Blog Understanding the Differences: Long Life vs. Fresh Milk
13 May, 2024

Understanding the Differences: Long Life vs. Fresh Milk

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Milk is a staple food item that is a part of many people’s diets all around the world. Packed with calcium, vitamin D, protein, and fats, it's a powerhouse of essential nutrients. However, it’s important to note that not all milk is created equal. In fact, there are different types of milk available in the market. 


Two of the most popular types of milk are long life milk and fresh milk. While both of these types of milk are derived from cows and provide essential nutrients, they differ in their processing, nutritional content, and usage. 


Below, we delve deeper into the differences between long life milk and fresh milk with an aim to help you make an informed choice about which type of milk to buy.


What is long life milk?


Long life milk is a type of milk that has been sterilized at high temperatures, usually around 135-150°C, for a short period, typically around two to five seconds. 


This process, known as ultra-high temperature (UHT) sterilization, kills all bacteria and microorganisms in the milk, which allows it to be stored at room temperature - prior to opening - for up to six months without spoiling.


What is fresh milk?


Fresh milk is pasteurized. Pasteurization is a process that involves heating the milk to a temperature of 72°C for 15 seconds or 63°C for 30 minutes. This process kills most of the bacteria in the milk, which helps extend its shelf life. However, fresh milk still needs to be refrigerated and has a shorter shelf life than long life milk.


Nutritional differences


One of the main differences between long life milk and fresh milk is the nutritional content. Long life milk undergoes a more intensive heat treatment than fresh milk, which can cause some of the nutrients in the milk to break down. 


For example, Vitamin B12, a necessary ingredient for the nervous system, can be lost as a result of heat treatment. Long life milk also tends to have a slightly sweeter taste than fresh milk due to the caramelization of lactose during the heat treatment process.


Fresh milk, on the other hand, retains more of its nutritional content than long life milk during the pasteurization process. The majority of the germs in milk are killed during the process, but the milk's nutritional value is unaffected. 


Fresh milk is also richer in flavor than long life milk due to the presence of enzymes and bacteria that break down the milk proteins and fats.


Usage differences


Long life milk is more convenient to use than fresh milk, as it does not need to be refrigerated prior to being opened and has a longer shelf life. This makes it perfect for usage in situations like camping or outdoor activities where refrigeration is not available. 


Long life milk is also commonly used in baking, as it has a more stable protein structure than fresh milk, which can help produce better results.


Fresh milk is best used for drinking and in recipes that require the fresh flavor of milk. It is also commonly used in the production of cheese, yogurt, and other dairy products, as the enzymes and bacteria in the milk help create the desired texture and flavor.


Got milk? Of course we do! 


When making a purchase, it is important to know the distinctions between fresh milk and long life milk. Ultimately, the decision between the two will come down to your needs and tastes.


Baladna offers authentic, fresh, and high-quality dairy products, including long life milk and fresh milk! We safeguard the wellness of our customers by offering organic, nutrient-dense, and delectable foods and beverages while adhering to the strictest biosecurity and food safety standards. Enjoy our products today!

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Cream cheese is a universal favorite — among both kids and adults alike. Whether you're looking for something quick and satisfying, or a more sophisticated bite for a party, Baladna’s spreadable cream cheese is the perfect go-to for such times. It’s time to get creative in the kitchen and put together treats your kids will love. Here are a few ideas:1. Cream Cheese & Veggie CrackersThis simple, tasty snack requires just a few ingredients: whole-grain crackers, Baladna Spreadable Cream Cheese, and fresh vegetables.How to Make:Spread a generous amount of cream cheese on each cracker.Top with thinly sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers.For extra flavor, sprinkle some za'atar.2. Cream Cheese PinwheelsFor a fun and playful snack, cream cheese pinwheels are perfect for kids.How to Make:Spread Baladna Spreadable Cream Cheese on a soft tortilla.Add slices of turkey and spinach leaves.Roll tightly and slice into bite-sized pinwheels.3. Cream Cheese and Za'atar PiesThese pies combine the savory tang of za'atar with the rich creaminess of Baladna Spreadable Cream Cheese, offering a delicious twist on the traditional za'atar manoushe.How to Make:Use store-bought or homemade za'atar manoushe or mini za'atar pies.Add a spoonful of cream cheese on top.Serve warm and enjoy!4. Cream Cheese & Olive BitesFor a quick Mediterranean-inspired snack, try cream cheese and olive bites. The salty olives pair perfectly with the creamy richness of Baladna Spreadable Cream Cheese.How to Make:Spoon Baladna Spreadable Cream Cheese onto small slices of baguette or toast.Top each slice with a few olive halves (green or black).For an extra touch, sprinkle some dried herbs like oregano or zaa’tar.Whether you're planning a quick on-the-go snack for your kids or an easy lunch for school, Baladna Spreadable Cream Cheese brings a deliciously creamy touch to every meal. Enjoy these simple recipes that are sure to make your school season preparations a delight!

