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Whether you live on a farm with a dairy animal or just didn’t drink that last jug of milk in time, you’ll find that milk has a short shelf life and can spoil easily. Bacteria can grow in raw milk from a dairy cow or goat, and it can also become a problem once pasteurized milk is exposed to the air.
You’ll know that the milk is spoiled when it has a sour smell and an acidic flavor. Milk that is farther along in the spoilage process can also have a chunky texture that is slightly yellow in color. If you find a bloated sippy cup with chunky milk in it, though, it is best to take it right to the sink (or even just toss the whole thing).
While many people just pour spoiled milk down the sink, as it is unhealthy to drink, there are other uses for milk around the house and the homestead. While grocery prices continue to rise, there is no reason to throw out milk that is a bit past its prime.
Keep reading to learn 10 ways to use spoiled milk.
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Bake With It
Many chefs and bakers report using slightly spoiled milk in baking goods as a buttermilk substitute. Soured milk is a common baking ingredient and there are many recipes available online.
Using your own spoiled milk is an excellent way to substitute for buttermilk or sour cream in pancakes, muffins, and all kinds of breads. The milk acts as a leavening agent and also gives a slightly sour taste. Just make sure the baked good gets hot enough in the oven to kill off any bacteria.
Make Some Cheese
Using spoiled milk to make homemade farmer’s cheese or cottage cheese is a great way to use resources. Making your own cheese is a bit of a learning curve, but not so hard that it can’t be done on the homestead. In fact, many homesteaders turn to cheese making due to the abundance of milk from herd animals.
Tenderize Meat
Before you cook that piece of steak or fish, consider soaking the raw meat in spoiled milk first. The lactic acid within the milk will help tenderize the meat and create a juicy and easy-to-eat protein once it has been thoroughly cooked.
You can also use spoiled milk as a marinade and keep it in the fridge with the meat for up to a few days. Vegetarians could use soured milk to soak dried grains as well.
Fry Up Some Veggies
Soured milk is a great item to use in combination with fresh vegetables from the garden. Dip the sliced veggies into soured milk, then add a thick layer of breadcrumbs for a deliciously pan-fried treat. Toss in some butter and fry until golden brown on all sides.
Consider using this method for any firmer vegetable from the garden like green tomatoes, squash, eggplant, or zucchini.
Give Plants a Drink
Add some calcium-rich hydration to plants by using spoiled milk to water the garden. Simply dilute the milk with some water and splash it onto the base of plants for an extra boost of vitamins and minerals.
Don’t forget the plants around the house or any pots or hanging baskets that could also use a calcium-rich drink.
Brighten Up Your Skin
Add some water to spoiled milk to dilute it, and try applying it as a face wash. The lactic acid is the special part of the milk that can make skin look firmer and smoother.
Simply splash the milk onto the face and rub it into the skin for ultimate coverage. Rinse with warm water afterward for a dewy look that doesn’t give off a sour scent.
Take a Milk Bath
Create your own luxurious bath by adding a few cups of spoiled milk to warm water. The bath will turn a creamy white, and the lactic acid will have the chance to benefit every inch of skin.
You can add in bubble bath or essential oils to help cover up the smell if needed. Add in some oatmeal to create a soothing milk bath that calms down irritated skin as well.
Feed the Animals
If all of these reasons still don’t make you want to jump up and use that bottle of spoiled milk, no worries! You can always use it to mix into chicken feed or slop the pigs so that no energy goes to waste. We promise they won’t care one bit!
If you don’t have farm animals, consider adding spoiled milk to the cat or dog dish or mixing it with dry food to create an easy-to-eat meal.
Keep Deer Away
If you have a problem with local deer getting into the garden, consider using spoiled milk to help deter them from the premises. Deer have a very acute sense of smell, and the sour scent of the milk can steer them away from eating your veggies or flowers.
Simply pour the spoiled milk around the garden perimeter to create an invisible boundary.
Freeze It
If you notice that you have a lot of milk that will be expiring before you can use it, consider popping it into the freezer for later. Frozen milk does fine in the freezer and can be easily defrosted in the fridge when you are ready for it. Once thawed, you can use it for baking or any of these other uses.
So, instead of tossing out that gallon of spoiled milk, consider all of these ways to use it for good. Not only is it a great addition to baking, it can also help grow your homestead as an addition to garden plants or to feed the animals roaming around the house. Try using it in a skincare routine as well for a vibrant look.
Remember these ways to use spoiled milk the next time you question the freshness of your dairy bottle.
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