How Long Does Raw Cow Milk Last? 5 Risks of Spoiled Milk

“How long does raw cow milk last?” is a usual question in cooking classes. Raw cow’s milk can last up to 10 days if refrigerated properly. But wait. It’s crucial to know the signs of spoilage and health risks attached to spoiled milk. 

Keep reading for all the details, including the best storage tips and safety measures.

How Long Does Raw Cow Milk Last?

Raw cow’s milk can last between 7 to 10 days if handled properly. This depends on factors like cleanliness during milking, proper storage, and temperature control. Keeping it cold and avoiding contamination helps extend its freshness. 

Raw milk can spoil quickly due to natural bacteria, so always store it in clean, airtight containers and refrigerate promptly to maintain its quality.

How Long Does Raw Milk Last Unrefrigerated?

Raw milk left unrefrigerated can spoil within a few hours, especially in warm temperatures. The natural bacteria in raw milk multiply rapidly at room temperature, causing it to sour and become unsafe to drink. For the best quality and safety, always keep raw milk refrigerated and never leave it out.

How Long Does Raw Cow’s Milk Last Refrigerated?

When refrigerated, raw cow’s milk can last up to 7 to 10 days. The cold temperature doesn’t allow any bacterial growth. It’s still essential to store the milk in a clean container to prevent contamination and ensure it remains safe to consume during this period.

How Long Does Raw Milk Last After Opening?

Once opened, raw milk should be consumed within 3 to 5 days. Opening the container exposes the milk to air and potential contaminants, which can accelerate spoilage. To maintain its quality, always seal the container tightly and keep it refrigerated. This will help extend its shelf life and ensure it remains safe to drink.

How Long Does Raw Milk Last at Room Temperature?

Raw milk at room temperature can spoil within 2 to 4 hours. The warm environment promotes the rapid growth of bacteria, making the milk sour and unsafe to drink quickly. To prevent spoilage, always store raw milk in the refrigerator and minimize its exposure to room temperature as much as possible.

How Long Does Raw Milk Last in the Freezer?

Freezing raw milk can extend its shelf life to 3 to 6 months. When frozen, the bacterial activity slows down significantly, preserving the milk’s quality. It’s best to store the milk in airtight containers with some space for expansion. Thaw frozen milk in the refrigerator and use it within a week for the best taste and safety.

4 Signs That Raw Cow’s Milk Has Gone Bad

Raw cow’s milk has gone bad if it smells sour, tastes off, looks curdled, or has a yellowish tint. Fresh milk should be smooth and slightly sweet. If you notice any of these signs, it’s best not to drink the milk.

Sour Smell

One of the first signs that raw cow’s milk has gone bad is a sour smell. Fresh milk has a mild, slightly sweet scent. When it spoils, bacteria break down the lactose, producing lactic acid, which gives off a distinct sour odor. 

If you open your milk container and are hit with a strong, unpleasant smell, it’s a clear indicator that the milk is no longer safe to drink. Always trust your nose; if it doesn’t smell right, don’t risk it.

Off Taste

Another clear sign of spoiled raw cow’s milk is an off taste. Fresh milk should taste creamy and mildly sweet. When milk goes bad, the taste changes dramatically due to the increased acidity. Spoiled milk tastes sour and unpleasant. 

If you take a sip and it doesn’t taste as you expect, spit it out and don’t consume anymore. Taste is a good final check, but if you’re already suspicious based on the smell or appearance, it’s better not to taste it at all.

Curdled Appearance

Curdling is a noticeable sign that raw cow’s milk has spoiled. Fresh milk should be smooth and liquid. When milk curdles, you’ll see lumps or clumps, which occur because the proteins in the milk have coagulated. This happens when the milk’s pH drops due to the activity of bacteria, which produce lactic acid. 

If your milk looks chunky or you see floating curds, it’s time to throw it out. Always pour milk into a clear glass to check for any signs of curdling before using it.

