How can you tell if evaporated milk has gone bad?

What is evaporated milk?

Evaporated milk is a canned milk product that has had about 60% of its water content removed through evaporation. This makes it more concentrated and shelf-stable than regular milk. Once opened, evaporated milk should be refrigerated and used within 5-7 days. But how can you tell if an unopened can of evaporated milk has gone bad? Here are some tips:

Check the expiration date

This is the first thing you should look at when trying to determine if evaporated milk is still good. The expiration date will be printed on the can. As long as the unopened can is used by this date, it should be fine. The shelf life of unopened evaporated milk ranges from 6 to 12 months. If the expiration date has passed, the milk may be unsafe to consume.

Inspect the can

Take a close look at the condition of the can. Check for any dents, bulges, rust, or damage. A damaged can could allow bacteria to contaminate the milk, causing it to spoil faster. Avoid cans with flaws.

Also make sure the can is still sealed. If either end of the can lifts up when pressed, that indicates the seal has been compromised. Air could have entered, providing an environment for bacteria to grow.

Smell the milk after opening

Pop open the can and take a whiff. Fresh evaporated milk should have a slightly sweet, creamy smell. If it has an unpleasant or sour odor, it has likely gone bad. Rancid evaporated milk will have a distinct sour tang.

You can also inspect the color after opening. Good evaporated milk will be a pale, creamy white. Discoloration or darkening is a sign of spoilage.

Check the texture

The texture of evaporated milk can also indicate its freshness. Pour some into a glass and examine it. Uncurdled milk should be smooth and silky. Curdling, lumpiness, separation, or a thick, gluey consistency means it has spoiled.

Taste a small amount

This is the best way to identify rancid evaporated milk. Take a small sip. Fresh evaporated milk tastes slightly sweet. Spoiled milk will taste sour or bitter. If it tastes off, do not consume anymore.

How to store evaporated milk properly

To maximize the shelf life of evaporated milk once opened, proper storage is essential. Here are some tips:

Refrigerate after opening

Keep opened evaporated milk in the refrigerator, rather than storing it in the pantry. The cool temperature helps slow bacteria growth.

Use within 5-7 days

Consume opened evaporated milk within a week. The shelf life decreases rapidly after exposure to air.

Store in original can

Keep evaporated milk in its original can rather than transferring to another container. This helps prevent contamination.

Check the “use-by” date

There should be a “use-by” or “best by” date printed on the can. This is the last date recommended for use after opening.

Seal the can tightly

After using, wipe the rim of the can and ensure the lid is tightly closed. This prevents air from entering and bacteria from getting in.

How to tell if opened evaporated milk has gone bad

Checking for signs of spoilage is important with opened evaporated milk. Here is what to look for:

Sour smell

Take a whiff of the opened milk. If it smells sour or unpleasant, it has likely spoiled.

Change in color

The color of fresh evaporated milk is creamy white. Grayish, yellow, or tan discoloration indicates spoilage.

Lumpy texture

Spoiled milk will begin to clump or curdle rather than having a smooth, creamy texture.

Mold growth

Check carefully along the sides and top of the milk. Any fuzzy mold spots or unusual film means it’s gone bad.

Expired date

If the “use-by” date has passed, err on the side of caution and throw it out. Evaporated milk typically lasts 5-7 days after opening.

What causes evaporated milk to spoil?

There are a few common reasons why evaporated milk goes bad:

Bacteria growth

Once opened, evaporated milk is prone to bacterial contamination from the environment or utensils used. Bacteria spreads rapidly.

Temperature changes

Letting evaporated milk get too warm, such as leaving it out on the counter rather than refrigerating immediately, encourages bacteria growth.

Repeated opening

Each time the can is opened, more air gets in. This introduces microbes that can multiply and cause the milk to spoil faster.

Expiration dates

Evaporated milk eventually spoils due to natural aging, even if unopened. That’s why expiration dates are important to follow.

Damage to the can

Any dents, rust, or flaws in the can could allow air inside, providing conditions for bacterial overgrowth.

