What is Evaporated and Condensed Milk?
Evaporated milk and condensed milk are both concentrated forms of milk that have been processed to remove water. The main difference between the two lies in the amount of sugar added during the production process. Evaporated milk is produced by heating milk under reduced pressure, which causes some of the water content to evaporate, resulting in a thicker consistency. No sugar is added during this process. On the other hand, condensed milk is made by adding sugar to milk and then heating it until much of the water evaporates, resulting in a thick, syrupy liquid.
Another key difference between evaporated and condensed milk lies in its flavor and texture. Evaporated milk has a creamy, slightly caramelized taste with a thinner consistency, while condensed milk is thick, sweet, and sticky. Due to the added sugar, condensed milk has a more pronounced sweet flavor. As a result, evaporated milk is used more often as a substitute for cream or regular milk in recipes, while condensed milk is commonly used as a sweetener in baking and dessert recipes.
In terms of storage, both evaporated milk and condensed milk have a long shelf life, but they are usually stored differently. Evaporated milk is often sold in cans or cartons and can be stored at room temperature until opened. Once opened, it should be refrigerated and consumed within a few days. Condensed milk, on the other hand, is always sold in cans and should be stored unopened in a cool, dry place. Once opened, it should be refrigerated and consumed within a few weeks.