its shelf life and enhance its taste, texture, and nutritional characteristics. This type of milk is typically obtained from cows but can also be sourced from other mammals such as goats or sheep.
The processing of milk involves several steps aimed at achieving specific objectives. Initially, it undergoes pasteurization, a process that involves heating the milk to kill any harmful bacteria that may be present. This helps to ensure its safety for consumption.
Following pasteurization, the milk may go through homogenization, a process that breaks down the milk fat globules to create a more uniform texture. This prevents the separation of cream from the milk, resulting in a consistent product.
Additionally, processed milk often undergoes fortification, where essential vitamins and minerals are added to enhance its nutritional value. This fortification aims to increase the milk's content of nutrients like vitamin D, calcium, and potentially other vitamins.
Processed milk can come in various forms, such as whole milk, low-fat milk, or skimmed milk, depending on the fat content. It is commonly available in liquid form, package sizes, and different flavors. This type of milk is widely used in the production of various dairy products, including cheese, yogurt, butter, and ice cream.
