Additionally, there are many types of milk to suit almost every dietary need, such as cow's milk, goat's milk, and plant-based milk alternatives such as soy and almond milk.
However, you may be wondering if you can freeze milk in the freezer.
This article explains how to safely freeze and defrost different types of milk.
Can it be stored in the freezer?
You can store milk in the freezer. But on condition that this will be done once . Repeated freezing, especially of previously boiled milk, will kill all the beneficial components in the drink. This drink is harmful to health.
Milk frozen at a temperature of 18 C° below zero does not lose its beneficial properties. But only if the storage periods are observed.
Skim milk is best suited for freezing. Flakes form on the surface of a drink with a high percentage of fat content, and underneath it is a cloudy liquid. After defrosting, full-fat milk will become homogeneous again if you heat it a little and mix thoroughly.
At what temperature does milk freeze
There are several factors that influence the freezing point of milk - region, breed of animal, addition of water, acidification. On average, it varies from -0.525 to -0.565°C.
According to GOST R 52054-2003, milk freezes well at a temperature of -0.540°C. If we are talking about colostrum, the chemical composition of which is slightly different from regular milk, a lower temperature will be required for freezing - in the range of -0.570-0.580 ° C.
The freezing point of milk also depends on the concentration of its soluble parts. This means that if diluted with water, freezing occurs at a higher temperature. For example, if milk contains about 12-13% water, it will freeze at a temperature of -0.498°C. If the product is absolutely natural and undiluted, a temperature of -0.533°C will be required to freeze.
Another significant factor is acidity. If its level changes from 6.6 to 6.0, the temperature indicator will correspondingly change from -0.543 to -0.564 ° C.
Storage duration
How long can milk be stored in the freezer? Milk can be stored in the freezer for several months at a temperature of 15-18 C° below zero .
But already at the end of the second month, the taste of the product will deteriorate significantly, and the amount of nutrients will decrease. Therefore, it is better to consume a frozen drink within 4-6 weeks.
Long-term freezing gradually destroys milk proteins, and the product gathers into lumps after defrosting. To control the expiration date, it is better to immediately label a container with a frozen product. The container must contain information about the date the drink was placed in the freezer .
Does the product lose its properties?
We are not talking about store-bought milk, which you can buy every day and which is often reconstituted from a dry product, devoid of many beneficial properties, and low fat content.
Homemade cow's milk has a full range of beneficial properties. This is a dietary product suitable for baby food. In some cases, prepared cow's milk is used to replace breast milk. Expectant mothers and young children are recommended to consume the product every day, as it is a good source of easily digestible calcium, necessary for the formation of the skeleton and bone tissue of the teeth.
Unfortunately, not all people can consume this wonderful product. In some cases it will cause harm.
- There is a category of the population, especially in old age, whose body does not digest lactose. In such cases, it is recommended to use fermented milk products.
- In some people, milk, especially in combination with certain foods, provokes stomach upset.
- Another problem can be caused by the milk protein casein; it is a strong allergen. If someone has an allergic reaction, then all dairy products are contraindicated.
- Individual intolerance to the product.
For everyone else, the benefits will be obvious. Everyone knows the fact that milk is released to workers in hazardous industries.
- It has a good effect on the stomach, especially if there is increased acidity. It promotes better functioning of the cardiovascular system and helps the heart muscle function normally.
- Milk helps strengthen the nervous system. If you drink it in the morning, it will supply the body with nutrients and energy, and provide vigor.
- It is recommended to drink it even if your eyesight is impaired.
- Many people drink warm milk before bed, sometimes with the addition of honey - the product helps you fall asleep quickly and have sound, healthy sleep.
- Doctors are known to recommend giving this product to colds and weakened children - it improves immunity and speeds up recovery.
- Milk will be useful for those who want to lose weight. It saturates the body with vitamins and microelements, easily digestible proteins, suppressing hunger and speeding up metabolism. At the same time, the calorie content of the product is only 55-65 kcal per 100 g, depending on the fat content.
- Milk is widely used in cosmetology. Creams are made from milk proteins and are often used for homemade cosmetic masks. Milk is useful for washing, especially for dry skin. If you freeze the product in small molds, you will have an excellent product for morning face refreshment, tightening pores, softening, whitening and nourishing the skin.
For city residents who cannot purchase homemade milk every day and buy it in large quantities in the countryside, there is a way to store it for a long time by freezing. With this storage method, milk will not lose its nutritional value.
If it is frozen and thawed correctly, it will still provide both benefit and harm to individuals.
Which is correct?
In addition to observing the time limits for freezing a natural product, it is important to choose the right storage container. You also need to remember: different types of milk will behave differently in the freezer.
Selection of containers
Frozen milk can be stored in different containers:
- in plastic bottles;
- in plastic bags with a zipper;
- in ice trays (frozen white cubes are convenient to add to hot drinks).
The plastic freezer bag can only be used once.
In a bottle
In addition to plastic bottles from store-bought milk, you can use containers from baby food, juices, and yogurt .
It is most convenient to freeze milk in 0.3-0.5 liter bottles. This amount is enough to prepare pancakes or porridge for a family of three.
It is more convenient to place small bottles on the freezer shelf - there is little space between them.
How to freeze milk in a bottle:
Wash the inside of the container thoroughly, turn it over and let the drops drain. Dry the bottle, pour boiling water over it (sterilization is not suitable for disposable containers).- Pour the drink into the bottle.
