Forget about cronuts and ramen burgers, 2014 is going be the year of the camel milk craze. But could it be more than just a passing fad? In the United Arab Emirates, camel milk has been served with coffee for as long as anyone can remember. And now, ever since Taylor Street Baristas started importing the milk and serving up London’s first camelattes and camelccinos earlier this year, sensationalist foodies and health guru converts have been rushing to jump on the bandwagon. Here are a few reasons why you should get on board.
For the story:
Sounds exotic, doesn’t it? Adventurous? Gastronomically open-minded? To be able to say “I’ll have a camelatte, thank you” is the barefaced reason most Londoners will try it. Better hurry up and get your order in, then – before camel’s milk becomes as standard as soy.
For the taste:
Aside from the indisputable novelty of the thing, camel’s milk also has a distinctly camel-y taste which may just suit your palate. Following an agreeably smooth and savoury first impression, it leaves a bitter aftertaste on the tongue, which goes perfectly with chocolate.
For the waist:
At half the fat of regular cow’s milk, camel’s milk looks set to become a favourite with weight watchers everywhere. Another reported benefit is that is has lower cholesterol. This’ll be trending in no time #camelmilkFTW.
For the recipes:
There is more to camel’s milk than coffee, as any bona fide foodie will attest. Use it to make camel milk ice cream, where the saltiness of the milk will offset the sugary base, or combine it with a sweet tomato sauce for a richer flavour. Or why not go traditional, and simply heat it with saffron, sugar, and cardamom? Comfort in a cup.
For the lactose intolerant:
Camel’s milk will no doubt gain support from those who are lactose-intolerant, who will rejoice at a new (if bizarre) alternative to soy. The general consensus is that camel milk is a better-tasting lactose-free options.
For the iron:
Feeling fatigued? Camel’s milk has 10 times more iron than regular cow’s milk, which could help boost your energy levels and improve your mood.
For the vitamin boost:
A big attraction of camel’s milk for the health-conscious is that it contains five times as much Vitamin C as regular cow’s milk, and has even been described by some as the next big superfood. Holland & Barrett have expressed a keen interest in stocking the stuff – could this be the next coconut water? Watch this space.
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