Preservation: Dairy

We’ve previous discussed in our Quick & Easy Baking Tips Rarely Told Series: Eggs post on how to use eggs, and how to identify its expiration. We want to expand this thought process somewhat for all dairy. This particular post will discuss and help you with the preservation of dairy products you usually buy at your local grocer. These products include, but are not limited to: milk, cheese, eggs, butter and creams.

Preserving Dairy

Milk

Milk is a staple in many households, and its preservation is crucial to avoid wastage. Here are some effective methods for preserving milk:

1. Refrigeration: The most common method for preserving milk is refrigeration. Ensure that the temperature of your refrigerator is consistently set at 40°F or below to maintain the freshness of the milk.
2. Freezing: If you have excess milk that you fear may spoil before you can consume it, freezing is a viable option. Transfer the milk to airtight containers, leaving some room for expansion, and label them with the date. Frozen milk can be stored for up to 3 months.
3. Pasteurization: If you have access to pasteurization equipment, you can extend the shelf life of milk by pasteurizing it at home. This process involves heating the milk to a specific temperature for a set period, followed by rapid cooling.

Cheese

Cheese is a versatile dairy product with a variety of colors, flavors and textures. Proper preservation methods can prolong its shelf life and maintain its quality:

1. Wrapping: Store cheese in wax paper or parchment paper to allow it to breathe while protecting it from moisture. Avoid using plastic wrap directly on the cheese, as it can trap moisture and lead to spoilage.
2. Temperature Control: Keep cheese in the refrigerator at a consistent temperature, ideally around 35°F to 45°F. Fluctuating temperatures can cause cheese to sweat and deteriorate.
3. Cheese Waxing: For artisanal or homemade cheeses, waxing is an effective preservation method. Applying layers of food-grade cheese wax creates a protective barrier against air and moisture, extending the cheese’s shelf life.

Eggs

Eggs are a versatile ingredient in cooking and baking, and proper preservation is essential for maintaining their freshness:

1. Refrigeration: Store eggs in their original carton on a shelf in the refrigerator rather than in the door, where temperature fluctuations are more significant. The ideal storage temperature for eggs is around 40°F.
2. Egg Rotation: Practice first in, first out rotation with your eggs to ensure that you use the oldest eggs first. This helps maintain their freshness and quality.
3. Egg Submersion: An unconventional yet effective method for preserving eggs is submerging them in a water glass solution. This involves placing unwashed eggs in a container filled with a water and mineral oil solution, which helps seal the eggshell and prolongs their shelf life.

Butter

Butter adds richness and flavor to various dishes, and proper preservation methods can prevent it from turning rancid:

1. Refrigeration: Store butter in an airtight container or its original packaging in the refrigerator to protect it from absorbing odors and flavors from other foods.
2. Freezing: Butter can be frozen for extended periods without compromising its quality. Wrap individual portions tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag. 6 to 9 months for best quality.
3. Butter Crocks: Investing in a butter crock or keeper can help maintain the freshness of butter at room temperature. These specialized containers are designed to keep butter at an optimal temperature without spoiling. This can last for 1 to 2 weeks.

Creams

Creams, solid or liquid, are a versatile ingredient used in both sweet and savory dishes, and proper preservation methods are essential for prolonging its shelf life:

1. Refrigeration: Store all creams in its original container or transfer it to an airtight container to prevent absorption of other odors in the refrigerator. Ensure that the temperature is consistently maintained at around 40°F.
2. Whipping Cream: If you have excess whipping cream, consider whipping it and then freezing it in portioned quantities for future use. Thawed whipped cream may have a slightly different texture but is suitable for various applications.
3. Ultra-Pasteurization: Opt for ultra-pasteurized cream if you anticipate a longer storage period. This process involves heating the cream to a higher temperature than standard pasteurization, resulting in an extended shelf life.

Ancient Techniques

“The word ‘dairy’ itself emerged in Middle English from the Anglo-Saxon ‘dæge’, meaning a female servant or breadmaker – with connotations that dairy farming and produce were fundamentally low status, typically the work and fare of land workers.”

Preserving dairy has been practiced for centuries, and many ancient techniques are still being used effectively today, especially commercially. Here are some known methods:

Fermentation:

• Yogurt and Kefir: These are made by fermenting milk with specific cultures. The probiotics help preserve the milk and enhance its nutritional value.
• Cheese Making: Many cheeses are made by curdling milk and then aging it. Hard cheeses can last a long time.

Salting:

• Salt can inhibit bacterial growth. Feta cheese, for example, is often preserved in a brine solution.

Drying:

• Powdered Milk: Evaporating moisture from milk creates powdered milk, which has a long shelf life.
• Cheese Drying: Certain cheeses can be dried and stored for extended periods.

Smoking:

• Some cultures smoke cheese to preserve it. The smoke creates a protective layer that inhibits spoilage.

Cooling and Ice Houses:

• Ancient civilizations often used ice houses or cool storage to extend the life of dairy products.

Canning:

• While more modern, some ancient methods involved sealing dairy in jars and heating them to create a vacuum seal.

Cultured Butter:

• Making butter from fermented cream can extend its shelf life, especially when stored in cool conditions.

Lactic Acid Preservation:

• Using lactic acid bacteria to create a low pH environment can help preserve dairy products.

Storing in Oil:

• Some cheeses can be preserved by storing them in oil, which prevents air exposure.

These methods not only help in preservation but also enhance the flavors and textures of dairy products.

Dairy Preservation

Preserving dairy products is essential for minimizing food waste and ensuring that you always have fresh ingredients on hand. By implementing these preservation methods and tips, you can extend the shelf life of various dairy products while maintaining their quality and flavor. Whether it’s milk, cheese, eggs, butter, or any cream, proper preservation techniques will enhance your culinary endeavors and contribute to a more sustainable approach to food consumption.

Note, do your due diligence by recording expiration dates and your senses. Some ingredients, like eggs, can overrun its expiration date, while some dairy’s like creams due to its high fat content are hard to maintain past them. Discoloring or moldy smells on your dairy are a sign of discarding any products you may have.

If you want to try creating a homemade dairy, try our Best Homemade Seasoned Herbs Butter recipe. It’s easy to make, and delicious!