- Do not fill the product to capacity. When frozen, milk will begin to expand and a container filled to the top may crack.
- After the bottle has been filled, you need to try to squeeze the air out of it and close the lid tightly.
- Place the container in the freezer for storage.
Liquids frozen in bottles cannot be partially used. That is, you will have to defrost the entire contents of the container and consume it. It is impossible to break off a part of the frozen product and get it out due to the shape of the bottle.
In packages
Bags are more convenient than bottles if you need to take not all the frozen milk, but only part of it. You can separate a portion from the total frozen piece and put the rest back in the freezer.
How to store milk in bags:
- Choose a thick freezer bag. It is better if it is closed with a zip lock.
- You need to pour the drink into bags as carefully as possible. To avoid spilling it, you can immerse the bags in tall cups, glasses, or jars.
- Close the bag, make sure the lock is closed tightly. Place in the freezer for storage.
It is convenient to place bags of frozen food in stacks on each freezer shelf.
In ice trays
This method is the easiest in terms of preparing for freezing:
- take an ice tray, wash and dry well;
- fill the cells with milk;
- cover the container with a lid;
- place the form in the freezer for storage.
Milk easily absorbs odors from foods stored in the refrigerator or freezer. To prevent this from happening, it is better to tightly close the bottle or bag and cover the ice tray with a lid.
Another option is to remove everything from the freezer except milk . If this is not done, after defrosting the drink may unpleasantly surprise you with its taste.
Depending on the product type
In addition to cow's milk, other types of milk can be frozen. Freezing will affect each drink differently:
Almond, oatmeal, soy, flaxseed - when frozen, they can separate and become grainy. Best frozen in ice cube trays and used for hot drinks.- Coconut - the product should not be frozen in a tin. Storage containers and freezing temperatures are the same as for cow's milk. The coconut drink may also separate.
- Condensed - should not be frozen in a tin. Sweet condensed milk will not freeze because it contains a lot of sugar.
- Goat - lends itself well to freezing, but may flake a little. It is best to store this drink in a glass container.
- Breast meat – when frozen, slight changes in smell and taste and separation of fat are possible. At a temperature of 15 C° below zero, such a product can be stored for up to 6 months.
Milk with a long shelf life does not need to be frozen if the packaging has not been opened.
Sanitary requirements
According to the requirements of SanPiN, it is recommended to carry out one-time freezing and store it in this state for no more than 2 months. This technique is practiced only at home; as for large enterprises, they should use the product only in fresh form.
It is prohibited to re-treat with cold, as this is a violation of sanitary standards.
It is best to store it in bottles and bags that can be used at a time. It is highly recommended not to use open containers, as dairy products instantly attract and absorb foreign odors. This may negatively affect the taste.
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Defrosting features
If the freezing was slow and gradual, the milk should not be boiled after defrosting. The protein in the product will be destroyed and the drink will curdle into flakes.
Thawed milk curdles faster than fresh milk. Therefore, it is better to use it for preparing dough or other dishes. Fresh milk is more suitable for drinking.
to defrost milk :
- remove the container and leave to defrost at room temperature;
- place the container with the drink in the refrigerator for several hours;
- Immerse the container with frozen milk first in cold and then in warm water.
Summarize
- Most milk can be frozen. However, milk must be placed in an airtight, freezer-safe container before freezing.
- Many milks will also separate and become grainy when frozen, but this can easily be remedied by using a blender.
- All types of milk should be thawed in the refrigerator to minimize the risk of bacterial growth.
- Using this guide, you can be sure to freeze and thaw your milk safely.
Milk
Practical advice
Practical tips will help you freeze milk correctly and quickly:
- Homemade milk must be boiled before freezing. But if the defrosted drink is then used for baking or preparing hot dishes, boiling is not necessary.
- The freshest possible product is sent for freezing. If the drink has been stored at room temperature for a long time, it is better not to risk it.
- The milk must be cooled before it goes into the freezer. It is impossible to freeze a warm, and even more so a hot product.
- A frozen drink should not be removed from the freezer unnecessarily.
The benefits and harms of milk
It is unlikely that anyone has not heard about the benefits of natural cow's milk. And we are not talking about that packaged product that can be found on the counter of every grocery store. Homemade fresh milk has real value for the human, and especially the children's, body.
Why is the product so useful for us?
- Firstly, dairy products have a beneficial effect on the functioning of the stomach. Milk is recommended for people with high gastrointestinal acidity.
- It also strengthens the cardiovascular system and promotes normal functioning of the organ.
- Strengthens milk and nervous system. Consuming it in the morning promotes a surge of vigor and energy.
- It is recommended to include dairy products in the diet of patients with low vision.
- Warm milk with honey and butter at night guarantees a sound and healthy sleep.
- Doctors often recommend taking the drink to patients with a cold to strengthen the immune system.
- People who are losing weight should not give up milk either. The product quickly saturates the body with vitamins, minerals and proteins, suppresses hunger, and speeds up the digestive system.
Not every person is allowed to consume dairy products. For example, a drink is prohibited in the following cases:
- If the human body is not able to fully absorb lactose.
- For allergies to milk components.
- In case of individual intolerance to the product.
Reference! When milk is frozen and defrosted, its beneficial and harmful properties do not disappear.
