Potato milk: Should you try this non-dairy drink?
When we hear potato, it's natural for us to think about fries or chips. But what if I say potato milk? Believe it or not, potato milk is taking western countries by storm. It is made up of peeled and boiled potatoes and comes in original, barista, and unsweetened varieties. It has health benefits too. Here's more about potato milk.
- Potato milk is a gluten free dairy alternative. It can be taken by those who are gluten, lactose and milk protein intolerant.
- It also avoids the risk of nut allergies unlike other non-dairy milk options.
- To give potato milk a creamy texture that resembles milk rapeseed oil is added.
- It is a very good source of omega-3--the building block of cell membrane.
Potato milk contains water, potato, pea protein, maltodextrin, rapeseed oil, chicory fiber, fructose, acidity regulator, calcium carbonate, sunflower lecithin (an emulsifier), natural flavor, and vitamins. It is gluten-free and can be used as an alternative to dairy. Interestingly, you can also make it at home. But it is easily available in stores in the US and European countries.
As per health experts, potato milk contains vitamins A, C, D, K, and B12. It also contains a high amount of calcium and iron, similar to the nutrient content in the same quantity in cow milk. It is also casein-free, fat-free, soy-free, gluten-free, making it ideal for people suffering from any kind of allergy. It also contains lots of fiber, riboflavin, and folic acid.
As per a report in The Guardian, the procedure to make potato milk requires less water as compared to almond milk. Potatoes need lesser land space as compared to oats. It releases less amount of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere than traditional dairy farming. Its sustainability and environment-friendly nature make it the first choice of health-conscious and climate-conscious people.
Peel and boil one big potato in three cups of water with a pinch of salt. After it gets soft, add potato and water into a blender. Add some almonds, honey and blend till it becomes smooth. Add water to get the right consistency. Strain through a soft cloth and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
You can simply drink it like any other milk. It is also available in the market in powdered form. Add some water and mix well and use as desired--on cereals or oatmeal. You can also have it in the form of a milkshake for breakfast. While potato milk is still new, it is expected to grab center stage in the health industry.
