How do you store your milk?

[melco]

When we bring the milk in I strain it and put it directly into the freezer for an hour or so in a quart jar. I have half gallon jars that I would rather store my milk in but am unsure how to "work" it. I know not to add warmish milk to cold milk, that it could effect the taste. So if I freeze, put quart in fridge and that evening add the newly cooled milk to my half gallon..... I am just not sure how to work this. I dont have room for several quart jars in the fridge, and what if Im saving for cheese or something. At this time I am only milking one goat so I am talking somewhat smaller quantities. So, if you could share your secrets I would appreciate your input.

[Alice In TX/MO]

Half gallon glass canning jars with plastic lids for refrigerator milk.

For freezing, I got half gallon food grade plastic jugs from Dahltech. I think they come to about 45 cents each, including lid and shipping.

http://www.dahltechplastics.com/dairy1.htm

[francismilker]

I do not mix warm milk with cold milk. I have two containers in the fridge. One is for today's and one is for yesterday's. Today, I put milk in a fresh container and mix yesterday's into the big one gallon jug for drinking and using.

[julieq]

Half gallon plastic jugs in the freezer for long term. One quart glass wine carafes (without lids) in the refrigerator.

[mekasmom]

I just pour it into a qt jar in the refrigerator if I am going to use it. Older milk, and milk over the qt I am planning on using goes into gallon containers to be made into cheese, or into the freezer.

[CaliannG]

If I actually HAVE surplus milk (not so right now, with four, standard-size, VERY hungry kids, and two, miniature FF's), then morning milking surplus goes in the freezer in a pitcher. Evening milking is poured on top of it to quick chill and then it is placed in the refrigerator.

I haven't once had a problem with bad-tasting milk.

[eclipchic]

We use 1/2 gallon ball jars and I will take each milking (right now 3x a day) into a quart jar in the freezer to chill it. Once its completely cooled I'll add it to the next newest milk until I have a full 1/2 gallon. Makes it easier for me come cheese making time if they are all in full 1/2 gal jars.

[melco]

Thanks everyone, just want to make sure I am handling it properly. Sounds like I am on the right track. Love having my own milk. There are weeks the only thing I would have had to go the store for is milk, no longer.