Across the Table: Direct-to-Consumer marketing resources for members
Ohio Farm Bureau’s Small-Scale Food Business Guide is a new resource for Farm Bureau members.
Read MoreUltra-pasteurization is a more intense process than regular pasteurization and allows milk to have a longer shelf-life. If you don’t mind the higher cost and if your milk tends to spoil before you can finish it, it might be an option for you to consider. (Although, nutritionists might say that if you just started drinking more milk, you wouldn’t have to worry about the milk spoiling, now would you?)
“Pasteurization” means that milk is packaged under sanitary conditions after being heated to a minimum of 161 degrees for at least 15 seconds, or 145 degrees F for at least 30 minutes. Either heating option kills most bacteria; the type that survive aren’t considered harmful but can spoil milk after a period of time. If pasteurized milk is kept properly refrigerated, it can last anywhere from 12 to 21 days after processing; you can generally count on milk to remain fresh from two to five days after the sell-by date on the carton. The colder the storage conditions, the longer milk will last.
“Ultra-pasteurization” means that milk is heated to a minimum of 280 degrees F for at least two seconds. Although the heating period is much shorter than what’s used for regular pasteurization, the high heat used in the process is much more lethal to bacteria. Packaging conditions for ultra-pasteurized milk are also more stringent — practically sterile. In fact, ultra-pasteurized milk would be considered a sterile product if it was canned or otherwise hermetically sealed. All of this means that, when properly refrigerated, ultra-pasteurized milk can last from 30 to 90 days after processing and before the container is opened. After opening, the milk could become contaminated with spoilage bacteria, but you can generally count on it to remain fresh for at least seven to 10 days after the container is opened.
Some people say they think ultra-pasteurized milk has a different flavor, more “cooked” than regular milk, but others don’t notice a difference.
No matter which kind of milk you choose, be sure your consumption of milk and dairy products meets the Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommendations — three cups each day for anyone 9 years of age or older. If you can’t see yourself drinking that much milk, high-calcium dairy products (yogurt, cheese, ice cream or pudding, for example) count, too. The guidelines encourage fat-free or low-fat choices within the dairy group, not only to reduce calories but also to reduce intake of saturated fats and cholesterol, both of which increase the risk of heart disease. For more information on milk and dairy product recommendations, see myplate.gov.
Chow Line is a service of Ohio State University Extension and the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center.
Ohio Farm Bureau’s Small-Scale Food Business Guide is a new resource for Farm Bureau members.
Read MoreEmily Buchanan and Sam Ginn have restored a Clinton County restaurant it to its original restaurant roots, but also added a general store element to showcase local producers and their products.
Read MoreAn impeccable crew, a sweet corn hotline, corn dog Maizey and meeting customers at the farm add up to success at Eagle Ridge Farm.
Read MoreKrysti Morrow is finding success promoting Rocky Knob Farm through regular emails, lively blogs on the farm website and forays onto Facebook and Instagram.
Read MoreSocial media has turned direct marketing upside down. Still, no matter what you are producing, it all begins and ends with having a good product to market.
Read MoreTo fill consumer demand, Richard and Rae Lynn Bonner have expanded their family farm by opening a meat shop and building a processing facility.
Read MoreCreated in 1993, Ohio Proud is the Ohio Department of Agriculture’s marketing program that identifies and promotes food and agriculture made in Ohio and grown in Ohio.
Read MoreNew resources and technology are broadening the different types of sales tools and strategies available to farmers.
Read MoreA transition plan will help you ensure that your (and your family’s) wishes are met, emotional stress is minimized, and financial risks and opportunities are addressed.
Read MoreWhat does the future of the farm look like when the older generation is no longer a part of what happens day to day?
Read More