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The Ultimate Guide to Milk Storage: Keeping Your Dairy Fresh and Flavorful

Preserving milk can be tricky, and understanding the unique storage requirements of each variety is essential for optimal and safe preservation. Join us as we explore the diverse world of milk storage, empowering you to become a master at keeping your dairy products fresh and your health in check!

Administrator

23 July, 2024

Sterilized Milk and Fresh Sterilized Milk

These two types of milk undergo an advanced sterilization process that helps eliminate bacteria and yeast. They are then packaged in special multi-layered packaging that prevents air and bacterial intrusion.

As a result, when unopened, these milk products can be stored for 3 – 6 months at room temperature. However, once opened (whether in cartons or paper bags), the milk needs to be refrigerated and consumed within 48 hours.

Sterilized milk can be stored at room temperature for 3 – 6 months if unopened

It is important to note that when the cartons or bags of milk are still stored in the larger shipping carton, they should not be stacked too high, and care should be taken to avoid excessive heat and physical damage to the protective packaging.

Pasteurized Milk

Pasteurization is a process that uses lower temperatures to remove bacteria from milk, but it is not as thorough as sterilization. Pasteurized milk is then packaged in bottles or plastic bags and must be continuously refrigerated at 3 – 5 degrees Celsius to maintain a shelf life of 3 – 10 days.

Upon purchasing pasteurized milk, consumers should immediately place it in the freezer compartment of their refrigerator to bring the milk’s temperature down to around 4 degrees Celsius. It can then be moved to the regular refrigerator compartment for gradual consumption within the specified shelf life.

If left at room temperature for extended periods, bacteria may proliferate in the milk, so it is important to inspect the milk before consumption.

[captionnews]Pasteurized milk needs to be continuously refrigerated at 3 – 5 degrees Celsius for up to 10 days of usage[/captionnews]

Probiotic Yogurt and Drinking Yogurt

These products are naturally fermented but not heat-treated, so special attention must be paid to storage to maintain their quality:

– Always refrigerate at 4 – 8 degrees Celsius and avoid temperatures above 8 degrees Celsius as much as possible (the products will continue to ferment and spoil quickly).

– Avoid shaking or tilting the containers to prevent affecting the structure of the products.

– Do not freeze as it will alter the structure, flavor, and nutritional benefits of the products.

[captionnews]Probiotic yogurt and drinking yogurt must be kept refrigerated[/captionnews]

For partially consumed probiotic yogurt and drinking yogurt, refrigeration may not guarantee safety as they have already come into contact with digestive enzymes and oral bacteria. Therefore, they are prone to rapid spoilage, quality degradation, and may not be suitable for consumption, especially for young children.

Probiotic Drinking Yogurt

Probiotic drinking yogurt undergoes a sterilization process known as UTH (high-temperature treatment and rapid cooling) before being packaged in special containers. Similar to other sterilized dairy products, it has a long shelf life of up to 6 months at room temperature when unopened.

Once opened, it should be refrigerated and consumed within 48 hours.

[captionnews]Probiotic drinking yogurt should be stored similarly to fresh sterilized milk[/captionnews]

General Notes

Each dairy product has its own storage instructions printed on the packaging. Consumers should follow these instructions to ensure proper usage and preservation of the product’s quality and safety.

Understanding these storage methods not only helps with proper preservation but also provides insight into the nature of these products, enabling better consumption choices for your family.

Reference: thmilk.vn

For further reading:

Frequently asked questions

Milk typically lasts about a week past its printed date when properly stored in the fridge.

The best way to store milk is to keep it in the back of the fridge, where it’s colder, and to use a container that seals tightly, such as a glass jar or plastic bottle.

Yes, milk can be frozen, but it’s important to leave about an inch of space at the top of the container to allow for expansion. Frozen milk will stay fresh for about 3 months.

To defrost frozen milk, place it in the fridge overnight, or run the container under cold water until it’s thawed. Avoid using hot water or microwaving as it can cause the milk to separate.

Signs that milk has gone bad include a sour smell, curdled appearance, or a change in texture. If the milk has developed lumps or clumps, it should be discarded.