When describing the contents of his shop after it’s destroyed, Mr. Lowe states: “Wooden shelves leaning against the wall, holding cakes of soap and boxes of detergent and oats and bottles of beer and stout, aerated water, white rum, boxes of clothes peg, hairpin, button, phensic, tins of condensed milk and mackerel in tomato sauce, corned beef, sardines in vegetable oil…” (Powell 18).
Condensed milk is a type of concentrated milk containing added sugar in which “60% of the water content has been removed” via evaporation (Foster). When condensed milk is processed, the sugar concentrates and gains a caramel-like flavor. Although condensed milk has a high sugar content, it has important nutrients and minerals such as protein, carbohydrates, calcium, and potassium, which are vital for people of all ages and children especially (“What is Condensed Milk?”). Moreover, the sugar extends the shelf life by preventing the growth of bacteria. Across the world, this rich, sweet product is used in recipes for baked goods and desserts.
Before the 1850s, milk frequently caused diseases due to the lack of refrigeration. In 1856, Gail Borden developed condensed milk to combat food poisoning and diseases associated with the improper preservation of fresh milk. Moreover, Borden’s brand—Eagle Brand—decreased the “infant mortality rate” and eventually became a “household name” as a result of The Civil War (“Our History”). In order to ensure that soldiers were adequately nourished, the U.S. government ordered Borden’s product in large quantities.
Inspired by Borden’s success, George and Charles Page created their version of condensed milk in Cham, Switzerland, under their Milkmaid Brand. By 1868, the Page brothers had sold “over 364,000 cartons of condensed milk,” with the majority of their demand coming from Great Britain and its colonies (“A condensed history: the Page brothers and Anglo-Swiss”). Their success eventually led to the beginnings of the company, Nestlé.
Sources:
“A Condensed History: the Page Brothers and Anglo-Swiss.” Nestlé, 31 Mar. 2016, www.nestle.co.nz/media/pressreleases/allpressreleases/condensed-history-page-brothers-anglo-swiss.
Eagle Family Foods Group LLC. “Our History.” Eagle Brand, https://www.eaglebrand.com/history
“What Is Condensed Milk? Glossary, Uses, Benefits, Recipes with Condensed Milk.” Tarladalal, 23 Nov. 2020, www.tarladalal.com/glossary-condensed-milk-672i.