The process of powdering goat milk efficiently is far from rocket science. However, for someone who is trying it for the first time, getting a good grip over the proportions and timings can seem like a challenge. Powdered goat milk is known for having a considerably longer shelf life than its liquid form. It can be made and stored for future use and can even be a great travel companion. There are different ways of creating powdered goat milk.
The Importance of Selecting the Perfect Utensil:
When it comes to creating powdered goat milk, it is important to make sure that you have the correct vessel and utensils to get the job done efficiently. Using an overused skillet can cause the milk to stick to the bottom of the vessel or even burn. Similarly, using uneven or unsuitable utensils can cause the milk to be heated inconsistently. Therefore, the ideal setup for the first step of preparing goat milk is to pick a non-stick pan that ensures uniform heating and reduces the chances of the milk burning.
Choosing the Right Kind of Milk:
The quality of the milk will definitely influence the texture and taste of the milk powder that is created. Therefore, the goat milk used must be of good quality and fresh. Raw and fresh goat milk should be sourced carefully to ensure better results when making powdered milk at home.
Heat, and Stir, Stir, Stir:
Once you have the raw goat milk ready along with your non-stick pan or vessel, the process of heating should begin. For first-timers, you can start with one liter of fresh goat milk. Pour the fresh goat milk into the pan and set the stove on a medium-high flame. It is absolutely essential that you keep stirring the milk as it heats, otherwise, you could end up burning it. So, stir, stir, stir while noticing the natural aroma of the fresh goat milk.
Blink, and You Lose:
For people who are used to boiling or heating milk, the nightmare of the milk boiling over the pan is an all-too-familiar story. First-timers should note that you should not leave your milk unattended. Even when it seems like it has been too long or the milk is not boiling yet, it is risky to move your eyes away from the milk. So, unless you want a lot of wasted milk, a sticky workspace, and a mess to clear up, keep an eye on the milk as it heats until it turns into a creamy form. The stirring should continue even after the creamy thick stage is reached, to ensure that the milk continues to dry and cook evenly.
Cooling it Down:
Once the milk reaches the creamy thick stage, the stirring process should continue till the milk takes a paste-like form. The drier and pastier that the milk is, the better the chances are of the milk powder having a good texture. Keep in mind that the thickening process can take some time to achieve the desired results.
Once the dry-ish paste-like texture is achieved, the cooling process begins. Take a tray or a large flat-bottom pan and place butter paper or parchment paper on it. Transfer the goat milk paste onto the tray, on top of the paper to prevent it from sticking. Leave the tray in a dry spot for a period that might range from 5 days to a week, depending upon the consistency of your paste.
A quick tip for people who live in dry areas with a lot of sunlight is to leave out the paste under the sun, while taking necessary precautions like putting a net over the tray.
Blend Away:
Once the paste has been dried, it will start to solidify into lumps. Also, the mixture will have lost the excess moisture that is retained during the drying process. The last step is to take this lumpy textured goat milk and blend it in a food processor. To achieve a finer powdery texture, make sure you blend the mixture for multiple rounds.
Voila!
You now have homemade goat milk powder, made with simple steps without the need for complex equipment.
You can use this homemade goat milk powder by mixing it into your drinks, adding it to a hot cup of coffee, or even using it as a dessert topping.
References:
https://www.allergyfreealaska.com/hot-chocolate-mix-with-powdered-goat-milk/
https://survivalfreedom.com/how-do-you-make-milk-powder-complete-step-by-step-guide/
https://cheetah.org/usa/ccf-blog/education/making-powdered-goat-milk/