What is spoiled milk?
Spoiled milk is the result of bacterial overgrowth that affects the quality, flavor and texture of the milk.
Since the late 1800s, the vast majority of commercially produced milk has been pasteurized. The pasteurization process kills many of the most harmful strains of bacteria known to cause foodborne illness, including E. coli, listeria, and salmonella.
However, pasteurization does not eliminate all types of bacteria. Plus, once you open a carton of milk, it's exposed to additional bacteria in the environment. Over time, these small colonies of bacteria can multiply and eventually cause milk to spoil.
Signs of milk spoilage
When milk begins to spoil, it develops an unpleasant rancid smell. The smell is hard to ignore and gets stronger over time.
The taste also begins to change, as the natural sweetness of fresh milk is quickly replaced by some sour or sour taste.
Given enough time, the texture and color of spoiled milk will also change. It may begin to develop a sticky, thick texture and a dull yellow color.
The rate at which milk spoils depends on many factors, including the number of spoilage bacteria, the temperature at which the milk is stored, and the amount of sunlight.
If you're not sure if the milk has gone bad, smell it first. If there's no off-flavor, try a small sip before pouring a full cup or adding it to cereal.
Slightly different from yogurt
The terms spoiled and sour are often used interchangeably to describe spoiled milk, but there can be a subtle difference between the two—depending on who you ask.
Spoiled milk usually refers to milk that has been pasteurized and has deteriorated odor and taste due to the growth of bacteria that survived the pasteurization process. Most of these bacteria are not considered beneficial to health and may make you sick.
Yogurt, on the other hand, usually refers specifically to raw milk that has not been pasteurized and has begun to ferment naturally.
Just like spoiled milk, fermentation of raw milk is caused by various lactic acid-forming bacteria, a small number of which are considered probiotics and may confer minor health benefits.
That said, the potential benefits of raw milk do not outweigh its risks. Consumption of raw milk in any form (fresh or sour) is generally not recommended due to the high risk of foodborne illness.
Risks of drinking spoiled milk
Most people immediately turn off the stench and taste of spoiled milk, which makes the decision to drink it relatively easy.
However, even if you can get over the bad taste, drinking spoiled milk is not a good idea. It can cause food poisoning, causing digestive discomfort symptoms such as stomach pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
There is no need to worry if you accidentally take a sip of spoiled milk, but avoid drinking large amounts or even moderate amounts.
Still useful in the kitchen
While you shouldn't drink spoiled milk, it's not useless.
If your milk is old and has begun to curdle, become slimy, or moldy, it's best to throw it away. However, if it's just a little on the acidic side, there are a few ways to work with it.
Try using slightly rancid milk in the following cooking applications:
- Baked goods. Use spoiled milk instead of regular milk, buttermilk, yogurt or sour cream in recipes like cookies, pancakes, scones and cornbread.
- Soups and stews. A little stale milk can help thicken and add richness to soups, stews, and casseroles.
- salad dressing. Use kefir to make creamy dressings like ranch dressing, Caesar dressing or blue cheese.
- Cheese making. Use kefir to make homemade cheese or cottage cheese.
- Tenderize. Use kefir to marinate and tenderize meat or fish. You can also soak uncooked whole grains in it to soften them.
Additionally, you can add spoiled milk to a homemade face mask or bath to soften your skin. However, if you find the smell intolerable, you may want to mix it with essential oils or other aromatic ingredients.
generalize
Spoiled milk is the result of bacterial overgrowth, causing changes in taste, smell, and texture.
Drinking it might make you sick, but cooking with it won't, as long as it's slightly less.
Using slightly spoiled milk in innovative ways can also help you reduce food waste.
Next time you notice that the milk in your refrigerator is starting to go bad, don't throw it away right away. Instead, try using it in pancakes, biscuits, or as a thickener in soups and stews.
