Quick Guide to Freezing Raw Milk at Home

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Raw milk, the kind straight from the cow, is pure and wholesome. It contains essential nutrients, which are typically removed during industrial processing. However, dealing with vast amounts of fresh raw milk daily can be a significant challenge. So, this raises the question: Can you freeze raw milk?

Whether you’re a farmer, a homesteader, a nutrition enthusiast, or just a fan of delicious, wholesome food, this post is bound to pique your curiosity. So grab your parka, and let’s get into the frosty details.

Why Freeze Raw milk?

Why in the world would you need to freeze raw milk? If you have a dairy cow or are far from a raw dairy and have to get more than one gallon of milk at a time, you probably have a shelf in the fridge dedicated to milk.

This is not practical.

Especially for me as I have a very small fridge and need the space. I also live about 30 mins away from the dairy I get my milk from, I can’t make that trip every day.

Milk Feast and Famine

Also, if you have a dairy animal, you know that you will not get milk 24/7 all the time. You must breed your animal and lose some of that milk in the last bit of pregnancy. This means you are going to be out of fresh drinking milk unless you do something about it.

So since I am all for practicality and fresh drinking milk, let’s fix this problem!

Whether you are getting goat milk or cow’s milk, the process is the same!

Is It Safe to Freeze Raw Milk?

One of the most common questions of many people is whether it is safe to freeze raw milk? The short answer? Yes. The long answer is a little more complicated.

Raw Milk Safety

Freezing raw milk doesn’t pose a danger in and of itself. However, the risks come into play depending on how the milk is handled before and after freezing.

The general idea to remember is this: if your milk is safe to drink before freezing, it will be safe to drink after freezing. Just make sure to follow safe handling and storage procedures.

The place you get your milk from, your containers, and your storage process all play a crucial role in maintaining the milk’s safety. You should remember all these measures while getting the raw milk till freezing it.

Also, incorrect freezing and thawing methods can lead to changes in texture and flavor, not to mention possible nutrient loss. Handling raw milk is not rocket science, and to get the most from your frozen stock, you need to follow the correct processes.

Why Be Careful With Raw Milk?

Raw milk has lots of bacteria. This is a good thing! The beneficial bacteria in cow’s milk is really good for our gut microbiome. And, it actually helps us digest the milk as well. This means that a lot of people who are dairy sensitive, like myself, can drink raw cow’s milk just fine! Yay for raw dairy!

Something to remember, though, is that because the environment is so good for beneficial bacteria, it also means its a great environment for bad bacteria as well.

This is why we pasteurize milk in the commercial industry nowadays. Pasteurization doesn’t differentiate between good and bad bacteria; it eliminates them all, so pasteurized milk is less closely regulated. This protects us from incorrect handling and storage practices that would get you sick.

Luckily, bad bacteria aren’t in great quantities in fresh, and if milk is correctly handled, you will be fine as long as your practices are clean!

Raw Milk Bacterial Activity

It’s important to remember that freezing doesn’t kill these bacteria; it merely puts them on a temporary pause. Once the milk is thawed, they become active again. The chance of bacterial contamination largely depends on the farming practices and the cleanliness maintained during milk handling.

Hence why raw milk’s handling and consumption are closely regulated to prevent any potential risk of sickness, so always ensure your raw milk comes from a reliable source and is handled hygienically to minimize risk.

Some raw milk farms do get their cows tested for many diseases which are not good for humans. Many raw milk advocates point out that plenty of farms go the extra mile to ensure their product is safe. These farms show that raw milk can be produced and consumed safely when done responsibly.

How Long Can I Freeze Raw Milk?

While the USDA states that milk can be frozen indefinitely, the best quality degrades after about six months.

So, consuming your frozen raw milk within this timeframe is best. 6 months is what I hold to when I label my milk’s expiration date.

Ways To Freeze Raw Milk

It might not be rocket science, but a little know-how goes a long way. So, without further ado, let’s look at the four best ways to turn this liquid gold into a frozen delight.

Raw Milk Safety Tips

Remember to have your containers, hands, and anything else near or touching the milk is extremely clean. Nice hot soapy water goes a long away for cleanliness in the kitchen.

Before Freezing and after you have skimmed off the cream, shake the milk so that the milk solids and water have a good chance to combine. If not shaken before freezing, they will be separated and not recombine well after freezing.

Freezing in the Original Container

When it comes to convenience, nothing beats the good old original container. It’s one of the easiest ways to preserve your milk. If your milk comes in those classic plastic jugs, pop them straight into the freezer.

The dents on the sides of the plastic jugs leaves room for the milk to expand as it freezes, preventing an explosion of milky mess in your freezer. Simple, effective, and no extra dishes to clean. Sweet!

The Ice Cube Tray Trick

Just pour a small amount of milk into clean ice cube trays (pro tip: silicone trays make popping out the cubes a breeze) and stick them in the freezer. Once frozen, transfer your mini milk cubes into a freezer-safe bag, squeeze out as much air as possible, and voila! Perfectly portioned milk at your fingertips.

This one’s a favorite of many people for a good reason. By freezing your small amounts of milk in ice cube trays, you can thaw just the right amount for your needs, whether a splash for your morning coffee or a cup for your world-famous béchamel sauce.

Glass Containers or Mason Jar Method

If you’re a fan of all things eco-friendly (or just love the charming aesthetic and homeyness), freezing your milk in glass or mason jars might be your jam. It’s a bit trickier than the other methods, as glass can crack if not handled correctly.