Yellowish Tint

A change in color can also indicate that raw cow’s milk has gone bad. Fresh milk is usually white or slightly creamy in color.

If the milk develops a yellowish tint, it may be due to the breakdown of fat and proteins as the milk spoils. 

This discoloration is a sign that the milk is no longer fresh and has been affected by bacterial activity. When you notice this color change, it’s best to discard the milk.

These signs are essential to know to ensure that you only consume fresh, safe milk. Always check your milk for these indicators before drinking or using it in recipes.

Health Risks Associated with Spoiled Raw Cow’s Milk

Drinking spoiled raw cow’s milk can cause food poisoning, leading to stomach cramps, diarrhea, vomiting, and fever. Bacteria like E. coli can grow in spoiled milk, making it very unsafe to consume. Therefore, it’s never recommended to drink spoiled milk.

Food Poisoning

Drinking spoiled raw cow’s milk can lead to food poisoning. When milk spoils, harmful bacteria like E. coli and Listeria can grow in it. These bacteria can cause symptoms like stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. 

In some cases, food poisoning from spoiled milk can be severe, requiring medical attention. It’s important to always check your milk for any signs of spoilage to avoid these unpleasant and potentially dangerous symptoms.

Stomach Cramps

One common symptom of drinking spoiled raw cow’s milk is stomach cramps. These cramps happen because your body is trying to fight off the harmful bacteria present in the spoiled milk. The bacteria irritate your stomach and intestines, causing pain and discomfort. 

Stomach cramps can range from mild to severe and can make you feel very uncomfortable. If you experience stomach cramps after drinking milk, it’s a sign that something is wrong, and you should avoid drinking any more of the milk.

Diarrhea

Diarrhea is another common risk associated with consuming spoiled raw cow’s milk. The harmful bacteria in the spoiled milk can upset your digestive system, leading to frequent, watery bowel movements. This can cause dehydration and make you feel weak and tired. 

It’s important to drink plenty of fluids if you have diarrhea to stay hydrated. To prevent this unpleasant symptom, always check your milk for signs of spoilage before drinking it.

Vomiting

Vomiting can occur after drinking spoiled raw cow’s milk as your body tries to expel the harmful bacteria. This can be very unpleasant and can make you feel very sick. Vomiting can also lead to dehydration, so it’s important to drink small sips of water or an oral rehydration solution. 

If you start to vomit after drinking milk, stop drinking it immediately and rest until you feel better.

Fever

A fever might develop after drinking spoiled raw cow’s milk as your body’s response to fighting off the infection caused by harmful bacteria. A fever indicates that your immune system is working to combat the illness. 

So, always check your milk before consuming it to ensure it’s fresh and safe to drink.

How to Extend the Shelf Life of Raw Cow’s Milk? 7 Tips

To extend the shelf life of raw cow’s milk, store it in the coldest part of your fridge, use clean containers, avoid cross-contamination, freeze portions, keep it sealed, refrigerate promptly, and consider using milk preservatives.

Store in the Coldest Part of Your Fridge

Keeping raw cow’s milk in the coldest part of your fridge can significantly extend its shelf life. The back of the fridge, away from the door, maintains a consistent temperature, which helps slow down bacterial growth. 

Always set your fridge to the ideal temperature of 34 to 38 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures your milk stays fresher for longer. By storing it properly, you can enjoy fresh milk without worrying about it spoiling too quickly.

Use Clean Containers

Using clean containers is crucial for keeping raw cow’s milk fresh. Always wash and sanitize the containers before pouring in the milk. Bacteria can easily transfer from dirty containers to the milk, causing it to spoil faster. 

Opt for glass containers with airtight lids. Why? Well, they are easy to clean. By ensuring your containers are spotless, you reduce the risk of contamination and extend the milk’s shelf life.

Avoid Cross-Contamination

Avoiding cross-contamination is essential to keep raw cow’s milk fresh. Always use clean utensils when handling the milk, and never return poured-out milk back into the original container. Keep the milk away from raw meat, seafood, and other potential contaminants in the fridge. 

