SWEETENED CoNDENSED M1LK—STRIKING 97 
pounds of cane sugar are added to every 100 pounds of fresh 
milk and that it takes 250 pounds of fresh milk to make 100 
pounds of sweetened condensed milk, 100 pounds of sweetened 
condensed milk, therefore, contain 16 >“ 2.5 = 40 pounds of cane 
sugar. Using the sugar-free finished product as the basis for 
calculation, then, the ratio of concentration would be: 
250 eres 
= 4 tt ‘ 
(100 — 40) " 
Instead of giving the ratio of concentration, this basis of 
calculation determines the ratio of evaporation only. The results 
are, therefore, erroneous and misleading. It does not materially 
matter whether the diluent in the condensed milk is water or 
cane sugar, or both; the really important factor 1s the per cent 
milk solids in the condensed milk as compared with the per cent 
solids in the original fresh milk, and this relation is solely deter- 
mined by the amount of fluid milk required to make one pound 
of condensed milk, or by the true and actual ratio of concentra- 
tion. If it takes 25 pounds of fresh milk for every pound of con- 
2.5 to 
densed milk, then the ratio of concentration is obviously 
1 and not 4.17 to 1. 
Methods.—T'o know just when the proper degree of concen- 
tration has been reached is difficult and requires experience. It 
is here where the processor can easily make or lose his wages. 
There are various indications reminding the observant processor 
that the milk in the retort is nearly “done,” viz., time consumed 
for condensing, time elapsed since all the milk has been “drawn 
up,’’ amount of condensed milk left in the pan and, most of all, 
the appearance and behavier of the boiling milk itself. Milk 
that has been sufficiently condensed assumes a glossy, glistening 
lustre, it boils over from the periphery towards the center, form- 
ing a small nucleus or puddle of foam in the center of the pan. 
An experienced and observant operator knows within a few min- 
utes when the milk is condensed enough. This does not mean, 
hewever, that he should wait until the last minute before he 
“strikes” the batch, for even the most skillful and experienced 
