Frozen Store bought milk

greenspun.com : LUSENET : Countryside : One Thread

Hello everyone, everyone has been so helpful with my other question I thought I'd ask ya'll about freezing store bought milk. Last night there was a great sale on milk at the grocery store and we stocked up on a few extra gallons. But I have never frozen milk before and unsure about the "use by date" on it. What if I don't unfreeze it until after that, or about how long will it last after I unfreeze it. Also if I screw up what can I make with it after it is spoiled. Is there anything I can do to make milk last longer?

-- Jennifer (jenniferthf@aol.com), March 13, 2002

Answers

Make sure you remove the cap when you put it in the freezer, and dump out about half a cup or milk. You can (frequently) put the cap back on after it is frozen. We always used the frozen milk up in a month or two, never worried much about the expiration date. It will take like skim milk: I don't remember if heating it then shaking it restores the whole milk taste: my kids are only drinking 2 gallons a week now, so I don't freeze it anymore.

-- Terri (hooperterri@prodigy.net), March 13, 2002.

We do it all the time--usually takes at least 2 days to thaw while leaving in one side of the kitchen sink. Shake periodically while thawing to check on how much ice is left. I haven't noticed any significant difference in taste.

-- GT (nospam@nospam.com), March 13, 2002.

That's the only way to do it. Our stores sell it cheaper if you buy two, and we usually buy 4 then put three it freezer. The only milk I've noticed that doesn't do well freezing, is the Lactaid. Ich.

-- Wendy A (phillips-anteswe@pendleton.usmc.mil), March 13, 2002.

Last week milk was on sale....$1.48 per gallon for 2%. I bought 3, the limit. When it's frozen, it turns a bright yellow.....then goes back to white when thawed. Don't be alarmed....it is not due to aliens ;-)

-- Peace and Carrots Farm (wsm311@aol.com), March 13, 2002.

I freeze milk all the time, too. I always transfer the milk to another container, tho. We buy Ruby Red Grapefruit Juice from Sam's Club. They are gallon jugs with a handle on them and I just put the milk in those jugs. They are a heavier plastic than the regular milk jugs and even tho it says a gallon, the milk isn't near the top so I can leave the cap on and not worry about the expansion. No difference in taste either and I don't worry about the expiration either. Just get out the cookbook and start looking.

-- Billie in CO (bbsowell@earthlink.net), March 13, 2002.


Hello! I worked in a grocery store long, long ago and all the time they would give away any milk just before it went out of date. Freezing keeps the milk just fine but the health dept. will not allow the sale of frozen milk; it must be shaken to be useable. But otherwise, there is nothing wrong. Usually, a store manager will mark down milk that is not quite fresh but still good. Just ask. The worst thing that can happen is that they say, no. It is best to thaw it in the refrigerator for several days. That eliminates the possibility that it gets just a little too warm before you put it back into the frig.

``Nita

-- Nita Holstine (nita@phancypages.com), March 13, 2002.


Back in the old days, we're talking early 60's here (1960's you irreverant young twits!), we would buy whole milk when it was "on sale" and freeze it. The only thing we noticed was that it had a lesser shelf life, once thawed. Go for it! The silly folks who want you to only have "fresh" products are mostly yuppies. Us country folks have played in the dirt and have more antibodies than the yuppies have expensive cars! GL!

-- Brad (homefixer@SacoRiver.net), March 13, 2002.

Nita, that's why I put it in the sink to thaw, every time I go to the kitchen I give it a shake to check it out.

-- GT (nospam@nospam.com), March 13, 2002.

Ive had milk last weeks in the refridgerator. I buy alot when its on sale, right now I have 4 gals,, and its just me drinking it. Hasnt gone bad yet,, though I drink a gal a week

-- Stan (sopal@net-pert.com), March 13, 2002.

I get quite a lot of milk from a local dairy that picks up store returns, or cartons and jugs that have drips on them, etc. I asked the person in charge of their lab how long after the "sell by" date the milk should stay good, and she told me at least a week if kept refrigerated. I've ALWAYS frozen milk, and usually don't even bother to remove the caps, unless the gallon is really full, and they do just fine. Rarely does one split. When we lived in Spokane, Washington, and Mount St. Helens erupted, we were the only ones in our neighborhood who had milk when the stores were closed for several days, so we ended up sharing with those who had babies. Sour cream doesn't thaw out well, it's usually watery, but otherwise, you can freeze most dairy products. Jan

-- Jan in Co (Janice12@aol.com), March 13, 2002.


Hello again, When I responded earlier, I was trying to be on the cautious side. GH made me think back to when my children were young and could drink 2 gallons each and every day!! It didn't thaw out fast enough even sitting out in the sink and getting shaken. They loved to drink it when it was still full of ice and very, very cold! It was fun. Thanks for the fond memories! Nita

-- Nita Holstine (nita@phancypages.com), March 13, 2002.

Moderation questions? read the FAQ