There are a number of goat milk storage options.
The best goat milk storage solution depends on how quickly you intend to use the goat milk.
Of course, regardless of how you decide to store the goat milk, you are sure to want it to taste as delicious and fresh as possible.
The key to this is safe handling of the raw milk as well as making sure to follow proper procedures when pasteurizing the goat milk, if you choose to pasteurize it.
Goat Milk Storage Containers
The best goat milk storage containers are glass containers with plastic lids.
While it is true that store bought milk comes in paper or plastic, using either of these as goat milk storage containers at home can lead to an off taste.
This is because glass is so much easier to clean than plastic.
Glass containers also help preserve the taste of the milk when compared with other types of storage containers, in part because the glass containers help keep the milk colder.
Glass also does not erode over time like plastic does and glass is eco-friendly.
Making sure every container, from the milking pail, which should be stainless steel, to the pasteurizer to the final storage container and lid are absolutely clean is essential to preventing any off taste.
How To Store Fresh Goat Milk
Storing goat milk in cold environment is important because it helps reduce bacterial growth rates.
When milk leaves the goats udder it is around 95 degrees Fahrenheit, which is a perfect temperature for quick bacterial growth.
When milk is rapidly cooled, within 30 minutes after either the milking is done or the pasteurization process is complete, the rate of bacterial growth is reduced.
This is why the goal is to bring the temperature of the milk down to 40 degrees Fahrenheit within that 30 minute time period.
The ideal goat milk cold storage temperature, for milk you intend to drink or use immediately to make cheese, ice cream, goat milk butter or other products using goat milk is 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Another advantage of chilling and refrigerating goat milk as quickly as possible is it helps prevent what some people refer to as a “goaty taste.”
Goat Milk Storage Temperature
The best goat milk storage temperature range is 35 degrees Fahrenheit to 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
While many home refrigerators are warmer than this, the important thing to understand is that storing milk at 45 degrees Fahrenheit lessens the shelf life by 50%.
The closer to 35 degrees Fahrenheit you can keep the goat milk, the longer it will last.
The colder storage temperature is especially important when storing raw goat milk.
Long Term Goat Milk Storage Options
There are a couple of long term goat milk storage options available.
The easiest one for most people at home is to freeze the goat milk.
Some people choose to can, dehydrate or even freeze dry their goat milk.
Regardless of what you might read online, the bottom line is there are no science based methods for canning cheese, milk, butter or other dairy products.
However, that does not mean you cannot do it, it simply means it might not be safe to consume it.
Dehydrating milk at home removes most of the nutritional value, so in all honestly, it is not worth the time or effort when you can easily buy powdered milk at the store.
One of the newest methods for long term storage of goat milk is freeze drying.
It is necessary to freeze the milk in the freeze dryer tray before putting the tray with the frozen milk in your freeze dryer.
Freeze dried milk, depending on how it is stored, lasts anywhere from two years to ten years and is the best option for long term goat milk storage.
However, be aware, that while freeze drying is not a new method of preserving food, owning your own freeze dryer and using it at home is a fairly new process for most people.
Goat Milk And Goat Meat
Recipes, DIY and more! All related to goat milk and goat meat.
Goat Milk Butter Recipe
Making butter from goats milk is super easy and all you need is a kitchen blender! This goat milk butter recipe only takes a few minutes to make!
How To Pasteurize Goat Milk At Home
It's easy to learn how to pasteurize goat milk at home regardless of the actual method you choose to use to accomplish the task.
How Long Does Pasteurized Goat Milk Last
Have you ever wondered how long does pasteurized goat milk last? Find out the the answers for both refrigeratored and frozen goat milk!
How To Use And Separate Goat Milk Heavy Cream
Learn how to use and separate goat milk heavy cream even if you do not have a cream separator. Heavy cream is used in a lot of recipes and can be frozen.
How To Start Freezing Goat Milk
Freezing goat milk is the best way to preserve it. Learn how long frozen goat milk lasts in the freezer, how long it lasts in the refrigerator and more!
How To Make Cajeta Goat Milk Caramel
Learn how easy it is to make cajeta goat milk caramel from fresh goat milk. Plus learn how to preserve it for winter use by canning it.
Easy Homemade Parmesan Cheese Recipe
Follow these easy step by step instructions to learn how to make this easy homemade parmesan cheese recipe right in your own kitchen!
How to Make Goat Milk Cottage Cheese on Your Homestead
Learn how to easily make delicious cottage cheese using goat milk on your homestead. A step-by-step guide for beginners!
Freezing Goats Meat
Freezing goats meat is as easy as freezing any other type of meat. If you raise goats or have a goat meat store close by this is an easy way to stock up.
Goat Milk Soap Recipes Round-Up
Are you looking for goat milk soap recipes? Look no further! Here you find a goat milk soap recipe for liquid soap, bar soap and even laundry soap.
