You can heat or warm up almond milk at low to moderate temperatures. If you had almond milk that tastes slightly bitter, it was at a high temperature.
Warm it enough for immediate use. Pay attention to the cooking time and power setting, so almond milk will not scorch, curdle, or burn. Almond milk can form a layer on the surface if exposed to too much heat. Almond milk tends to spoil when exposed to high temperatures. Choose any methods below and follow the steps.
Stove
Heating almond milk on the stove is easy. You can heat the milk using the double boiler or heat directly. If you do not use it, it is fine.
When using the double boiler method, pour your milk into a heated container, pour some water into a pot, and place the milk container in the water. Set the stove on medium-low heat, place your pot on the stove, and heat up.
Without a double boiler, pour your milk into the pot directly. Unlike a microwave, a stovetop allows reaching boiling point quickly, which results in burning or scalding the bottom of the pan. Stirring prevents the milk from burning at the bottom. However, as long as the liquid is stirred, the chances of burning the milk at the bottom are low.
Steps
- Pour the milk into a saucepan.
- Set the stove to medium heat and place the pot on the stove.
- Cook the milk, stirring as it steams and heats.
- Remove from the stove and whisk the milk to create foam, or slowly if you want steamed milk.
Coffee urn
A coffee urn is one of the most efficient ways to heat a large quantity of milk with a coffee urn. You can make 3 to 5 gallons of hot milk in 30 minutes, making it ideal for a large group of people. A coffee urn is convenient to use on buffet tables (Source).
When heating milk in a coffee urn, pay attention to what the milk-warming process needs. Follow proper steps so that you will not end up having burnt milk that has the potential to curdle.
Steps
- Pour 3 to 5 gallons of refrigerated cold milk into the urn while it is off.
- Plug the coffee urn in. If the coffee urn has a heat setting, place it on medium heat. If it does not have a heat setting, use a thermometer to pay close attention to the temperature.
- Stir the milk continuously with a large stirring spoon as it is heating to avoid a layer at the bottom. Failure to do so gives you burnt milk because the heating element is on the bottom of the urn. If the milk sits on the heater for too long, it will burn.
- Do not let your milk remain below 140 degrees F for more than 20 minutes, as bacteria may grow. Overheating the milk can curdle it and make it poisonous.
- Serve when steaming.
Best method
Microwave
The microwave is the best way to reheat almond milk. More heating created causes it to melt into the hot liquid and may be harmful. Avoid microwaving it in a container of the paper box that came with your milk from the market since it is lined with plastic.
Put it in a microwave and warm it at increments of fifteen seconds. If it is your first time warming almond milk in the microwave, stick to medium heat at short intervals and stir after each duration to distribute the heat evenly. Do not allow the almond milk to reach the boiling point because it will burn. That gives it a different taste that may be bitter.
In a microwave, heat comes through indirect radiation. The microwaves vibrate water molecules in the almond milk causing heat production through friction. The vibration makes the milk warm without forming a fat layer on the surface.
Stop heating when steam starts coming out of the almond milk because stirring optimal internal temperature should be reached. The microwave might function faster than you expect, depending on the wattage and power setting, and you should heat it at 15 seconds intervals.
Steps
- Pour your milk into a microwave-safe container and cover it with a lid. Other dishes are not safe when exposed to heat.
- Set your microwave to a low power level and place the almond milk inside.
- Microwave the almond milk every thirty seconds interval to avoid overheating.
- The milk will be ready when it becomes hot to the touch or steaming. Frequent stirring between time helps your almond milk gets even heating. The internal temperature should be balanced, preventing hotspots from developing inside the cup.
Storage
You can refrigerate, freeze or chill almond milk depending on how you want to use it. Do not leave almond milk in the fridge for more than 2 hours. The time limit is one hour in warmer climates.
When your almond milk is out at room temperature for more than two hours, then it should be discarded. Sometimes it looks and smells fine, but that does not mean it has not turned bad.
Safe Temperatures
The best temperature for heating almond milk ranges between 140 to 150 degrees Fahrenheit (60 to 65 degrees Celsius). To heat the almond milk, do it slowly with low and gentle heat.
The high temperature of heat is not for almond milk. Place it on a low and gentle heat and wait for it to slow boil. Stir it at intervals.
FAQs
Does heating almond milk destroy its nutrients?
Heat is a nutrition killer, and you should be careful when heating your almond milk. Natural foods lose their quality slowly when exposed to high heat. The time that milk is exposed to heat affects its nutrient content (Source).
Start with a small temperature, and maintain that temperature till your milk has heated enough. That will prevent it from damaging heat temperature.
Can you refrigerate almond milk?
Yes, you can refrigerate almond milk depending on the type you have. Note that there are two types of almond milk shelf-stable and chilled. The shelf-stable is at room temperature. If it came from the chiller section in the store, keep it in your refrigerator. Once opened, keep it chilled in the fridge.
Can you freeze almond milk?
No. Freezing almond milk will change the milk texture, and your smooth and creamy almond milk will develop lumps. However, it is still safe to consume. Frozen almond milk is fine for cooking and baking.