Milk is a nutritious beverage consumed by people across the globe. But raw milk can harbor disease-causing bacteria. Cow milk pasteurization process used to heat cow milk, can eliminate these bacteria, making the milk safe to consume. It also makes the milk last longer on shelves.
In this article, we will discuss pasteurization, the requirements for it, how to pasteurize milk at home, and how to store it.
What is the pasteurization process?
Pasteurization involves heating milk to a specific temperature for a certain time. This eliminates bad bacteria, like Salmonella and E. coli, without changing the taste or nutrients in the milk.
Louis Pasteur developed the process in the 19th century and is now used around the world to keep milk safe.
There are different types of pasteurization:
- Low-Temperature, Long-Time (LTLT): Milk is heated to 63°C (145°F) for 30 minutes.
- High-Temperature, Short-Time (HTST): 72°C (161°F) for 15 seconds.
- Ultra-High Temperature (UHT): The milk is heated to 135 °C (275 °F) for 2-5 seconds.
The most widespread heating treatment of milk used commercially is the HTST method. UHT milk has more shelf life without refrigeration; LTLT is usually used in homes.
Cow milk pasteurization process-requirements
For home pasteurization of cow milk, you need:
- Fresh cow milk
- A double boiler or a pot with a heavy bottom
- Thermometer (one that can measure well over 70°C)
- A stirring spoon
- A bowl of ice water
- Storage containers that are clean and airtight
How to pasteurize milk? (Step-by-Step Process)
Many people confuse pasteurizing milk with processing milk. But these are two different things. The cow milk pasteurization process is given below:
Prepare the equipment
- Sanitize all tools and containers to ensure no cross-contamination occurs.
Heat the milk
- Take a pot and put some milk in it on the stove at low flame.
- Keep stirring continuously to avoid it burning.
- Take the temperature with a thermometer
Keep It at the right temperature
- Make sure your milk is heat treated — heat-treated milk is allowed to be heated at 63°C (145°F) for 30 minutes (LTLT) OR 72°C (161°F) for 15 seconds (HTST).
- Continue to stir for even heating.
Cool the milk quickly
- Immerse the pot in an ice water bath.
- When the temperature decreases to 4°C (40°F), stir from time to time.
Store the milk
- Transfer the pasteurized milk into clean, airtight containers.
- Store it in the refrigerator at 4 °C (40 °F) or less.
How to store pasteurized milk
Correct storage makes milk stay fresh and hygienic for a longer duration. Follow these tips:
- Keep milk in sterile, airlock containers.
- Store it in the coldest part of the refrigerator, not in the door.
- Store 5-7 days for best quality.
- Date the container with the pasteurization date.
Importance of pasteurization
Here are seven critical reasons why the cow milk pasteurization process is essential:
- Eliminates harmful bacteria: Protects against diseases such as tuberculosis and food poisoning.
- Extends shelf-life: Pasteurized milk lasts longer than raw milk.
- Enhances safety: Lowers the risk of getting infections from tainted milk.
- Retains nutritional value: Doesn’t extensively interfere with milk’s proteins and minerals.
Pasteurized milk – Where to buy it?
You can find premade pasteurized milk to use instead of it if you don’t want to pasteurize your milk at home. There are many quality, safe brands of milk available to purchase.
Doodhvale Farms Dairy brand is best for this milk. It guarantees your family fresh, clean and healthy milk.
Conclusion
Cow milk pasteurization process is a simple way to make cow milk safe for consumption. It kills bad bacteria, but retains the nutrition. However, if you are buying milk from a trusted brand like Doodhvale Farms or if you are pasteurizing milk at home, you can rest assured that your family gets safe and healthy milk.
