What are the features and shelf life of UHT milk?
Unlike natural milk, UHT milk is stored for a long time. After all, thanks to special processing in this drink, all pathogenic microflora are killed.
Therefore, the long-lasting product will not change its taste and consistency for several months in a row. But storing such milk has its own subtleties.
We will talk about the storage periods and conditions of UHT milk below.
Content
How long does the product last?
Cow's milk is a source of beneficial substances, but pathogenic microorganisms are also present in it. It is because of these “pests” that the drink turns sour and loses its taste and external qualities.
No pathogenic microflora - no one to spoil the product. This is why UHT milk lasts longer than other varieties.
| UHT | Natural | Pasteurized |
| Does not contain lactic acid bacteria, only vitamins. Does not require boiling. Stored for a period of 1 month. | Fresh contains pathogenic microorganisms. Needs boiling. Fresh drink is stored for no more than 2 days, after boiling - no more than 5 days. | Most beneficial microorganisms remain viable after treatment. Does not need to be boiled unless the package has been opened.Can be stored for up to 5 days without opening the container. |
| Can be stored in a closed container without refrigeration. | Cannot be stored outside the refrigerator, it turns sour quickly. | Can only be kept outside the refrigerator in an airtight container. |
| Storage temperature in closed packaging is up to 25 C°. | Storage temperature - no more than 2 C°. | Storage temperature - no more than 6 C°. |
How to store, under what conditions?
Depending on the packaging, an ultra-pasteurized product can be stored at a temperature of 2-25 C° for a period of 30 to 180 days.
Selection of containers
UHT milk can be packaged with or without aseptic filling. During aseptic filling, the product and container are sterilized separately. Only after this is packaging carried out.
Example of aseptic packaging - Tetra Pak. It consists of several layers:
- 1 layer - outer polyethylene;
- 2nd layer - cardboard;
- 3rd layer - polyethylene binder;
- 4 layer - aluminum;
- 5 layer - polyethylene binder;
- 6th layer - inner polyethylene.
Tetra Pak packaging protects the contents of the container from sunlight, oxygen and pathogenic microorganisms. Thanks to this barrier, ultra-sterilized milk is stored for a long time - up to 360 days at a temperature of 2-25 C°.
Three-layer polyethylene containers do not provide the same barrier properties as Tetra Pak. Through it, microorganisms and oxygen can enter the drink. This milk is stored at a temperature of +4 ± 2 C° from 30 to 90 days. The timing may vary; exact information about the safety of a particular manufacturer’s drink is posted on the packaging.
At room temperature
Without refrigeration, UHT milk can only be stored in Tetra Pak packaging.At temperatures up to 25 C°, the drink will not lose its taste for up to 180 days. After opening the package, the shelf-stable product must be placed in the refrigerator and the temperature regime must be observed.
In the refrigerator after opening the package
UHT product can be stored in open containers for up to 10 days. But all its benefits disappear already on the 8th day. Therefore, the optimal storage time is 96 hours at a temperature of 2-5 C°.
Can it be frozen?
There is no need to freeze milk with a long shelf life if the packaging has not been opened. If you need to preserve an already opened product, you can do this in the freezer.
The product can be frozen in different types of containers:
Plastic bottle. It is impossible to extract the contents from it in parts. It is worth freezing only if all the liquid will be used after defrosting.- In ice packs or molds. Convenient format, you can add frozen white pieces in portions to dishes or drinks.
- In another hermetically sealed container. It is convenient to remove the contents from plastic containers with a closing lid in pieces of the desired size.
Frozen food can be left in the freezer for up to 4-6 weeks. After this period, the amount of nutrients in it will decrease significantly.
UHT drink When frozen, it often takes on a yellowish tint.. Especially if it was frozen entirely. There is no need to be scared - this is a typical phenomenon for a fatty product.
After defrosting, the drink acquires its usual white color.White lumps may also accumulate on the surface of the defrosted liquid. To remove them, you need to beat the liquid a little with a blender - it will acquire the desired consistency.
Useful tips
To keep UHT milk longer, It is useful to take note of a few recommendations:
- the drink is saturated with foreign odors, so it is kept in a tightly closed container in the refrigerator;
- before purchasing, you need to carefully study the expiration dates - they may vary depending on the packaging and the percentage of fat content;
- After sending the drink to the refrigerator, you need to observe the storage temperature conditions.
Video on the topic of the article
The video will tell you about the production of UHT milk:
Conclusion
UHT milk is not “dead”, as some buyers are mistakenly accustomed to believe. In the process of modern processing, it is cleared of all microorganisms, but the vitamins remain.
Duration of storage is ensured by ultra-pasteurization and aseptic packaging. Therefore, the housewife can not worry about its taste for a long time - they will not deteriorate.
