How to Know If Milk Is Curdled

The texture, taste and color of the milk help you determine whether it is curdled.

Milk is a vital source of proteins, vitamins and minerals necessary for your body's growth and development. Storage conditions, high temperatures and high moisture content are some of the reasons that cause milk to spoil. The bacteria in spoiled milk produce acid that curdles the milk. Examine the texture, color and taste of milk to determine whether it is curdled.

Things You'll Need

• Glass

Instructions

1. Observe at the texture of the milk by pouring it in a glass. If the milk has a thick consistency and is lumpy like yogurt, it has curdled.

2. Examine the color of the milk. If it has lost its white color and turned yellow or colorless, it has curdled. )

3. Taste the milk. If it has a slightly sour taste, it is curdled. Use the sour milk to prepare cottage cheese or sour cream instead of discarding it.

Tips & Warnings

• Use the milk by its "Best before date" to prevent spoilage. Milk can be consumed up to seven days after the "Best before date" if stored in the refrigerator at 40 degrees Fahrenheit; however, its nutritional value deteriorates over time.

• Do not restore the milk to its original package after pouring it in a serving jug. This will prevent the milk from spoiling. (See Resources 3)

References

• Gale Cengage Learning: Spoiled Milk: How Do Different Temperatures of Liquid Affect Its Rate of Spoilage?
• IITM: Milking the Milk!: Products From Milk; Abhijit Deshpande
• Slash Food: Tip of The Day: Spoiled Milk? Make Cheese
• Cooks: Using Leftover Sour Milk and Cream
• Mark's Daily Apple: When Do Foods Really Go Bad?

Resources

• Arla: Facts About Milk
• AIPL: Kid's Corner: Facts About Dairy Products
• Dairy Goodness: How to Store Milk