To prevent this, leave about an inch of headspace in each jar to allow the milk to expand as it freezes. Also, opt for jars with straight sides rather than ones with shoulders, as these are less prone to breaking.

Once filled and sealed, place your jars gently in the freezer and let the chill do its thing. Leave the lid slightly unscrewed until completely frozen to allow for expansion, then tighten once the liquid is all frozen. You can then store your milk sideways if you would like.

Freezing in Freezer-Safe Bags (The Ziplock bag)

Last but not least, let’s talk about freezer-safe bags. This ziplock bag method requires extra prep, but it’s a real space-saver. Pour your milk into the bag, then lay it flat in the freezer to freeze. Once milk solidifys, you can stack them like pancakes, making the most of your freezer real estate. I love using the plastic freezer bags in the freezer because it increases storage space!

Just make sure to use heavy-duty freezer bags to prevent leaks, and try to get as much air out of the bag as possible before sealing. Exposure to air can lead to freezer burn, and nobody likes their milk with a side of ice crystals.

You could use any old freezer-safe container, technically. However, using plastics increases the risk of contamination, and the scratches in plastic are a really good place for bad bacteria to hand out. So, I don’t really recommend this method.

Now your milk is perfectly preserved for later use!

What Can You Do With The Cream From Top Of Raw Milk?

Before freezing, you might want to consider skimming off the cream. Raw milk naturally separates, with the cream rising to the top. You can skim this off before freezing or shake the container to recombine it before using. The cream adds richness to the milk, but its presence or absence largely depends on preference.

Some people even prefer to make butter. sour cream, and cream cheese out of this delightful dairy bonus.

Something cool to note is that skimming off the top cream does not mean you have skim milk. You have skimmed milk but still have all the fat (plus more) than you would have gotten at the store.

What Are The Ways To Thaw Your Frozen Raw Milk?

Thawing frozen milk might seem like a task, but it is not. Here’s the lowdown on safely and effectively defrosting your raw milk.

The Refrigerator Method

This is your best bet for preserving the taste, texture, and nutritional value of your milk. Simply move your frozen milk from the freezer to the refrigerator and let it thaw gradually. This method is a bit of a slow burn, often taking 24-48 hours, depending on the size of your container. So if you need milk for your morning cereal, you’ll want to plan ahead.

Once thawed, don’t be alarmed if you see some separation. This is completely normal. A good, hearty shake (or a quick whisk if you’re dealing with a larger amount) should restore your milk to its former glory.

The Water Bath Warm-Up

If you’re in a hurry and need your milk thawed quickly, the water bath method is your friend. Fill a basin, sink, or large bowl with cold water and submerge your frozen milk. This method speeds up the thawing process considerably.

However, you need to keep a couple of things in mind.

First step is never to use warm or hot water. A sudden change in temperature could affect the milk’s quality and even promote bacterial growth.
Second, change the water every 30 minutes to maintain the cold temperature.

The Room-Temp Rest

This method is kind of a last resort. Leaving your milk to thaw at room temperature is generally not recommended because it can lead to an uneven thaw and potentially allow bacteria to multiply.

However, if you’re really in a rush and you plan to use the milk immediately after it thaws, you could let it sit out for a short period.

Nutritional Value of Frozen Raw Milk Over Time

You’ve got your milk, you’ve frozen it, and now you’re wondering about the nutritional value of it. Freezing raw milk does not degrade its nutritional content. Freezing is a wonderful way to store milk and use it fresh later.

Vitamins and Minerals

Raw milk is a veritable powerhouse with essential nutrients like calcium, B vitamins, and also fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K. When you freeze raw milk, they go into a deep sleep.

They’re not going anywhere, and the cold doesn’t break them down. So, when you thaw and drink that milk, you still get a full dose of the dairy goodness.

While freezing doesn’t inherently degrade the nutritional content of raw milk, time might have a small say in the matter. Some nutrients in milk, like vitamin C and some B vitamins, are somewhat sensitive to extended periods of freezing.

Over several months, the levels of these vitamins may decrease slightly. However, the changes are generally minimal if you consume frozen milk within the recommended six-month timeframe.

The Fat, Protein, and Sugars

These nutrients are like the sturdy perennials of the nutrition world; they stick around through the seasons, unfazed by the freezing temperatures. So, your frozen milk is just as high in protein, healthy fats, and natural sugars as in its liquid state. That’s great news for your muscles, brain, and energy levels!

Do Taste and Texture Change from Frozen Raw Milk?

Freezing and thawing can cause raw milk to separate due to the fat molecules clustering together. While this doesn’t affect the nutritional content, it can make the milk look a bit… funny. But don’t worry! A good shake or stir should make your thawed milk smooth and creamy again.

Just remember to shake the milk before freezing as well. This will help the milk in the long run.

Freezing raw milk offers plenty of advantages. It allows you to store extra milk, maintain a steady supply during dry spells, make fewer trips, and reduce waste.

Moreover, it allows you to enjoy the rich taste and health benefits of raw milk, even if you don’t have daily access to a cow, goat, sheep, or other animal.

To the Winner, all the Raw Milk

Freezing raw milk is not only possible, but with the right precautions, it’s also a fantastic way to enjoy this delightful product year-round.

The key is to start with safe, milk quality, handle it correctly, freeze it properly, and consume it within the suggested six-month timeframe. With these steps, you can chill out with your favorite dairy treat anytime.

Quick Guide to Freezing Raw Milk at Home