I should have found an opportunity to try this when I was actually in Africa for the first time and rode on a camel earlier in the year. However, I was in need of some quick wins to meet the goal of trying 52 new things before the end of the year. I’d spotted a can of camel milk in the interntional food shop I’d been going to, so decided to try it.
Camel
Camels have been used by nomadic tribes for millennia and have supported people both in carrying things across miles, and also in providing milk. Herders have survived on the milk alone when they have taken their camels across the desert
In the US and in Australia, camel dairy farming has been growing due to the animals being so well adapted to particularly dry regions.
However, there is a lot of debate around milk from animals and the ethics behind it, and there are many alternatives available which I am going to try.
A realisation About Trying New Foods.
I have come to the realisation that I am a wuss with trying some new foods. It’s an entirely physcological process for me. Fruits and vegetables I am more than happy to try. Anything that has previously been a living thing is where I am a hypocrite. I eat basic meat, and I eat basic fish.
So yes, I will happily eat chicken breast, thigh and leg, but give me any other part of the creature, and I get a mild sweat on. If it’s a completely different creature to one I have eaten before, I cannot switch my brain off. Even if the food looks nothing like the creature it comes from, by brain will still be overriding my taste senses.
Even with cow milk, something I have consumed throughout my life, the moment I think about where it has come from and I break out in goose bumps.
Trying Camel Milk
So how would I fare with camel milk?
The camel on the packaging was the reminder of where this had come from. I’m also massively aware of the miles it must have travelled to reach me.
It looked very creamy as I poured it into the glass. In appearance it looked very similar to cows milk. It had more of a smell to it though, sort of like a dusty desert.
It was not unpleasant tasting. It was quite rich with a bit of an earthiness to it rather than the sweeter hints I’m used to.
I drank it on its own, I do wonder how it might have worked on cereal or in a cup of tea, but I didn’t have enough to try all of those ways with it.
Want To Try It Yourself?
Have a look in any international supermarkets to see if they stock camel milk.
You’ll be able to buy it online too.
- If you happen to be visiting Africa, maybe this is something to keep an eye out for and try when you are there.
Cost Of Experience
My 235ml can cost £2.99 when I bought it in December 2022. Prices will vary depending on where you shop.
Recommendations
Have it chilled. I don’t know if the nomads in the desert had a means of cooling it, maybe it’s nice warm?
- If you’re going to an international supermarket, why not see if there are any other new things for you to try?