can i freeze raw milk?

[oyemicanto]

sorry if this has been discussed already!

I just bought 2 gallons of milk in plastic containers from the farm and I don't see us using both before the next few days - can I stick one in the freezer or will it explode? Thanks!

[boobyjuicex3]

I can buy 6 gallons and keep them in my fridge for 2+ weeks, just remember to shake it up. You can freeze it and it shouldn't burst.

[crissei]

Yep, we freeze tons of raw milk for drinking in winter when the goats are dry.
Leave plenty of airspace in your container, don't fill it all the way to the top, because it WILL explode if you do, otherwise, it's fine.

[JaneSmith1010]

Yup, we freeze raw milk too. No problems there.

[joy2bmom]

I'm just curious, how do you keep if from chunking? I froze it once and when it thawed it had little chunks in it and i had to strain it. :

[saratc]

You can freeze it, but I tend to try to avoid freezing in plastic. I remember reading that you should try to avoid thawing things in plastic.

If you are only keeping it for two weeks or so, I would just keep it in a cold area of the fridge and try to shake it as little as possible. Milk can keep over two weeks as long as it's not disturbed much. Once it's opened though and is being shaken all the time, it oxidizes and causes it to sour.

Once frozen, milk will chunk up. This is the milk fat globules sticking together. Some people break them up in a blender. Often, waiting a few days after thawing or leaving out for a bit at room temperature and then shaking really well will cause them to separate. Also, if you're using them in hot things like coffee or tea, the fat globules just melt, so no issues there.