Freeze Portions

Freezing portions of raw cow’s milk is a great way to extend its shelf life. Pour the cow milk into ice cube trays or small, freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Once frozen, transfer the milk cubes or containers to freezer bags for easy storage. 

This method allows you to thaw only the amount you need, reducing waste. Frozen milk can last up to six months and still retain its freshness when thawed properly in the fridge.

Keep It Sealed

Keeping raw cow’s milk sealed is vital for maintaining its freshness. Always use containers with airtight lids to prevent air from entering and causing spoilage. Exposure to air can introduce bacteria and cause the milk to absorb odors from other foods in the fridge. 

Refrigerate Promptly

Refrigerating raw cow’s milk promptly after milking or purchasing is crucial. The longer milk sits at room temperature, the faster bacteria can grow. As soon as you get the milk, place it in the fridge immediately. 

If you’re transporting raw milk, use a cooler with ice packs to keep it cold until you can refrigerate it. Prompt refrigeration helps preserve the milk’s freshness and safety, allowing you to enjoy it for a longer time.

Consider Using Milk Preservatives

Using milk preservatives can help extend the shelf life of raw cow’s milk. Natural preservatives like baking soda or a few drops of food-grade hydrogen peroxide can slow down bacterial growth. 

Always follow recommended guidelines for safe usage. These preservatives can be a handy option if you need to keep the milk fresh for a longer period. However, it’s essential to use them sparingly and ensure they are safe for consumption.

Comparing Shelf Life: Raw Cow’s Milk vs. Pasteurized Milk

Raw cow’s milk and pasteurized milk differ significantly in terms of shelf life. Raw milk, due to its natural state, spoils faster and requires more careful handling. Pasteurized milk, on the other hand, undergoes heat treatment to kill bacteria, extending its shelf life.

Here’s a shelf life table:

Bacterial Content

Raw cow’s milk contains natural bacteria, some of which can be harmful. These bacteria can cause the milk to spoil quickly. Pasteurized milk has been heat-treated to kill most bacteria, reducing the risk of spoilage and making it safer to consume over a longer period.

Storage Requirements

Raw cow’s milk requires strict storage conditions to remain fresh. It must be kept at a consistent, cold temperature and in a clean, airtight container. Pasteurized milk is more forgiving and can tolerate slight fluctuations in temperature, thanks to the elimination of most bacteria during pasteurization.

Shelf Life

The shelf life of raw cow’s milk is relatively short, lasting about 7 to 10 days when refrigerated properly. Pasteurized milk, however, can last much longer, typically 2 to 3 weeks, when stored appropriately in the fridge. This extended shelf life makes pasteurized milk more convenient for everyday use.

Spoilage Indicators

Spoilage indicators for raw cow’s milk include a sour smell, off taste, curdled appearance, and yellowish tint. Pasteurized milk will also exhibit these signs when it spoils, but usually after a longer period. Consistent quality control in pasteurized milk production helps delay these spoilage signs.

Health Risks

Consuming spoiled raw cow’s milk poses a higher health risk due to harmful bacteria like E. coli. Pasteurized milk, with most bacteria killed during processing, carries a lower risk of causing foodborne illnesses when it spoils.

Nutritional Content

Some argue that raw cow’s milk retains more nutrients and beneficial enzymes compared to pasteurized milk, which may lose some of these during the heat treatment process. However, pasteurized milk is fortified with vitamins and minerals to ensure it remains a nutritious option.

Conclusion

Understanding the shelf life of raw cow’s milk is essential for safety and enjoyment. Remember these points:

• Raw cow’s milk lasts 7 to 10 days when refrigerated properly.
• Store milk in clean, airtight containers.
• Freezing cow milk can extend its shelf life by up to six months.
• Watch for signs of spoilage like the sour smell, of taste, and curdling.
• Avoid cross-contamination to keep your milk fresh and safe.

Now, you can make the most of your raw cow’s milk and enjoy its fresh, creamy taste for longer.