Milk Jam

Milk jam, also known as dulce de leche, is a natural and delicious sweet made from a mixture of milk and sugar. Over time, it has evolved from being a simple snack or breakfast item to a versatile ingredient used to enhance the flavor of ice creams, cakes, and pastries. Originating from Latin America, this delightful treat is recognized worldwide under various names, with “dulce de leche” being the most common. The term “dulce de leche” translates to “sweet milk” in Spanish, and al-though it is known by different names around the world, it fundamentally remains the same treat.

Names for Milk Jam Around the World

•Arequipe: Colombia and Venezuela

•Cajeta: Mexico (Made from goat milk, equivalent to Turkey’s goat milk jam)

•Dulce de Leche: Argentina, Bolivia, Central America, Cuba, Ecuador, Spain, Paraguay, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Uruguay, and some regions of Colombia

•Fanguito: Cuba

•Manjar: Chile, Ecuador, Panama, Peru

•Süt Reçeli: Turkey

•Milk Jam: USA and UK

Milk jam is made by slowly boiling milk and sugar, continuously stirring until the mixture turns a caramel brown color. Some recipes recommend adding baking soda to speed up the cooking process and prevent the mixture from becoming bitter. Vanilla can also be added for additional flavor. As the mixture boils, the water in the milk evaporates, resulting in a thicker consistency. This process causes the milk jam to caramelize due to the Maillard reaction. The main difference between caramelization and the Maillard reaction is that caramelization occurs at 120-150°C, while the Maillard reaction happens at room temperature.

The Invention of Milk Jam

The exact origins of milk jam are unclear, but there are various theories. Many sources trace its his-tory back to Argentina. According to legend, a servant working for politician Juan Manuel de Rosas left a mixture of milk and sugar cooking on the stove and forgot about it. When she remembered and returned, she found that the mixture had turned dark brown. Daniel Balmaceda claims that milk jam was invented in the 16th century. After arriving in the Philippines, Spanish colonists brought milk jam to Spain and America.

Variations of Milk Jam

Firstly, it is important to understand the difference between milk jam and caramel. Caramel is made by heating pure sugar until it browns and thickens, while milk jam is made from milk and sugar. Its brown color comes from caramelized milk rather than sugar.In Venezuela and the Dominican Republic, milk jam is made from curdled milk. To obtain curdled milk, an acidic substance like lemon is added to fresh milk. This version often includes eggs and cinnamon and is served with raisins. Another popular variation is cajeta from Mexico, which is made from goat milk and is known as goat milk jam in Turkey.Milk jam is perfect for those who love traditional flavors as well as those seeking innovative tastes. Our brand’s milk jam products are carefully crafted with natural and high-quality ingredients to bring deliciousness to your table. Try this unique treat and discover the difference!