The Gerber Method is a primary and historic chemical test to determine the fat content of substances, most commonly milk. The Gerber Method was developed and patented by Dr. Niklaus Gerber of Switzerland in 1891. In this method milk fat is separated from proteins by adding sulfuric acid.
Milk contains approximately 3.4% total fat. Milk fat has the most complex fatty acid composition of the edible fats. Over 400 individual fatty acids have been identified in milk fat. However, approximately 15 to 20 fatty acids make up 90% of the milk fat. The major fatty acids in milk fat are straight chain fatty acids that are saturated and have 4 to 18 carbons (4:0, 6:0, 8:0, 10:0, 12:0, 14:0, 16:0, 18:0), monounsaturated fatty acids (16:1, 18:1), and polyunsaturated fatty acids (18:2, 18:3). Some of the fatty acids are found in very small amounts but contribute to the unique and desirable flavor of milk fat and butter. For example, the C14:0 and C16:0 ß-hydroxy fatty acids spontaneously form lactones upon heating which enhance the flavor of butter.