Preserve Milk the Smart Way: Your Guide to Freeze Drying Milk at Home

Milk is a vital source of nutrition for people, regardless of age.

Globally, milk is one of the most widely consumed beverages. It holds significant cultural importance in many societies. In some countries, milk is a staple in breakfast dishes, while in others it is used in various culinary traditions, from cheeses to desserts.

After all, it is rich in calcium, protein, vitamins, and other essential nutrients that help maintain our health. Nonetheless, a significant concern regarding milk pertains to its perishability. Fresh milk can spoil quickly, even when stored in the refrigerator.

Traditional storage methods like refrigeration can only keep milk fresh for a short period, often around a week. This short shelf life can be inconvenient and often leads to spoiled milk.

The storage limitations of milk set the stage for innovating other preservation methods like freeze drying, which can significantly extend the shelf life while preserving its nutritional value.

What is Freeze-Dried Milk?
Freeze-Dried Milk vs Powdered Milk
Benefits of Freeze-Dried Milk
How to Freeze Dry Milk at Home
Why You Should Weigh the Milk Before and After Freeze Drying
Rehydrating Freeze Dried Milk
Freeze-Dried Milk Uses
Buying a Freeze Dryer for Milk
Conclusion
Frequently Asked Questions About Freeze Drying Milk

What is Freeze-Dried Milk?

In a nutshell, freeze-dried milk is milk that has had all its moisture content expelled, leaving behind a powder form.

Freeze-dried milk has undergone a special process called lyophilization to remove almost all of its moisture. The process involves freezing the milk and placing it in a vacuum chamber.

In this chamber, the frozen moisture in the milk sublimates, transitioning directly from solid ice to water vapor, leaving behind the dry milk powder.

Freeze-Dried Milk vs Powdered Milk

Freeze-dried milk and powdered milk may look alike and are often rehydrated for consumption. However, there are differences to note that set them apart.

Powdered milk is made through spray drying. In spray drying, milk is sprayed into a hot air chamber that quickly evaporates the most moisture content. Due to the high heat applied, this process can lead to some nutrient loss and flavor alteration.

Meanwhile, freeze-dried milk is frozen before the moisture is removed inside a freeze-dryer. The heat applied is lower than spray drying, resulting in little to no nutrient loss.

Benefits of Freeze-Dried Milk

Freeze-dried milk offers a range of benefits that make it a valuable addition to any pantry or emergency food supply.

Shelf-Life - Unlike fresh milk, which has a short shelf life and requires refrigeration, freeze-dried milk can last for years when stored properly.

Preserved Nutrients - The low temperatures used in freeze-drying help preserve the vitamins, minerals, and proteins found in milk.

Lightweight and Compact - Unlike liquid milk, freeze-dried milk takes up minimal space and adds little weight to your backpack or luggage.

Versatility - Once rehydrated, freeze-dried milk can be used like regular milk in various ways, such as making breakfast cereal, cooking, or baking.

Same Texture and Flavor - Freeze-dried milk provides the same creamy texture and rich flavor as fresh milk.

Helps the Environment - Its extended shelf life helps minimize the environmental impact of dairy production and distribution.

How to Freeze Dry Milk at Home

It may seem daunting at first, but with the right equipment and a few simple steps, you can enjoy the convenience of homemade freeze-dried milk.

A freeze dryer is the most practical way of making freeze-dried milk without the troubles. It’s straightforward and includes all the settings and accessories you need to get started.

You can use any type of milk, including:

Raw or Pasteurized Milk
Organic Milk
A2A Milk
Whole Milk
Skim Milk
Breastmilk

Step 1: Ensure Proper Preparation

If you're using raw milk, you need to pasteurize it to ensure it is safe for consumption, as you want to remove present bacteria. Likewise, when using store-brought milk, check for possible additives that can affect freeze-drying.

Step 2: Freeze the Milk Overnight

Pour the milk onto the trays and put them in your freezer. You may want to use tray covers here so the trays stack neatly without touching the milk. Make sure that the trays are on an even surface so that it will dry evenly.

Step 2: Ready Milk for Freeze Drying

Make sure the milk is completely frozen or add it unfrozen. Don't cut corners on freezing time! Partially frozen milk can trick the machine into running for the wrong amount of time.

There are two options:

If you choose to pre-freeze the milk, make sure it's solid all the way through.
If you go the unfrozen route, let the machine pre-chill for 15 minutes first.

Step 3: Pre-Chill Freeze Dryer

Whether you're using completely frozen or unfrozen milk, it's best to pre-chill your freeze dryer for at least 15–20 minutes for a smoother drying process.

