Are you tired of constantly having to make new batches of homemade oat milk because it goes bad too quickly?
Don’t worry, you’re not alone. While homemade oat milk is a delicious and sustainable alternative to store-bought dairy-free milks, it does have a shorter shelf life.
But fear not, there are ways to extend the life of your homemade oat milk and reduce waste. In this article, we’ll explore tips and tricks for preserving your oat milk for longer, including storage methods and freezing options.
So, let’s dive in and learn how to make your homemade oat milk last longer!
How To Preserve Homemade Oat Milk Longer?
1. Proper Storage
One of the most important factors in preserving homemade oat milk is proper storage. After blending and straining your oat milk, pour it into an airtight jar or container and store it in the fridge for up to a week. It’s normal for the milk to separate without any stabilizers or emulsifiers, so give it a good stir before drinking.
If you don’t plan on using your oat milk within a week, consider freezing it. Pour the oat milk into an airtight container and leave some room at the top for expansion. Freeze for up to three months and thaw in the fridge before using. Keep in mind that defrosted oat milk may be grainy, so it’s best used in cooking rather than in tea, coffee, or cereal.
2. Quality Ingredients
Using high-quality ingredients can also help extend the life of your homemade oat milk. Make sure to use fresh oats and cashews, and avoid using any ingredients that are past their expiration date. Additionally, consider adding a pinch of salt to your oat milk during blending to help preserve it.
3. Blending Techniques
The way you blend your oat milk can also affect its shelf life. To avoid a slimy texture, blend the cashews with water first for around 45-60 seconds before adding the oats and blending for a further 10 seconds. Be careful not to over-blend, as this can increase the risk of slime factor.
4. Flavors and Add-Ins
Adding flavors or other ingredients to your oat milk can also affect its shelf life. If you plan on flavoring your oat milk, do so in small batches and consume within a few days. Consider adding ingredients like vanilla extract or cinnamon for a delicious twist.
5. Use It Up!
Finally, one of the best ways to preserve homemade oat milk is simply to use it up quickly! If you go through oat milk quickly, there’s no need to worry about it going bad. Use it in smoothies, coffee, cereal, or any other recipe that calls for non-dairy milk.
Why Does Homemade Oat Milk Go Bad Quickly?
Homemade oat milk tends to go bad more quickly than store-bought oat milk due to a lack of preservatives and stabilizers. Without these additives, homemade oat milk is more susceptible to bacterial growth and spoilage. Additionally, the way the oat milk is made can also affect its shelf life. If the oats and cashews are not properly soaked or blended, it can lead to a slimy texture and increase the risk of spoilage. Finally, homemade oat milk may not be pasteurized, which means it is not treated with heat during production to kill off bacteria. This makes it more important to store and consume homemade oat milk quickly to avoid any potential health risks.
Proper Storage Techniques For Homemade Oat Milk
Proper storage is crucial for preserving homemade oat milk. After blending and straining, pour the oat milk into an airtight jar or container and store it in the fridge for up to a week. It’s normal for the milk to separate without any stabilizers or emulsifiers, so be sure to give it a good stir before drinking.
If you don’t plan on using your oat milk within a week, consider freezing it. Pour the oat milk into an airtight container and leave some room at the top for expansion. Freeze for up to three months and thaw in the fridge before using. Keep in mind that defrosted oat milk may be grainy, so it’s best used in cooking rather than in tea, coffee, or cereal.
Using high-quality ingredients can also help extend the life of your homemade oat milk. Make sure to use fresh oats and cashews, and avoid using any ingredients that are past their expiration date. Additionally, consider adding a pinch of salt to your oat milk during blending to help preserve it.
The way you blend your oat milk can also affect its shelf life. To avoid a slimy texture, blend the cashews with water first for around 45-60 seconds before adding the oats and blending for a further 10 seconds. Be careful not to over-blend, as this can increase the risk of slime factor.
Adding flavors or other ingredients to your oat milk can also affect its shelf life. If you plan on flavoring your oat milk, do so in small batches and consume within a few days. Consider adding ingredients like vanilla extract or cinnamon for a delicious twist.
