Another Milk Question??

[Backfourty,MI.]

Once you freeze the milk do you all still use it for drinking or is it only good for cheese & soap after that? Just wondering because I know store milk separates & you have to shake it up after freezing & should shake up goats milk.

[Alice In TX/MO]

It won't act right for cheese after freezing and thawing.

[andabigmac]

I froze milk last year that we drank all winter. In some of it there were cream chunks but not real separation. I used a stick blender and sort of homogenized it and the chunks were gone. These were chunks about the size of a grain of sugar. Not really a big deal. They didn't bother DH and me but they did DS.

[Ford Zoo]

The stick blender is a great idea Andabigmac! I have only made farmer's cheese and frozen milk worked OK for that. I mostly use it for soap and cooking.

[Backfourty,MI.]

Well I have 3 gallons frozen now & actually could freeze some more. Now that I'm down to just 1 doe left to milk I am hoping we can catch up on the milk in the extra fridge & it works out just about right with what we need for our own consumption with just the 1 right now.

I meant to say above that I knew you were NOT supposed to shake up goats milk.

When you use the stick blender it doesn't affect how long the milk keeps I'm guessing?

[andabigmac]

We had it frozen in half gallon sizes so it never lasted long once it was defrosted. I just took one out every few days.

[julieq]

We freeze it in half gallon sizes also. I don't like it after it's been frozen for drinking, but it would be fine in my coffee and/or for cooking.

[Backfourty,MI.]

I guess I better start buying something in the half gallon size jusgs then because right now I'm freezing it in the gallon milk jugs.

I guess I should take 1 out & try it after it thaws to see if we like it to drink. I've heard some folks don't like store milk after it's been frozen either but I didn't mind it when I've froze it before & then thawed it out.

[saanengirl]

If you add a little bit of baking soda to the milk before freezing it is less likely to separate.

[Alice In TX/MO]

Square Dairy Bottle With Handle | Plastic Bottles, Containers, Jugs, Caps and Lids

Very economical plastic jugs. I use the half gallon.

[Backfourty,MI.]

Originally Posted by saanengirl

If you add a little bit of baking soda to the milk before freezing it is less likely to separate.

I never heard of that before. Do you just add it in or does it need to be stirred?
Figuring it doesn't change the taste any either?

I'm going to have to try it. I can always use it for my coffee if nothing else.

[Backfourty,MI.]

Originally Posted by Alice In TX/MO

Square Dairy Bottle With Handle | Plastic Bottles, Containers, Jugs, Caps and Lids

Very economical plastic jugs. I use the half gallon.

Thanks for the Link Alice. I think I'm going to try those in the half gallon size.

[saanengirl]

Originally Posted by Backfourty,MI.

I never heard of that before. Do you just add it in or does it need to be stirred?
Figuring it doesn't change the taste any either?

I'm going to have to try it. I can always use it for my coffee if nothing else.

I usually add a small amount to the container I am freezing and gently swish the container. You don't need much so it doesn't affect the taste.

[OJ Rallye]

Originally Posted by Backfourty,MI.

I meant to say above that I knew you were NOT supposed to shake up goats milk.

When you use the stick blender it doesn't affect how long the milk keeps I'm guessing?

Why not shake it?

[Alice In TX/MO]

The fat and proteins are fragile and break down into caprylic acid, leading to a profound goaty flavor. That's why the Meyenberg goat milk at the store tastes goaty. Too much handling.

[julieq]

Originally Posted by OJ Rallye

Why not shake it?

Sorry, I keep thinking of DH's favorite Bond movies, i.e. "Shakin', nor stirred.."