Powdered milk is a common ingredient in many recipes and a popular alternative to liquid milk. The spelling of this compound word can be explained using IPA phonetic transcription. "Powdered" is pronounced /ˈpaʊdəd/, with the stress on the first syllable and the long "o" sound in the second syllable. "Milk" is pronounced /mɪlk/, with a short "i" sound and no stress on any syllable. When pronounced together, the word sounds like /ˈpaʊdəd mɪlk/, with two distinct syllables and stress on the first.
Powdered milk, also known as milk powder or dried milk, refers to a dairy product that is obtained by evaporating normal liquid milk to remove the water content, resulting in a dry, powdery substance. This process involves spraying the liquid milk into a heated chamber, where the water content rapidly evaporates, leaving behind the milk solids in the form of fine particles or granules. These particles can then be milled into a fine powder.
Powdered milk has a long shelf life and is a convenient alternative to fresh milk, as it does not require refrigeration. Due to its extended shelf life and portability, it is often used as a viable substitute for liquid milk in various food manufacturing processes, as well as for personal consumption.
To reconstitute powdered milk, it is typically mixed with water to restore it to its original fluid state. The ratio of powder to water varies depending on the desired consistency, ranging from a thinner consistency for drinking to a thicker one for cooking or baking purposes.
Powdered milk is widely regarded for its nutritional value, as it retains most of the essential vitamins and minerals found in fresh milk. It is commonly used in baking, cooking, and preparing dairy-based beverages. Additionally, powdered milk is utilized in emergency situations or areas where fresh milk is not easily obtainable.
The word "powdered milk" is coined from the combination of "powdered" and "milk".
The term "powdered" is derived from the verb "powder", which dates back to the 14th century. It is rooted in the Old French word "pouldre" meaning "dust". In the context of powdered milk, "powdered" refers to milk that has been dried and turned into a fine, dust-like form.
The word "milk" has a much older origin, tracing back to the Old English word "meoluc" or "meloc". This ultimately comes from the Proto-Germanic word "*meluks", which is linked to the Proto-Indo-European root "*melg-" meaning "to rub".