Finally, one of the best ways to preserve homemade oat milk is simply to use it up quickly! If you go through oat milk quickly, there’s no need to worry about it going bad. Use it in smoothies, coffee, cereal, or any other recipe that calls for non-dairy milk. With these proper storage techniques and tips, you can enjoy your homemade oat milk for longer without any spoilage or waste.
Freezing Homemade Oat Milk: Dos And Don’ts
Freezing homemade oat milk is a great way to extend its shelf life, but there are some dos and don’ts to keep in mind. Here are some tips to help you freeze your oat milk properly:
Do:
1. Use freezer-safe containers: When freezing homemade oat milk, it’s important to use containers that are specifically designed for the freezer. Mason jars or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids work well.
2. Leave room for expansion: As with any liquid, oat milk will expand when frozen. To prevent your container from cracking, leave some room at the top for expansion.
3. Label and date your container: Make sure to label your container with the date of freezing so you know how long it’s been in the freezer.
4. Thaw in the fridge: When you’re ready to use your frozen oat milk, thaw it in the fridge overnight. This will help it retain its texture and flavor.
Don’t:
1. Freeze too much at once: It’s best to freeze oat milk in small batches so that you can use it up quickly once it’s thawed.
2. Refreeze thawed oat milk: Once you’ve thawed your oat milk, don’t refreeze it. This can affect its texture and flavor.
3. Use defrosted oat milk in tea, coffee, or cereal: Defrosted oat milk may be grainy, so it’s best used in cooking rather than in beverages or cereal.
By following these dos and don’ts, you can ensure that your homemade oat milk stays fresh for longer and is always ready when you need it.
How To Tell If Your Homemade Oat Milk Has Gone Bad
Even with proper storage and high-quality ingredients, homemade oat milk can still go bad. Here are some signs to look for to determine if your oat milk has gone bad:
1. Smell: Give your oat milk a sniff before using it. If it smells sour, rancid, or off in any way, it’s likely gone bad.
2. Appearance: Shake the container and pour some oat milk into a glass. If it appears slimy, congealed, or has visible mold growth, it’s time to discard it.
3. Taste: Finally, give your oat milk a taste. If it tastes sour, tart, or has an off flavor, it’s best to dispose of it.
It’s important to note that homemade oat milk may not last as long as store-bought versions due to the lack of stabilizers and preservatives. To ensure the longest shelf life possible, follow the storage and ingredient tips above and use your senses to determine if your oat milk has gone bad before consuming it.
Creative Ways To Use Up Expired Oat Milk
If you find yourself with leftover oat milk that’s nearing its expiration date, don’t throw it away just yet! Here are some creative ways to use up expired oat milk:
1. Baked Goods
Expired oat milk can be used in baked goods such as muffins, cakes, and bread. It’s a great substitute for regular milk and can add a nutty flavor to your baked goods. Just make sure to adjust the recipe accordingly, as expired oat milk may have a slightly sour taste.
2. Smoothies
Adding expired oat milk to your smoothies is a great way to use it up. The nutty flavor of the oat milk can complement the sweetness of fruits and other ingredients in your smoothie. Plus, it’s a great way to add some extra nutrition to your drink.
3. Soups and Sauces
Expired oat milk can also be used in soups and sauces as a substitute for cream or regular milk. It can add a creamy texture and nutty flavor to your dishes. Just make sure to heat the oat milk slowly and stir constantly to prevent curdling.
4. Coffee Creamer
If you’re a coffee lover, try using expired oat milk as a creamer for your coffee. The nutty flavor of the oat milk can complement the bitterness of coffee, and it’s a great non-dairy alternative to regular creamer.
5. DIY Face Mask
Expired oat milk can also be used in a DIY face mask. Mix equal parts of expired oat milk and honey, apply to your face, and leave on for 10-15 minutes before rinsing off with warm water. The oat milk can help soothe and hydrate your skin while the honey has antibacterial properties.
