“The UAE is intending to export camel milk to European markets next year, to be among the first suppliers of this product to the EU,’’ said Abdullah Al Janan, executive director for agricultural and animal affairs department, ministry of environment and water.
Among the two milk products vying for EU approval is Camelicious, which is claimed to have less than half the fat of cow’s milk, and three times the vitamin C content.
It is also suitable for people who are intolerant to lactose. However it’s unlikely to be a serious rival – the UAE produces just 5,000 litres of camel’s milk per day – less than a tenth of 1% of Europe’s daily demand for milk.
About camel milk
Camel milk has a generally sweet and sharp flavour, but at times can taste salty and sometimes watery.
It is apparently more nutritious than cow milk because it is lower in fat and cholesterol and richer in potassium, iron and minerals such as sodium and magnesium, according to a paper presented at the 5th Dubai International Food Safety Conference, which was held in Dubai last February.
The paper, entitled: ‘Standards for Camel Milk,’ was presented by Fatima Abdul Rahman, principal food microbiologist at Dubai Municipality’s Dubai Central Laboratory. “The Camel is a vital part of Arabian culture and tradition and its milk is an important component of the diet in the UAE and other Arab countries. Today camel milk is very important for human survival in many different countries. There are 18 million camels in the world which support the survival of millions of people in arid and semi-arid areas.”
Source: Khaleej Times/Daily Post
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