Can milk be frozen and how long it can be stored
Illustrative photo (Freepik)
Dairy products typically have a short shelf life, especially if not stored properly. Many freeze milk, but it's worth knowing whether it can be done and how, according to Real Simple.
How to freeze milk
If you need to freeze milk, it's a relatively simple process, but there are a few tips to do it correctly.
The biggest mistake you can make when freezing milk is filling it to the brim of the bottle. Liquids expand when frozen, which can damage the container.
There's one minor issue that freezing can affect the texture: you need to shake the milk bottle after it thaws to improve its texture.
Think about how you plan to use the milk after thawing. For example, if you plan to use a smaller amount of milk, freeze it in ice cube trays, and then put them in a freezer bag.
When to freeze milk
Dairy products tend to lose quality fairly quickly, so if possible, don't wait until the expiration date. This will ensure that your milk is as fresh as possible when you thaw it before using it.
It's important to remember that frozen milk won't spoil, but its quality will gradually deteriorate. It should be used within a few months.
Can you freeze cream, condensed milk, and butter?
Cream can be frozen in a container, ice cube trays, or in its original container.
Condensed milk can be stored in jars for a long time without freezing. Freezing such a product in a metal can may be risky as the liquid expands.
If you store butter in a covered dish, it will remain usable for three weeks to a month. But don't do this if your kitchen is very hot, as high temperatures will accelerate spoilage.
If you don't eat butter every day, store it in the refrigerator. There it can be kept for three months or more. Also, butter freezes well in its original packaging and can be stored there for a year or longer.
