Times have certainly changed when it comes to how we get our pantry full. Looking back to a period when fresh milk spoiled quickly and safe transport of milk was difficult, if not impossible, we begin to realise why tinned milk products became such valuable inventions back in the 1850s. What is most frequently utilised now as an ingredient for baking, sweetened condensed milk was originally a revolutionary staple that pioneered long-lasting, safe, nutritious and portable milk production.
The long road to sweetened condensed milk
Back in 1856, milk came straight from cows and became unsafe within hours owing to lack of refrigeration and preservation techniques. American Gail Borden created the first portable tinned milk product by heating the milk to kill the bacteria that caused spoilage and then preserving it by adding sugar. He was granted the first patent for sweetened condensed milk, which then went on to be used by the army in the Civil War and became an absolute staple for their field rations.
At the same time, Nestlé forefathers George and Charles Page decided to bring their successful product across the water by opening the Anglo-Swiss Condensed Milk Company in Switzerland in 1866. Their first product, the Milkmaid brand, is still sold by Nestlé 150 years later. This is due to the responsible processes enforced by George Page that used advanced scientific methods for dairy farming to ensure pristine health and safety standards, as well as a progressive and ethical approach to his employees that has carried through to keep Nestlé at the forefront as the trusted brand it remains today.
Used back in 1866, the bold slogan ‘Ours is the original condensed Swiss milk and the best. Every other kind is inferior’ still applies to NESTLÉ® EAGLE® Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk, with its long-standing reputation for quality and taste.
NESTLÉ® EAGLE® Sweetened Condensed Skimmed Milk has all the same rich flavours as the original, but with 0% fat for a lighter way to enjoy your sweet treats guilt free.
For more information: www.nestle.com.hk/brands/milk/eagle