Milk

Matthew Evans

2022

In this compelling and wide-ranging exploration, Australian food writer and former chef Matthew Evans delves into the cultural, nutritional, ethical, and environmental history of milk. From breastmilk to dairy farms to plant-based alternatives, Milk invites readers to consider where milk comes from, who it serves, and at what cost.

Why It’s Included:

Evans brings a balanced, thought-provoking lens to a topic often taken for granted. His discussion of human milk, infant feeding, and lactation — though brief — respects the central role of breastfeeding in human history. The book also challenges readers to reflect on industrial food systems and the commodification of milk.

Who It’s For:

This book suits readers interested in food politics, sustainability, cultural history, and ethical food choices — including lactation professionals and breastfeeding advocates seeking broader context around milk’s meaning in society.

Every mammal - and even a couple of monotremes! - feeds teir young by a iquid secreted from mammary glands. We call this milk. For many western cultures, the milk they see and consume regularly comes from a cow. Actually, multiple cows. Humans are the only mammal to drink the milk of another species, to drink milk beyond weaning and to consider milk and milk products a core dietary component. Weird.
— Yvette O'Dowd

Further Reading:

The Politics of Breastfeeding – Gabrielle Palmer

Inventing Baby Food – Amy Bentley

Previous
Previous

Because I Said So

Next
Next

Hunt, Gather, Parent