Milk is considered an important part of the complete diet. From children to the elderly, people of almost all ages include it in their daily diet. It is not only used for drinking but also in making tea, coffee, curd, cheese and many other dishes. However, milk is among the perishable food items, hence it is very important to handle and store it properly to maintain its quality.
protein in milk, calciumMany essential nutrients like phosphorus, potassium, vitamin B12, riboflavin and vitamin D are found in fortified milk. At the same time, due to high moisture and nutrients in milk, bacteria can grow rapidly in it. If milk is kept at room temperature for a long time, heated repeatedly or not stored properly, the chances of it spoiling quickly increases. Let us know what easy methods can be adopted to keep milk fresh for a long time and what things should be kept in mind while storing it.
Adopt these easy methods to keep milk fresh for a long time
To keep milk fresh, first of all do not leave it at room temperature for too long after boiling. Once it cools down slightly, fill it in a clean and lidded steel or food-grade container and immediately keep it in the refrigerator. It is considered better to keep milk on the inside shelf rather than the door of the refrigerator, because the temperature remains more stable there. Remove milk only as per requirement and avoid heating the whole milk again and again.
While expressing milk, always use a clean and dry spoon or vessel, so that bacteria do not grow. If it is packaged milk, keep it tightly closed after opening and also keep in mind the expiry date written on the packet. When stored properly, the freshness and quality of milk can last for a long time.
For how long and at what temperature is it considered appropriate to store milk?
It is best to store milk in the refrigerator at a temperature of 4°C or lower. Boiled milk should be kept in the refrigerator as soon as possible after it cools down. If milk is kept at room temperature for a long time, bacteria can grow rapidly in it.
Use milk kept in the fridge only as per the expiry date or usage period written on the packet. If the color, taste or smell of milk changes, it should not be consumed.
What mistakes should be avoided while storing milk?
Do not keep milk open outside for a long time and avoid heating and then cooling again and again. Keeping milk in a dirty or wet vessel can spoil its quality quickly. Also avoid keeping milk in the fridge near strong smelling food items, because milk can easily absorb the smell of other things.
If milk curdles, starts to smell sour or changes its color, then it should not be consumed. Storing milk properly can keep it fresh and safe for a long time.
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