Also Known As

Fat Free Dried Milk.

Description

Skimmed milk powder is the milk powder produced by evaporating the water from the skimmed or 0.5 %fat milk by heat treatment. By using the Spray drying method, the skimmed milk is introduced in a chamber where hot air is circulated. Soon the milk globules lose their moisture and fall off as fine powder. It is then collected and packaged. It is a creamy fine powder to feel, white in color. It can be mixed easily with water to reconstitue it.

How to Select

Many grocery stores, specially the food malls as well as super markets store skimmed milk powders. Indian companies like Nestle, Amul, Varshney Bhandu Pvt Ltd, Harbansh Lal Foods, Shree Vinayak Ingredients, etc manufacture and export skimmed milk powder. It is available in different sized packaging. Check the date of packaging before buying the packet.

Culinary Uses

· Skimmed milk powder is the storage form of skimmed milk and can be reconstituted easily by just adding water. It can be used as regular milk for drinking or for cooking. It is easily incorporated in many recipes.
· Delicious Gajar ka halwa or Carrot pudding can be made using skimmed milk powder and whole milk powder, both reconstituted to give a creamy touch to the halwa.
· Low fat curds or thin curds can be thickened using skimmed milk powder to increase its appeal.
· Apart from this, skimmed milk powder is widely used in making milk drinks and milk chocolates.
· Many ice creams are labelled as low fat and contain skimmed milk powder in reconstituted form. Also ice cream premixes contain skimmed milk powder.
· Skimmed milk powder can also be used in various bakery dishes, such as biscuits, milk cookies, cakes, muffins, cup cakes or pastries, etc.
· You can also make Sweetened Condensed milk using the whole milk powder. For making it :
· Blend ½ cup hot water, using a blender.
· Slowly add ¾ th cup sugar.
· Now add ¾ th cup milk powder.
· Blend until smooth.

How to Store

Skimmed milk powder is easier to store due to its reduced size as compared to liquid skimmed milk, but its only disadvantage is that it does not taste the same as the liquid form. A sealed pack can be stored in a cool but dry place. You can remove it in a glass bottle or a vacuumed plastic bottle. Use a dry spoon or scoop to remove it from the container and lid it tightly after every use to avoid lumping of milk powder, due to moisture. Once reconstituted, refrigerate it like other milk beverages.

Health Benefits

Skimmed milk powder is deficient in fat and fat soluble vitamins but the proteins, water-soluble vitamins and minerals are preserved.
· Skimmed Milk powder contains almost the same amount of proteins (26%) and carbohydrates (37%) as in the liquid form. However the water and the fat % is decreased to nil. So it is helpful for people who want to lose weight due to low calories.
· As it is considered to be zero fats, it is a good substitue of whole milk and can be taken by patients with high cholesterol levels and cardiac problems.
· The milk protein Casein is said to stimulate the whole body and helps in muscle- protein synthesis.
· Skimmed Milk powder is also fortified with vitamins A and D. Vitamin A helps to improve vision whereas Vitamin D helps in the formation on Bones. Both the vitamins play an important role in maintenance and repair of Skin.
· Th calcium present in it promotes growth and maintenance of teeth and bones throughout the life.