This Step by Step Guide On How Best To Preserve Milk Is A Lifehack!

Milk is averagely needed in its liquid form, so people rarely think of freezing it to preserve it, so they opt for the fridge. While this may keep the milk for some time, it won't prevent spoilage when the milk passes its expiration date.

Save up buying milk and get that big gallon of milk that offers a discount because you can freeze it! Below, we have outlined steps on how to store milk in the freezer properly, how to thaw it, and what changes you may expect after freezing it.

Don't store milk in carton boxes or glass jugs

This is the first and perhaps most important tip when you want to freeze milk. Ensure the milk is stored in the proper container which must be airtight and so, properly sealed.

Next, you have to consider the material of the container. Glass containers are inappropriate because they may shatter at the extremely low temperatures in the freezer.

This makes plastic milk jugs the best option because not only are they easily resealable, you can get them in various sizes. This way, you can thaw just the amount you need at that time, and the thawing process will take lesser time.

How To Freeze Milk

This is an easy step, and you don't even have to do it before the "best by" or expiration date. All you need to do is:

• Transfer the milk to a plastic gallon as advised
• Create about 1 ½ inch of space in the container by removing about 1 cup of milk from each gallon. You want to avoid the mess the milk can create as it expands during the freezing process.
• Reseal the container and place it in the freezer.

How To Thaw Milk

This requires two simple steps. All you have to do is transfer the frozen milk to a fridge and make sure to shake well before use. Milk thaws quickly, so a frozen gallon should be ready within a day; smaller containers will melt even quicker. However, always keep these in mind:

• Consume the milk within one week of melting it.
• The thawing process must be done in a fridge. At room temperature, you risk lessening the quality of the liquid.
• To hasten the thawing process, place the milk in cold water for a while; make sure to change the water every 30 minutes as it warms to room temperature.

Changes You May Observe In Milk After Freezing

When thawed, frozen milk will retain all of its nutrients, but you may observe a slight change in its texture. It may taste grainy, and the fat may separate, so not many people like drinking it raw.

So, it is advised that:

You test-freeze a small amount of milk first to see if you like the thawed version. You shake the thawed milk well before using it. You use the thawed milk for cooking, preparing milk drinks, smoothies, pastries, etc.