How to store unopened cans of evaporated milk

Properly storing unopened evaporated milk cans helps maximize freshness and shelf life. Here are some tips:

Check the “best by” date

Purchase cans with the furthest out expiration or “best by” date possible. This provides the longest shelf life once opened.

Keep cans in a cool, dry place

Store unopened cans in a clean, dry pantry away from heat and sunlight until ready to use. Temperature fluctuations can shorten shelf life.

Avoid freezing

Do not store unopened evaporated milk cans in the freezer. The liquid could expand and crack the can.

Rotate stock

Use older cans first and move newer ones to the front. This helps ensure nothing gets overlooked and expires.

Inspect cans

Check for dents, rust, bulges or other damage before use. Compromised cans increase the chance of spoilage.

What to do with bad evaporated milk

If you determine a can of evaporated milk has gone bad, do not try to salvage or consume it. Here is the safest way to handle spoiled milk:

Throw it away

Discard bad evaporated milk in the trash. Do not pour it down the drain, as dairy can clog pipes.

Place in sealed bag

For extra precaution, seal the opened can in a plastic bag before throwing it out to contain the smell.

Clean storage area

Disinfect any areas where the spoiled milk was stored to prevent bacteria spreading.

Notify retailer if unopened

Alert the grocery store or manufacturer about spoiled unopened cans to help them pinpoint potential issues.

Mark your calendar

Note when you purchased and opened the evaporated milk. This helps track freshness and useful life.

Ways to use up evaporated milk

To avoid waste, use up leftover evaporated milk promptly in recipes like:

Creamy soups

Evaporated milk adds rich flavor and body to chowders, bisques, and potato soup.

Quiches

Mix evaporated milk into eggs for a custardy, creamy quiche filling.

Smoothies

For a dairy boost, use evaporated milk instead of regular milk in fruit or protein shakes.

Creamy pasta

Evaporated milk thickens and gives a silky texture to pasta sauces.

Custards

Evaporated milk helps custard fillings and puddings set up perfectly.

Hot chocolate

Adding evaporated milk makes hot cocoa extra indulgent.

Can you freeze evaporated milk?

Yes, evaporated milk can be frozen to extend its shelf life, with a few caveats:

Freeze immediately

Freeze evaporated milk promptly after opening rather than waiting. This prevents bacteria growth.

Leave space in can

Only fill can about 3/4 full before freezing. Liquid expands as it freezes and needs room.

Thaw in fridge

To prevent curdling, thaw frozen evaporated milk slowly in the refrigerator overnight.

Use within 1 week

Consume thawed evaporated milk within a week for best quality and freshness.

Avoid refreezing

Do not refreeze previously frozen evaporated milk. The texture will degrade with each thaw.

Stir before use

Shake or stir well before using thawed evaporated milk to evenly distribute solids.

Can you substitute fresh milk for evaporated milk?

In a pinch, fresh milk can be swapped for evaporated milk in recipes by reducing the water content. Here’s how:

Use 3/4 cup fresh milk for 1 cup evaporated milk

Since evaporated milk is more concentrated, use less fresh milk.

Heat fresh milk to simmer

Gently heat the milk to reduce some of the water content through evaporation.

Remove from heat and cool

Once it reaches a simmer, remove the pan from heat and let the milk cool.

Use immediately

Substitute the evaporated fresh milk right away rather than storing.

Factor in slight change in taste

Be aware the taste will be sightly different than evaporated milk.

Add a little cornstarch if needed

For thickening power similar to evaporated milk, mix in a teaspoon of cornstarch.

Conclusion

Checking expiration dates, inspecting the condition of cans, and being aware of changes in appearance, smell, and texture are all ways to determine if your evaporated milk has gone bad. Promptly refrigerating opened cans and using within 5-7 days helps prevent spoilage. Discard any evaporated milk that smells or tastes rancid rather than taking risks with your health. Following proper storage methods and being vigilant about signs of spoilage allows you to enjoy evaporated milk’s creamy goodness while avoiding foodborne illness.

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