How can I store raw milk, and for how long?

[clkingtx]

Hello,

I found a source for raw milk, "Creamline" milk, from Jersey cows. I am really excited, but it is about a two hour drive to get it. I need to know how long it will keep in the fridge, and if I can store it, etc. Ideally I guess I would like to only make a monthly or twice monthly trip. There is a goat farm nearby who is planning to get set up to sell their milk and products soon, so this would probably be just to get by until then. I have a small chest freezer that is mostly empty now, so there would be plenty of room for milk.

Is there a special procedure to freezing milk? Does it change the flavor or texture, if it's been frozen? How long can milk stay frozen without losing nutrition?

Thanks

 

[Wannabefree]

I have stored mine in the fridge for 2 weeks. This is fresh raw Jersey milk as well.

 

[TanksHill]

I have been freezing the raw I buy at the grocery. I just stick it in the freezer. It does have an interesting yellow color once its frozen and takes a good couple days to thaw.

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[ohiofarmgirl]

yep - freezer works just fine. either in plastic baggies or in wide mouthed quart jars.

 

[freemotion]

I froze lots of milk to get me through my goat's dry time. Thaw the ziplocs in a large bowl because they often leak from getting battered in the freezer. The milk will be a little grainy and can separate upon thawing, but sometimes you can shake it back together. I started just tossing it into the blender for a few seconds and this took care of both the grainy texture and the separating.

 

[Wifezilla]

There is a texture change when you freeze milk. I can't stand it, but it might not bother you. I would test it on a small amount first.

You can always make your milk in to kefir. That will prolong it as well as give you a nutrition boost.

 

[Wifezilla]

One day? Don't be ridiculous.

 

[clkingtx]

In what way does it change the texture for you, WZ? Is it anything like the way that cream changes after freezing?

I only have used store bought, so not raw; but we would freeze the heavy whipping cream, then use it afterwards for whipped cream, or other stuff and the texture never bothered me before. I really never noticed a difference actually, so maybe I am not really observant about that. I tried freezing store bought milk once, years ago. It might have even been reduced fat milk. I think the yellow color freaked me out, and I tossed it. Does the yellow color go away after the milk is thawed?

So I guess a month would be too long to expect raw milk to last in the fridge?

I guess I could get it and make the yogurt and kefir up right away...It might take some figuring, but I am so excited to be able to get the raw milk!

Thanks!

 

[Wifezilla]

The cream change is exactly what I am talking about. It totally grosses me out, but I am weird that way

 

[TanksHill]

Yes the yellow color goes away. We just give the gallon/quart a good shake and all is well. I have never noticed a texture change.


What is the deal with freezing heavy cream. I tried it a couple weeks ago. It was like it never thawed. I think the ones in the freezer now will become butter. That's what the consistency reminded me of.



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