Overview

Have you ever opened the fridge in the morning only to find that the milk has expired, even if it hasn’t been opened? Wouldn’t it be great if you could stop milk from spoiling? One way to do that is by freezing it! While we commonly freeze certain foods to extend their shelf life, does the same apply to milk and dairy products?

Yes, you can freeze milk! Most types of milk freeze well and can be used later. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) states that you can keep milk in the refrigerator for about a week, while buttermilk lasts around two weeks. Both milk and buttermilk can freeze for up to three months. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advises that you consume plain and flavoured milk by the “use-by” date on the package to ensure freshness and quality. You can freeze milk within three months of the purchase date.

How to Freeze and Thaw Milk Properly

If you buy lactose-free milk, consume it within a week after opening while keeping it refrigerated. The Food Safety Department advises against freezing lactose-free milk. Most nutritionists and health specialists recommend drinking milk before its “best by” date. Freezing milk and using it later is safe, but you should keep a few things in mind.

From a nutritional perspective, frozen milk remains nearly identical to fresh milk. To freeze it, pour milk into a sealed, freezer-safe bag or container to prevent the package from bursting. When thawing, do not leave milk at room temperature. Instead, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight to prevent bacterial contamination.

If you plan to use the milk for cooking, thaw it directly in the pot or pan you are using. Keep in mind that frozen milk may not have the same flavour or consistency as fresh milk. Freezing can cause the fat to separate, which may make it less enjoyable to drink. However, you can still use frozen milk for cooking, baking, or blending smoothies.

Storage Tips for Other Dairy Products

You can store yoghurt in the refrigerator at 40ºF for 1-2 weeks and freeze it at 0ºF for 1-2 months. Soft cheeses like cottage cheese, ricotta, or Brie will stay in the refrigerator for up to a week but do not freeze well. Hard cheeses like cheddar, Swiss, and Parmesan can remain in the refrigerator for up to six months before opening and for 3-4 weeks after opening. You can freeze these cheeses for up to six months. Processed cheese will last in the refrigerator for 1-2 months, but it doesn’t freeze effectively. You can safely store sour cream in the refrigerator for 1-3 weeks, but it cannot be frozen.

Source: The Times of India