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Blog Goat vs. Cow Milk Cheese: What Are the Main Differences?
14 May, 2024

Goat vs. Cow Milk Cheese: What Are the Main Differences?

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14 May, 2024

Food Watch: How Long Can I Leave My Block of Cheese Out?

Cheese is a favorite among many, but not everyone cares for their cheese as much as they should. Everybody knows that leaving out uneaten food is terrible because it can lead to food contamination, mold growth, and it can attract pests. The same can be said about leaving certain foods unrefrigerated and that includes cheese. But worry not, we’re going to dive deep into storing tips and tricks regarding your favorite cheese. What is cheese? People make cheese by taking milk and introducing bacteria to it to create an acidic environment. This environment separates the milk into a solid curd and a liquid whey. They’ll cook, cut, and press the curd together to produce more whey. Next, they’ll add salt and other flavorings and let the dairy product age for several weeks or even longer to create cheese. How long have people been making cheese? People have been crafting cheese for thousands of years without mechanical refrigeration. Aging is a crucial part of the process, where they store blocks of cheese at moderate temperatures and leave them to mature for long periods. This step is critical in developing the best-tasting cheese and can take weeks, months, or even years. Can cheese go bad? The good news is that pasteurized cheese won’t likely cause stomach problems, even if you leave it out for a few days. People have pasteurized the milk used to make the cheese, which means they heated it to kill potentially harmful bacteria. However, if you leave it out for an extended time, the dairy product can spoil, and the bacteria will change its color, texture, flavor, and aroma. You must also be more careful with unpasteurized cheeses like Brie, Camembert, Feta, and other fresh cheeses as foodborne illnesses are more present. Such cheeses can be contaminated with different bacteria such as E. coli, salmonella, and listeria. Why can’t it go bad?The oldest and most common food preservation technique removes the water and oxygen bacteria needed to survive. It works best for cheese because it squeezes most of the water. Unfortunately, like most things, cheese can experience mold growth because of spores. Luckily, you can cut off the moldy parts, and the rest of the dairy product is safe to eat. While keeping certain cheeses at room temperature will not cause food poisoning, its quality will suffer because of the drying out and fat separation. Hard vs. Soft CheeseWhen it comes to storing, the type of cheese is the most important consideration. Hard cheeses will last longer and are less likely to cause health issues. However, soft cheeses - such as Brie, cream cheese, ricotta and others - must be handled more carefully. These cheeses, as well as unripened cheeses - such as halloum and akawi - should remain refrigerated at all times. They can be kept out for two hours tops. How long can you let cheese sit out? Depending on its type, cheese can stay out of the refrigerator for two hours tops if you store it in a cool place. You should store fresh, unripened cheeses in the fridge, while aged dairy products can stay out for up to a day. Moreover, anything you can’t eat within a day belongs in the refrigerator.Keeping it safe and cheesyCheese remains a popular dairy product because of its versatility and flavor. You can enjoy this food better by storing it properly and knowing how to use it for different foods. At Baladna, we strive to bring Qatar the freshest and most authentic products to help people enjoy their meal times better. Browse through our products today!

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14 May, 2024

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