[MamaE]

I apologize for the newbie question.

This is my first foray into raw cow's milk - usually we do raw goat's milk.

So, how do I get the cream off the top? I tried pouring the milk into a bowl and ladling the cream off into a jar, but now I see there's milk settling to the bottom of that jar. Should I be letting the milk sit for longer? Anyone have tricks for making this easy?

TIA!

 

[momto l&a]

I scoop it off with a gravy ladle.

I am skimming off the top of a gallon glass jar.

I let the milk set a few days after getting the milk without disturbing in the fridge before skimming.

 

[gardenmommy]

Pour your milk into a pan (a smaller stockpot works well), and let it sit overnight (probably not more than 24 hours), uncovered. Use a spoon or a small measuring cup to skim the cream off the milk.

This is the method my mom has been using for more than 30 years. She makes butter 2-3 times a week with what she skims. Leaving the milk uncovered really helps the cream to thicken enough to where it is easy to take off. With practice, you will get mostly cream, and very little milk.

 

[MamaE]

Thanks for the tips. I poured the milk into a gallon glass jar and tried again, after it had sat for 24 hours. It's easier but it's going to take some practice.

Considering that I'd have to pay 12.75 a quart for the cream and that I can buy a gallon of milk for 6.25, it looks like I need to learn to skim it myself!

 

[Neldavi]

I've had the best luck with a turkey baster

 

[nicolena]

i've always wondered....what can you do with the milk afterward? (that is skim milk, right? does it have much nutrition left?)

anyone know?

tx.

 

[BetsyPage]

I'm interested in doing this to make better use of our gallon of raw milk per week.

Some questions... is it OK to try to separate out "older" milk? I really like to have the milk available for drinking throughout the week b/c I have a toddler who likes to drink it (on top of still nursing, lol) and I like it too. But I usually have about 1/2 to 1/3 a gallon by the end of the week. Could I use whatever small amount of cream I get to make butter? And could I use the skim left to make cheese? What if it has started to sour, could I still use it? (would it be cultured then?)

I agree- at 6.25/gallon I'd like to do as much with it as possible!

 

[dvons]

I use a method someone posted here a few weeks back. Mine comes in those plastic gallon jugs so what I do is poke a hole in the bottom, let the milk run out into one container and the cream into another. It is super easy.

Deb

 

[MamaE]

Well, darnit - I don't own a gravy ladle and I gave my toddler the turkey baster last year to use as a tub toy.

But now I want to try poking a hole in the jug. Cool! More info please? Do I just let the milk drain out until I get to the cream then quickly move the jug over to another container and drain the cream out? What do you use to poke the hole with? I can't wait to get my order next month!

Thanks!

 

[rstump]

A Sun tea container with a spout on the bottom works great. YOu can use the spout to get the milk out of the bottom. SInce it has a spout you don't have to RUN to get another container. And it is reusable since they are glass.