We finished a little test today on powered milk that we started 4 years ago this month. We bought a huge box of powdered milk from Sam's Club (their generic brand) to do a test for semi-long storage. Once we got home, I pre-measured the powder to make 1 & 2 quarts of milk when needed and put in vacuum seal bags. I vacuumed sealed them and then labeled with mixing instructions (amts of cups of water) and dated them 3/2011. Then I put all the sealed bags in a round 6 gallon bucket with a gamma seal lid for easy access. Then this bucket went into a dark storage closet.
So today, we pulled out a 2 qt bag and cut it open and it smelled just like the powdered milk from a new box that we have opened. We mixed in 7 1/2 cups of water and then put in the frig to get cold. Taste tested a few minutes ago and .........it tasted good just like fresh powdered milk just bought. Of course it's still powdered milk, but was good. And in an emergency, it will be real good! The wife added a teaspoon or two of vanilla like Katrina pointed out. Much better.
I will be ordering some soon from EE in cans (small can first) that has a 25+ year shelf life. I will keep everyone updated on how it taste, especially compared to the grocery store brand. But at least we know that the local stuff from the stores can be made to last. Also, special to note, we actually had another box (from Sam's) in the pantry that was about a year old (in the original box) and it had a stale smell and funny taste when mixed. It was drinkable, but I threw it out.
Bookmarks