evaporated

Evaporated is the past participle form of the verb evaporate and can describe a liquid that has undergone the process of evaporation, or a product created by that process. In everyday usage, it often appears in reference to evaporated milk, a common dairy product.

Evaporation is the phase change in which a substance transitions from a liquid to a gaseous state. It typically occurs at temperatures below the liquid’s boiling point and at its surface, driven by heat, a decrease in external pressure, or both. Unlike boiling, which requires the entire body of liquid to reach its boiling point and produces vigorous vapor, evaporation can occur gradually at any temperature, including room temperature. The rate of evaporation depends on several factors, including temperature difference between the liquid and its surroundings, surface area, air movement, humidity, and the liquid’s volatility and vapor pressure.

Common applications include concentrating solutions (such as sugar syrups, salts, and fruit juices), drying processes, and industrial distillation. Evaporators are used in many industries to remove water and increase concentration, often under controlled temperatures and pressures to optimize energy use and product quality.

Evaporated milk is a well-known product produced by removing a substantial portion of water from milk, typically around 60%. It is pasteurized and often sold unsweetened, with a long shelf life when unopened, and it can be reconstituted with water for standard milk recipes. Evaporation also plays a key role in natural environments, contributing to weather patterns and the water cycle.