Why and how to store different milks, differently

Milk helps us enjoy the yummy pleasures of life every day while being an important source of goodness and nutrition for the entire family. Available in many forms from powder milk, to fresh milk, long shelf-life milk and even sweet condensed milk, it is one of the most popular ways to combine taste and nourishment in a single cup. But what really differentiates each variety from the other? The main difference lies in the way the milk is processed and in its storage conditions. In order to preserve their quality, here are some guidelines on how to store your milk in a safe and healthy way.

Type of Milk	Description and Storage Conditions
Powdered Milk	This milk is produced when water is removed from pasteurized fresh milk, so it contains the same nutrients in the same relative proportions. In many instances, it is supplemented with essential minerals and vitamins, especially vitamin D that helps in the absorption of calcium in the body, making it very beneficial for bone health. Whole powder milk can last for 6-9 months and non-fat or skimmed powder milk can last for 2 years. Once the tin is opened, powdered milk has to be stored under cool, dry conditions and should be protected from contact with water or light. Tip: In order to avoid granule formation, first use cool water when you want to dissolve powdered milk.
Long shelf-life liquid milk	A type of liquid milk that is sterilized at ultra high temperature and then filled in special cartons known as ‘Tetra Packs’. This label is clearly printed on carton milk which you can find on supermarket shelves. It can last unopened in your cupboard without any refrigeration for at least 6 months. However, once it is been opened, it must be refrigerated and used within a week. Tip: It is always good to keep a carton in your pantry for times when you run out of milk and can’t go to the grocery store.
Fresh pasteurized Milk	Liquid milk that you can purchase in the refrigerated section of the supermarket. To keep it suitable for use, this milk should be stored in your refrigerator until the expiry date written on the bottle. Usually pasteurized milk lasts for a period no longer than a week, and being a very delicate food, liquid milk spoils quite rapidly. Tip: When buying fresh milk, remember to check its expiry date and make sure it is cold.
Sweet Condensed Milk	This milk is made up of pasteurized milk that is concentrated and supplemented with sugar. It is yellowish in colour and has a creamy and viscous appearance. Sweet Condensed Milk is used in cooking and sweets preparations. When stored in a cool and dry place, Sweet Condensed Milk can last for approximately 12 months. Tip: As the name indicates Sweet Condensed Milk is too sweet and high in calories and therefore not recommended to be consumed instead of a glass of milk.

Some of us love to drink milk cold, some like it with cereals, and some simply prefer to add a sip of warm milk to our tea or coffee. Many of us also use it as a key ingredient in different dishes and pastries. This means that whatever your preference, storing it the right way is what matters to keep it fresh and safe.