With so many different kinds of milk available these days, goat’s milk may not even be on your radar. Which is a shame! Goat’s milk is easy to digest due to its A2 protein and lower lactose content, as well as its smaller fat particles that are easily broken down by the body. Goat’s milk is also rich in minerals such as calcium, iron, and copper. You can even use it on your skin! The lactic acid can promote the growth of new cell layers. Unfortunately, though, it does not last as long as cow’s milk does, particularly if it is stored incorrectly.
So, is there a best way to store goat’s milk? There sure is. Let’s take a look.
How To Store Goat Milk
Storing goat’s milk can be a bit more challenging compared to cow’s milk due to its shorter shelf life. It also varies depending on whether you have store-bought or farm-fresh goat’s milk. For both, the best container to store goat’s milk is in glass jars. Glass containers, unlike plastic, do not retain odors that may affect the taste of the milk. The jars should be kept somewhere other than the refrigerator door, as this tends to fluctuate in temperature.
The process for preparing and storing fresh goat’s milk from your farm is a little different, as it needs to be chilled as fast as possible. A basic step-by-step is:
- Before milking the goats, place sterilized quart-size glass jars in the refrigerator to chill.
- After milking, immediately bring the bucket of fresh goat milk into the house.
- Set the milk bucket in a sink of ice water to keep it cool.
- Take out the chilled Mason jars from the refrigerator and prepare to strain the milk.
- Strain the milk and remove any foreign objects.
- Place the strainer inside the cold glass jars and slowly pour the milk into the strainer.
- Once strained, top the jars with lids and put them in the freezer for 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes, move the jars to the coldest shelf of the refrigerator.
- Monitor the time to ensure you don’t forget to move the milk to the fridge.
Can You Freeze Goat Milk?
Yes, you can freeze fresh goat milk! Here’s how:
1. Strain the milk and transfer it to freezer bags with a zipper top.
2. Write the date on the bag and leave some space for the milk to expand as it freezes.
3. Freeze the milk on the day of purchase and store it at -18°C.
If you have excess milk that can’t be consumed before it spoils, freezing it is an excellent solution. While whole-fat milk can be frozen, you may observe a more noticeable taste difference compared to low-fat or fat-free milk. Thawed milk stays fresh for up to 10 days in the fridge and can be divided and refrozen as necessary.
How To Defrost Goat Milk
To defrost goat’s milk, transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator and allow around 12 hours for thawing. For optimal results, thaw it completely in the fridge and give it a good shake before you use it in case any separation has occurred. If there is a bit of separation that a shake doesn’t solve, you can blend it for a minute with an immersion blender.
To minimize the risk of bacterial growth, always thaw milk in the refrigerator rather than at room temperature.
How Long Does Goat Milk Last?
Fresh goat’s milk will, on average, last 3 to 5 days in the fridge and six months to a year if frozen (though it is best to use within one month). Store-bought milk may have a different expiry date, so it is best to go with whatever is printed on the label. The colder and more consistent the temperature is, the longer the milk is likely to last. Sometimes, it can even last a couple of weeks!
How To Know When Goat Milk Is Rancid?
Spoiled goat’s milk has an odor that can only be described as ‘unique’. You should be able to tell with just a little sniff if it has turned sour. The smell when it is rancid is soooo much more potent than when cow’s milk is bad! You can also check for lumps. Usually, being able to tell when goat’s milk is rancid is a simple task.
If you accidentally drink the spoiled milk, wait to see if you have any symptoms aside from offended taste buds before panicking. If you remain symptom-free, there is no cause for concern. Consuming a small sip of spoiled milk is unlikely to cause serious issues. However, consuming larger amounts of spoiled milk can lead to symptoms you might have with a foodborne illness. If those symptoms last more than 24 hours, get yourself to the doctor.
FAQs
Goat milk requires minimal processing compared to cow’s milk as it is naturally homogenized, meaning it doesn’t separate like cow’s milk does when it is non-homogenized.
In my opinion, There isn’t a best time, though milk does contain tryptophan, which can help promote sleep if you have it in the evening. However, if you are lactose intolerant or have a milk allergy, it’s best to avoid drinking milk altogether.
Goat milk is rich in fatty acids that aid in skin barrier repair, probiotics that promote normal skin flora growth, and vitamin A and lactic acid for gentle exfoliation. When applied topically, it can be beneficial for the skin. Drinking goat’s milk may not be suitable for your skin, though, as some studies have linked milk consumption with acne.
Goat milk can be transformed into loads of things, including cheese, yogurt, buttermilk, ice cream, frozen yogurt, butter, and condensed and powdered products.
Indeed, goat’s milk boasts smaller fat globules, which means a faster and more efficient digestive process. It also contains a protein that is more readily digestible in comparison to cow’s milk protein.
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