Pakistanis use cow's milk for a variety of purposes, primarily for direct consumption and dairy product manufacturing.
Here's a breakdown:
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Direct Consumption: Many Pakistanis drink cow's milk directly, often boiled or pasteurized. It is a common part of breakfast and is also used in tea and coffee.
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Dairy Product Manufacturing: Cow's milk is used to produce various dairy products, including:
- UHT Milk: Ultra-high temperature (UHT) milk is a prevalent product processed by dairy plants.
- Butter: Cow's milk is churned to make butter, which is a staple in Pakistani cuisine.
- Cream: Cream, used in cooking and desserts, is also derived from cow's milk.
- Lassi: Lassi, a traditional yogurt-based drink, is often made using cow's milk.
- Yogurt (Dahi): A very common food item in Pakistan. Eaten plain or used in cooking.
- Cheese (Paneer): While not as common as other dairy products, cheese is also produced from cow's milk.
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Distribution: The provinces of Sindh and Punjab are major milk-producing regions, contributing significantly to the supply of cow's milk used across the country. Dairy processing plants (over 25 exist) play a crucial role in processing and distributing milk and milk products.
In short, cow's milk in Pakistan is both consumed directly and processed into a range of dairy products vital to the country's food culture and economy.
