Over the last six years, sales of plant-based milks have doubled, so it’s not surprising that there is now a World Plant Milk Day (this Wednesday 22nd).
Whether it’s because of the rising number of vegans, people who are lactose intolerant or the growing trend in ‘flexitarianism’ (the term given to those who are primarily vegetarian but occasionally eat meat or fish), there are now lots of plant-based milk options to replace the cow’s milk we all grew up with.
They come in many different guises, including almond, peanut, hazelnut, coconut and oats, and can be used in cereals, smoothies and even hot drinks.
The beauty of these plant-based milks is that many don’t need to be kept in the fridge, so they will last a lot longer than their animal counterpart – and the cows won’t be complaining either!
Well-known brands such as Handmade Burger Co, Pret a Manger and Starbucks are all supporting the day by promoting their dairy-free products and this year will also see the UK’s first-ever 7-day Dairy Free Challenge.
If you think you can give up cows’ milk, cheese and all other dairy products for one week why don’t you give it a go?
ProVeg UK, which is behind World Plant Milk Day, will send daily emails with recipes, taste test videos and all the information needed to start out on a dairy-free journey.
Here’s our recipe for making your own almond milk at home.
Ingredients
- 1 cup raw almonds, preferably organic
- 2 cups water
- Sweeteners like honey, sugar, or maple syrup (optional)
Method
- Soak the almonds for at least 24 hours, Place in a bowl and pour in around an inch of water. Cover with a cloth and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
- Drain the almonds from their soaking water and rinse them thoroughly under cool running water.
- Combine the almonds and 2 cups of water in a blender and blend at high speed for 2 minutes.
- Line a fine-mesh strainer (a sieve is also fine for this) with either an opened nut milk bag or cheesecloth, and place over a measuring cup. Pour the almond mixture into the strainer.
- Press all the almond milk from the almond meal. Gather the nut bag or cheesecloth around the almond mixture and twist close. Squeeze and press with clean hands to extract as much almond milk as possible. You should get about 2 cups.
- If you would like to sweeten your milk, add your chosen sweetener.
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SK Chilled Foods | Your Food. Our Passion
Your food. Our Passion.