Step 4: Freeze Drying Process

Place the trays into the freeze dryer and set it to the manufacturer’s recommended drying time for milk or dairy. This process typically takes around 24 hours.

To know if your freeze-dried milk is ready, take out one tray and touch the milk with clean hands. It should feel dry when touched.

Step 5: Store in Airtight Container

Transfer the freeze-dried milk to airtight containers or vacuum-sealed bags, such as mason jars or mylar bags, to prevent moisture absorption.

Store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prolong their shelf life.

Why You Should Weigh the Milk Before and After Freeze Drying

Weighing your milk before and after freeze drying will be handy later when you want to rehydrate the freeze-dried milk.

Once you've got your numbers, subtract the weight of the freeze-dried milk from the weight you measured before freeze drying. The difference represents the weight of water removed during the freeze-drying process.The weight difference wll determine how much water you'll need to add when rehydrating your freeze-dried milk.

Just remember to adjust the amount of water based on how much freeze-dried milk you plan to rehydrate at once.

Rehydrating Freeze Dried Milk

When returning freeze-dried milk to its liquid form, gradually add the milk powder to the water while stirring continuously. Continue stirring until the powder is fully dissolved and the milk is smooth.

Let it sit for a few minutes to allow the air bubble to disappear.

Rehydrated or reconstituted milk will only last a few days, so remember to keep it in the refrigerator and consume it within a few days.

Freeze-Dried Milk Uses

Freeze-dried milk offers various uses that anyone can take advantage of, whether as a drink or in other culinary delights. Here are a few ways of using it:

Drink it: Simply rehydrate the milk powder with water and enjoy it as a beverage.

Baking & Cooking: Substitute freeze-dried milk powder for liquid milk in your favorite recipes.

Coffee & Smoothies: Add a creamy touch to your coffee or smoothies without needing refrigerated milk.

Sauces & Dishes: Boost the flavor of sauces, mac and cheese, gravy, or any cream-based dish with freeze-dried milk powder.

Buying a Freeze Dryer for Milk

Buying a freeze dryer is a hefty investment, but the benefits far outweigh the costs in the long run. Investing in a freeze dryer allows you to enjoy significant cost savings by reducing food waste and preserving seasonal ingredients for future use.

If you’re considering a freeze dryer, many factors range from size, capacity, and even budget.

The good news is that Trimleaf offers a wide range of freeze dryers meant for different users, from home to commercial and even pharmaceutical use. All freeze dryers can provide user-friendly experiences, allowing you to freeze and dry different products.

Conclusion

Freeze-dried milk offers many benefits, making it a valuable addition to any kitchen or food preservation equipment. From its exceptional shelf stability and preserved nutrition to its versatility and environmental sustainability, freeze-dried milk is a convenient and reliable option for consumers seeking long-lasting dairy products.

Looking to explore freeze-drying foods? Here are helpful resources:

It’s time to embrace the possibilities of this smart and innovative way of preservation and leave those days of spoiled milk in the past!

Frequently Asked Questions About Freeze Drying Milk

◄Can I freeze dry milk at home?: Yes, you can freeze dry milk at home with a home freeze dryer. However, it's not possible with a regular dehydrator or freezer.
◄What type of milk can I freeze dry?: You can freeze dry most types of milk, including whole milk, skim milk, breast milk (with a special service), and even lactose-free milk.
◄Do I need to skim the milk before freeze drying?: It's up to you! Skimming removes some fat content, but whole milk powder will have a richer flavor.
◄How much milk can I fit on a freeze dryer tray?: The amount of milk per tray depends on your freeze dryer size. It's generally recommended to fill trays 1/2 to 2/3 full, to avoid overflow during freezing.
◄What happens if I spill milk in the freeze dryer?: Spills can be messy and potentially damage the machine. Be very careful while pouring the milk.
◄How will the freeze-dried milk look?: Freeze-dried milk resembles a fluffy powder or flakes, similar to cotton candy or mica crystals.
◄How much milk powder do I get from a gallon of milk?: A gallon of whole milk will yield roughly a quart and a cup of freeze-dried milk powder. This amount can vary slightly depending on milk fat content.
◄Does freeze-dried milk need to be refrigerated: No, freeze-dried milk powder is shelf-stable and doesn't require refrigeration for long-term storage.
◄Are there any downsides to using freeze-dried milk?: The main downside is the initial investment required for a home freeze dryer. Additionally, freeze-dried milk requires rehydration before use.