Can you freeze buttermilk?
In this brief article, we will answer the question, “can you freeze buttermilk? ”. We will also discuss in detail, the shelf life, and storage methods of buttermilk.
Can you freeze buttermilk?
Yes, buttermilk can be frozen. Buttermilk has a two-week shelf life in the refrigerator and three-month shelf life when frozen, according to the USDA.
What is the Best Way to Freeze Buttermilk?
Even though the item’s “best before” date has passed, it might have been mistreated or contaminated, which might have sped up rotting. Throw out any mix that is difficult to pour, looks moldy, or has a pungent odor.
To freeze buttermilk, you need to provide space in the carton for it to expand as it freezes. In other words, when you defrost the milk, you will have to utilize all of it that was frozen.
Buttermilk pre-measured in the proportions you will need in future recipes is much easier to utilize. Freezing buttermilk in ice cube trays and storing the cubes in a freezer bag once frozen will give you the same amount of buttermilk as you would use to make a little number of scrambled eggs.
When chilling a half cup of buttermilk, silicone mini-muffin or muffin baking shapes are excellent. Allow it to cool and solidify after measuring and putting it into the mold. To make it even quicker, throw the frozen buttermilk cakes in a freezer bag.
Put the date on the carton of buttermilk and freeze it. As long as you freeze the parts in your routine, you will not lose track of when you froze them, which helps you to use the components earlier. Even if you do manage to keep it separate from other products in your freezer, it is also conceivable that you will inadvertently blend it along with everything else.
Containers to package buttermilk for freezing
BAG MADE OF PLASTIC
The most convenient and recommended container for freezing and storing buttermilk is a plastic freezer bag.
They are stretchy, so they will expand as the buttermilk freezes. They can also be laid flat, so they take up less space.
CONTAINER MADE OF GLASS
You should not use regular glass containers because the buttermilk will expand and crack them.
Instead, use freezer-safe glass containers that are marked.
Even with these, you should leave about an inch gap at the top as a safety precaution.
CONTAINER MADE OF PLASTIC
Many plastic containers, like glass containers, are unsuitable for freezing buttermilk.
When frozen, plastic items can leach toxins into the buttermilk.
For containers labeled “freezer-safe,” choose BPA-free plastic containers that are also microwave-safe.
ZIP-LOC (Zip-Locked Container)
These are branded bags that close and seal with a special closure zip.
They can be used to freeze buttermilk because they are freezer-safe.
How to use frozen buttermilk?
To get the greatest results, use frozen buttermilk in recipes where it has been cooked or baked. Once it has been frozen, the freshness and quality will be gone. Because it holds onto its acidity, which is essential for baking and tenderizing meat, frozen buttermilk makes an excellent marinade.
The fresh-frozen buttermilk must be allowed to defrost in the refrigerator before use. Buttermilk can be used in cornbread and fried chicken breading.
Is it safe to use thawed buttermilk after a power outage?
The USDA recommends throwing out all of your milk products, including buttermilk if they were stored at a temperature over 40 degrees Fahrenheit for more than two hours after they lost electricity. Butter is safe to use.
Effects of freezing on buttermilk
THE COLOR
In most cases, frozen buttermilk stays fairly the same in color and if there is a change, it is typically only a tiny one.
As long as you whisk it, the color should return to normal once it has frozen.
TASTE/FLAVOR
The flavor of fresh buttermilk does not improve when it has thawed, thus it is not suggested that you consume it after it has thawed. This will be suitable for cooking and baking.
CONSISTENCY
Your buttermilk might split, making it look that it is changing. If you whisk it, it should revert to its original consistency right away.
How to tell if buttermilk is spoiled?
Buttermilk should be smoothly pourable and have a smooth consistency.
The best indicator of spoilage is that it becomes lumpy and difficult to pour from cartons or jugs.
Blemishes on the surface indicate that the product has spoiled, and a strong stench is an additional signal. Discard any buttermilk that spoils in any of these ways.
Conclusion
In this brief article, we answered the question, “can you freeze buttermilk?”. We also discussed in detail, the shelf life and storage methods of buttermilk.
Reference
https://www.thespruceeats.com/can-you-freeze-buttermilk-1388413
