National Milk Day 2021: 12 Facts You Didn't Know About This Dairy Goodness

National Milk Day is a holiday not many are familiar with, but this nutrient-rich drink is no doubt a favorite of people all over the country and across the globe. Whether it is drunk during breakfast or just before going to bed, milk can be enjoyed at any time of the day by people of all ages.

National Milk Day falls on Jan. 11 each year, commemorating the day it is believed the first milk deliveries in glass bottles began in the country. To celebrate the event this Monday, here are 12 facts you may not know about the calcium-rich drink.

1. Milk is one of the few foods that one can potentially survive wholly on

Very few foods have all nine essential amino acids that humans require to build proteins, and a meat-only diet lacks the necessary vitamin C. However, milk has all nine amino acids that the human body cannot make and must be obtained from the diet, per Milk Facts.

Milk also contains nine essential nutrients, including calcium, potassium and vitamin D, according to Healthline.

2. Milk will stay fresher if one adds salt

It has been suggested that adding a pinch of salt or baking soda to milk will keep it fresh even a week past its expiration date, according to CNET. Keep in mind that this will work effectively if one adds salt or baking soda as soon as one opens the milk carton. These active ingredients will preserve the milk and keep it from spoiling quickly.

One can also opt to put it in the freezer for extra measure, according to the Dairy Council of California.

3. June is National Dairy Month

Originally known as National Milk Month, the observance began in 1937 as a way to steady dairy demand due to its surplus of production. Today, it is still commemorated by the National Dairy Council to celebrate the industry and its contributions.

4. India is the world's largest producer of milk

India is the world’s largest milk producer, with 22% of global production, followed by the U.S., China, Pakistan and Brazil, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization. Aside from this, India celebrates National Milk Day on Nov. 26 each year since 2014 to commemorate the birth anniversary of Dr. Verghese Kurien, known as the "Father of the White Revolution" in the nation.

5. The average American consumes 18 gallons of milk in a year

But while the entire country reaches about 21 billion gallons of milk a year in consumption, Americans drink more carbonated soft drinks, bottled water and beer than milk.

6. Milk is white because of its fat content

Although milk is 87% water, which is colorless, the fat and protein molecules floating inside it reflect all light wavelengths, thus making the drink appear white.

7. The world's rarest cheese is made from donkey milk

Serbian cheesemonger Slobodan Simic discovered a roundabout way to use donkey's milk to make cheese, called "Pule." It has long been thought that it is impossible to make cheese out of donkey’s milk because the liquid doesn’t contain enough casein to coagulate. Pule is now considered by some as the "world's most expensive cheese," selling for $600 per kilogram.

8. A bucket of...frog

In ancient Russia, putting a frog in the milk bucket was a way to keep milk from going sour. Due to this unorthodox method, scientists have identified a wealth of new antibiotic substances.

9. Oh, whale!

Whale's milk is very high in fat content—around 30% to 50%—and is described as having a consistency similar to toothpaste.

10. Milk was seen as a sign of wealth

Historically, milk was added before the tea. It was perceived as a sign of wealth when someone added their milk afterward, as pouring tea with low-quality porcelain would break the cup.

11. Milk used to be toxic

Milk wasn't consumable until 11,000 years ago due to its toxicity to humans. The only way humans could have milk was by lowering its lactose levels by turning it into cheese.

12. Pennsylvania and milk crates

It is Illegal in Pennsylvania to use milk crates for anything other than milk. Unauthorized use of milk crates can induce a fine of $300 or imprisonment up to 90 days.