Half and half

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

Half and Half is a dairy product that is a blend of equal parts whole milk and light cream. It is commonly used in coffee and is also used in recipes that require a lighter cream consistency, such as sauces and desserts.

Etymology[edit | edit source]

The term "half and half" originates from the equal parts of whole milk and light cream used to create the product.

Composition[edit | edit source]

Half and half is composed of 12.5% milk fat, which is less than cream but more than milk. It is pasteurized, which means it is heated to kill bacteria and extend its shelf life. Some brands also add stabilizers to prevent the cream from separating.

Uses[edit | edit source]

Half and half is commonly used in coffee to add creaminess without the high fat content of heavy cream. It is also used in cooking and baking, particularly in recipes that require a lighter cream consistency. This includes sauces, soups, and desserts.

Related Terms[edit | edit source]

  • Milk: A white liquid produced by the mammary glands of mammals. It is the primary source of nutrition for infant mammals before they are able to digest other types of food.
  • Cream: The thicker part of milk that rises to the top due to its high fat content. It is used in cooking, especially in baking and sauce making.
  • Milk Fat: The fatty portion of milk. Milk fat is a complex mixture of lipids, and it is the component that gives milk its rich and creamy texture.
  • Pasteurization: The process of heating a liquid to kill bacteria and extend its shelf life. Named after Louis Pasteur, who developed the method.

See Also[edit | edit source]

Half and half Resources
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD