Savour the goodness of camel milk

Camelicious offers a delicious variety of flavoured milk and laban

The idea of a camel-milking facility in Dubai dates back to 30 years, but it wasn't until the establishment of Emirates Industry for Camel Milk and Products (EICMP) in 2003 that the healthy drink made its way to consumers' glasses.
Its brand Camelicious, set up in 2006, hit UAE shelves the same year, and since then, noted a rise in demand for its taste and health properties, according to Mutasher Al Badry, Deputy General Manager and Business Development Manager of Emirates Industry for Camel Milk and Products, Camelicious.

Quick facts - Listed as the first camel milk production facility worldwide, it received the EU Commission approval to export its products to the EU zone in 2013. - Obtained ISO 22000 certification for both its farm facilities and dairy processing and follows HACCP procedures. - Its processing facility, housed within the camel farm, is the world's first sophisticated camel milking plant, incorporating state-of-the-art technology and scientific research on camel breeding and milking. It currently has 4,600 camels in its facilities.

The Camelicious range includes fresh milk, flavoured milk, cheese, ghee, laban, labnah, and even date milk. Customers can enjoy a delicious variety of milk flavours such as chocolate, strawberry, dates, and saffron, as well as laban peppered with fenugreek, lemon, and lemon and mint.
The concept of consuming camel milk has been widely accepted in the region, as the drink has been part of its heritage since time immemorial. "As we are in the UAE, the birthplace of the commercial camel milk industry, awareness is great among locals and Arabs. Expats also have easy access to information in the UAE and are much impressed by the tradition," he added.
EICMP is determined to grow production and build a strong and sustainable camel milk industry in the UAE as a leading country worldwide.
Why camel milk?

HEALTH
- Fifty per cent less fat than cow's milk.
- Three to five times more vitamin C, vitamin B, and up to 10 times more iron than cow's milk, which boost the immune system.
- Higher content of unsaturated fatty acids.
- Helps control cholesterol levels.
- High content of minerals, especially calcium, which could help prevent osteoporosis.
- Supports the treatment of Diabetes II (controls blood sugar), anti-immune diseases, and Crohn's disease.

BEAUTY
- Natural moisturiser (lanolin)
- Anti-ageing properties (lanolin, vitamin C and elastin)
- Good for teeth, bones, hair, skin and nails (high calcium content).

WELL-BEING
- The natural pro-biotic features of camel milk assist healthy bacteria growth within the gut and support healthy digestion.
- Bedouins have used camel milk combined with dates as staple diet for centuries, and also as a sun protection combined with fat.


- farhana@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE

Farhana Chowdhury

• farhana@khaleejtimes.com