What is the shelf life of condensed milk?

Condensed milk is a valuable and tasty food product that is convenient to store and can be used in various ways.

If condensed milk is not used immediately, then the problem arises - how to store it for a long time.

We will talk about the terms and conditions of storage of condensed milk in the article.

What is the product?

Condensed milk belongs to canned milk, which are produced using established technology in industrial conditions. The product is prepared by boiling whole milk with added sugar.

During the boiling process, the liquid changes consistency and becomes thick. The product is high in calories, sweet, and contains vitamins and minerals.

A quality product will indicate “whole condensed milk with sugar.” Another name for freeform may indicate a lower quality product.

In accordance with GOST, the product must contain a fat content of 8.5%. For sweetened skim milk this figure is 1%, for sweetened condensed cream – 19%.

The world owes the appearance of condensed milk in cans to N. Appert, who lived during the reign of Napoleon.

How long can it be stored, at what temperature?

Condensed milk is produced in metal cans, plastic containers and bags with a dispenser. If the products comply with GOST, then in the first case the storage time is one year, for packages – six months. The shortest shelf life in plastic packaging is 3 months.

Optimal conditions for condensed milk:

• humidity from 75% to 85%;
• air temperature – from 0? C to +10? C.

The shelf life of the product is directly affected by:

• the conditions in which the product is located;
• violation of the tightness (opening) of the original packaging.

A longer shelf life - above 12 months - can only be in the presence of preservatives and in the case of production according to specifications, and not according to GOST.

In a refrigerator

Condensed milk can be stored in unopened factory containers for as long as indicated by the manufacturer on the packaging. Once opened, the product can be kept in a cool place for up to 5 days..

In the freezer

It is not advisable to freeze condensed milk. At low temperatures, the product loses its consistency and becomes sugary. When defrosted, such milk can still be added to tea, but it will no longer be possible to use it to prepare culinary masterpieces.

In room conditions

At high air temperatures, condensed milk cannot be stored for a long time. Once opened, the can should be used within a few hours (no more than 6), if it is not possible to move it to the refrigerator. In hot weather, this period is reduced even further.

Selection of containers

The original packaging is suitable for long-term storage of the product subject to all conditions of temperature and humidity.

After the jar is opened, it is recommended to pour its contents into a glass container and keep it covered.

You should not leave milk in a metal can, as in this case oxidative processes will begin and the product will deteriorate faster.

In addition to glass containers, a ceramic or enameled container can be selected. They must also close, preventing air from entering and foreign odors from being absorbed.

Extending the storage period

Extend the shelf life of an opened can of condensed milk you can if you pour the contents into a glass container and cover with a lid. This allows you to keep the product in the refrigerator for up to 7-10 days.

If condensed milk is supposed to be stored for a long time, and in fairly large volumes, then the best option is a basement with good ventilation. The cans themselves, which come in a box, are best left in this packaging. In some cases, jars may have a special lubricant that protects them from damage.

Boiled condensed milk

Boiled condensed milk is one of the popular varieties of condensed milk. You can prepare it yourself or buy it ready-made in the store. The standards for the release of this product differ from ordinary liquid condensed milk. The expiration date for the product is set by the manufacturer himself.

The characteristics of condensed milk depend on the cooking time:

1. In 1.5 hours, the consistency acquires the viscousness necessary for making creams.
2. In 2-2.5 hours, condensed milk becomes of medium consistency and can be used as a filling for nut-type cookies.
3. After 3 hours of cooking, the condensed milk becomes dark in color and can be used as a self-sufficient dessert.

Home

You can not only buy condensed milk ready-made, but also make it yourself. It is prepared from two components:

• milk;
• sugar.

Having combined milk with sugar, the product is strongly boiled, bringing it to the required consistency. After the treat has cooled, it can be placed in the refrigerator and used within 10 days.

If condensed milk is stored for future use, it is poured hot into glass jars, which are sterilized for 10 minutes, after which they are sealed.

The product is stored in a dark and cool place for up to two years. If sugariness begins to appear on the surface of the mass, condensed milk should be used as soon as possible.

You can learn about making homemade condensed milk from the video:

What to do if it goes bad?

A product that is expired or has been stored for a long time after opening should not be eaten. Even if the expiration date has not passed, Do not use condensed milk that has changed color, smell or taste.

Heat treatment is only possible if the product is not lost. Sugaring indicates violations of storage conditions or periods.

Recommendations

When purchasing and storing condensed milk It is advisable to remember the following expert advice:

1. You should not buy condensed milk in a tin can that has dents, especially on the seams, since such a defect can lead to damage to the product due to damage to the inner layer.
2. The container tin should not be rusty on the outside.
3. If there is doubt about the quality of the product, you should not use it for food.
4. If condensed milk that is not expired turns out to be candied after opening the package, this may indicate improper storage or violation of transportation conditions. It is not advisable to use such a product as food.
5. The high calorie content of condensed milk makes it not a suitable product for those losing weight, and is not used in dietary nutrition.
6. The recommended amount of condensed milk is 1-2 spoons per day.
7. This condensed milk should not contain synthetic components or oils of vegetable origin.
8. Do not keep the product package in the sun.
9. A can of real condensed milk should have a completely stamped marking in two rows. In the second row - production date and shift number.
10. During storage, tin cans should not touch each other. This will prevent rust and chipping.
11. After opening the plastic package, the condensed milk from it does not need to be poured into another container. But storage must be under a lid.

Conclusion

Storing condensed milk in suitable conditions is not at all difficult. One of the main rules is to study the label on the product and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.

With a responsible attitude towards this issue, condensed milk can be stored for quite a long time, helping out the owner in the most unforeseen situations.