Condensed milk is a sweet and high-calorie milk product made by removing most of the water from cow’s milk. It is widely used in various desserts and beverages, like coffee and tea, in parts of Asia and Europe. Popular examples include Vietnamese and Cambodian coffee and Malaysian and Singaporean teh tarik. I wondered why I was gaining so much weight when I first traveled to Vietnam, and I suppose the four condensed milk coffees per day were not helping!
To make condensed milk, evaporated milk can be mixed with sugar and heated until dissolved, or regular milk can be simmered with sugar until reduced by 60%. Or you can make your own dairy-free coconut condensed milk!
While the main ingredient is milk, it has very different properties than fresh milk and needs to be stored differently. Let’s look at how.
How To Store Condensed Milk?
Unopened condensed milk should be stored in a cool and dry place, away from any heat. By keeping it in a moisture-free area, you can prevent the can from rusting. Avoid exposing the can to sunlight or fluctuating temperatures, as this can affect its quality over time.
Once you open the can of condensed milk, it is recommended to transfer the leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate it. Sealing the can again properly is not possible. Although using an airtight container is preferable, plastic wrap and an elastic band over the top of the tin is alright for a few days. However, it can absorb odors from the refrigerator, potentially resulting in an unpleasant scent.
The same guidelines apply to homemade sweetened condensed milk and recipes that involve the use of condensed milk or caramel. After cooking, make sure to cool it down and store it in the refrigerator.
Can You Freeze Condensed Milk?
If you have any leftover condensed milk you haven’t used within a week or two, you can freeze it. After thawing, there may be some changes in consistency, but it is usually still usable.
When freezing leftover condensed milk, it is best to do so in an airtight container. This is because if left in the can, it may expand and burst. It doesn’t really solidify when frozen due to its sugar content, and it only slows it from spoiling. Instead, it becomes more viscous, but you can still pour it at a slower pace.
How To Defrost Condensed Milk
When stored in the freezer, sweetened condensed milk remains in liquid form with the consistency of molasses. If you’re okay with a slow pour, you don’t have to remember to defrost it. However, if you prefer it runnier, simply allocate a few hours for it to sit in the refrigerator or on a benchtop.
How Long Does Condensed Milk Last?
Like other canned products, sweetened condensed milk has a lengthy shelf life. While a best-by date is provided on the label, it primarily signifies optimal quality rather than food safety. Canned products generally retain their quality for an extended duration.
Unopened, canned condensed milk can maintain its quality for ages, surpassing the indicated best-by date by months or even years. Once the tin is opened, the remaining condensed milk can be stored in the refrigerator for three days two weeks, depending on the manufacturer. Check the label!
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Pantry:
- Sweetened condensed milk (unopened): Best by + 1 – 2 years
Fridge:
- Sweetened condensed milk (opened): Up to 2 weeks
Freezer:
- Sweetened condensed milk (opened): Up to 3 months
How To Know When Condensed Milk Is Rancid?
Unopened can of sweetened condensed milk:
During the tinning process, precautions are taken to ensure that unwanted bacteria do not come in contact with the milk. This significantly reduces the chances of opening a can of spoiled condensed milk. However, proper handling and storage are crucial. If the can is leaking, rusted, punctured, or swollen, it is best to dispose of it. On the other hand, if the can is intact, it is highly likely that the milk inside is in good condition.
Opened can of condensed milk:
If you notice any changes in texture, discoloration, or an off or sour smell, it is advisable to discard it. These include lumps or thin surface liquid, darkening, and green or brown spots.
FAQs
Sweetened condensed milk is often used to sweeten tea and coffee in parts of Asia. It also is used in candy making and fudge!
Who are we kidding? Of course, it isn’t. Nothing that tasty ever is! It has a super high sugar content, so it should be consumed in moderation. It contains calcium, vitamin D, vitamin B12, vitamin A, riboflavin, phosphorus, and protein, so it isn’t all bad.
Freezing condensed milk is possible, but remember that sweetened condensed milk won’t freeze completely due to its high sugar content. It’s important to note that freezing tins of condensed milk can lead to explosions, so transfer the milk to a suitable container before freezing.
Sweetened condensed milk, also referred to as condensed milk, is basically concentrated and sweetened cow’s milk. It is not suitable for vegans. There are vegan versions available, though.
Technically, yes, but it would be like drinking thick milk sugar syrup, which would not be very nice!
Standard condensed milk contains plenty of lactose, so it should be avoided on a lactose-free diet. Look into coconut condensed milk for a lactose-free alternative.
