Antarctic expedition uncovers century-old milk powder

Antarctic expedition uncovers century-old milk powder
by Simon Mansfield
Sydney, Australia (SPX) Apr 01, 2024
In an astonishing find from the icy landscapes of Antarctica, dairy researchers have unearthed whole milk powder dating back to 1907, offering a unique window into the nutritional and compositional consistency of dairy products across more than a century. This discovery was facilitated by the Antarctic Heritage Trust during a restoration project at Shackleton's base camp, where a container of Defiance brand whole milk powder lay preserved in the Antarctic cold.

The research, led by Skelte G. Anema, DPhil, of Fonterra Research and Development Centre, sought to determine the degree to which dairy products have evolved due to selective breeding and farming practices. Utilizing advanced analytical techniques, the team compared the century-old milk powder with modern spray-dried whole milk powder from Fonterra.

Findings from this unprecedented study, published in the Journal of Dairy Science, suggest remarkable similarities between the old and new dairy samples in terms of protein, fat, and mineral content. Despite the passage of time and significant technological advancements in dairy production, the fundamental nutritional value of milk appears to have remained consistent.

The study's comparisons focused on several components, including major and trace mineral composition, protein and fatty acid profiles, and physical qualities like color and solubility. While some differences were noted-such as higher levels of certain minerals in the old sample, attributed to its tin storage container, and oxidation-related changes-the core nutritional components have largely stayed the same.

This research not only sheds light on the technological evolution in dairy processing, notably the shift from roller-dried to spray-dried powder production, but also reaffirms milk's enduring role in human nutrition. It underscores the dairy sector's advancements in enhancing product quality, particularly in terms of powder solubility and appearance, while highlighting dairy's nutritional importance remains unchanged.

The Antarctic discovery serves as a testament to the resilience and lasting nutritional value of dairy products, even when subjected to a century of extreme conditions. This finding emphasizes the significant strides made in dairy production technology and quality control, showcasing the sector's commitment to delivering safe, nutritious dairy products.

Research Report:"Milk on Ice": A detailed analysis of Ernest Shackleton's century-old whole milk powder in comparison with modern counterparts