Knowing how to freeze half and half is a great way to keep it fresh longer so you can use it in your coffee or for baking. Don’t throw out expired creamer again. Instead, use these easy steps to save it for later.
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What is half and half?
So what is half and half anyway?
Simply put, half and half is equal parts whole milk and heavy whipping cream.
Since whole milk contains 3.25% milk fat and heavy cream has around 35-40%, half and half has around 10-12% milk fat. This differs based on the amount of fat from the cream.
You can easily make your own half and half by pouring the same amount of whole milk and cream into a jar or measuring cup.
What’s the best way to freeze half and half?
There are a couple of different ways you can freeze half and half. The most important thing to remember is to freeze it in an airtight container.
While you can freeze it in the carton, it’s not the best idea. The carton may crack and break in the freezer when the liquid expands. If not, the carton will get soggy when it’s time to thaw.
The best way to freeze half and half is to use an ice cube tray. Simply pour the liquid into the individual holes in the tray, freeze, then pop them out and put them in a gallon-size freezer bag. This will save space and keep them fresh longer.
Once you’ve allowed the half and half to thaw, you don’t want to refreeze the cream. Freezing liquid like milk changes the texture significantly each time.
Have you ever frozen ice cream, let it thaw, then put it back in the freezer? You know how it gets grainy after doing this a couple of times?
That’s the same thing that happens to half and half when it’s refrozen.
Can you use frozen half and half for coffee?
You can certainly thaw your frozen half and half to use in your coffee. This is why it’s best to freeze it in an ice cube tray rather than in a big container. You can pull one out for each cup you want to drink rather than thawing the entire container and then needing to use it right away.
Keep in mind that you may need to shake or whisk the cream before adding to your drink so it emulsifies and comes together.
Can you use it frozen for baking?
Baking is the best use for frozen and thawed half and half. This is because if the texture is a little grainy, you won’t be able to tell after it’s baked and you take a bite of your dessert.
Remember to shake or whisk it after defrosting it so that it goes back to normal consistency.
Can you freeze fat-free half and half?
Fat-free half and half has no milk fat. It’s made with a mixture of skim milk and corn syrup or another thickener. This makes it the right consistency for coffee, but it’s not a good idea to freeze it.
When it thaws, it will be too grainy and lumpy to use in your drinks or dishes.
How long can you keep it in the freezer?
Once your half and half is properly stored in the freezer, you can keep it in there for up to three months.
Remember to label it with what it is and the date you froze it. This will help you remember what you have saved later on.
How to thaw half and half quickly?
If you’re looking to defrost your half and half right away because your coffee is almost ready, there is a way.
The best way to do this is to run it under hot water in the sink or let it warm up in the bag in a pot of simmering water. You’ll want to make sure the bag is airtight before doing this first.
It’s not a good idea to try to microwave it to thaw it. It will get grainy very quickly this way.
How long can you save half and half after it’s thawed?
You can keep thawed half and half in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This depends on how well it was stored and how many days it had left before you put it in the freezer. If you’re unsure, use it right away or within 24 hours.
Conclusion
Freezing half and half is a great way to keep it fresh for up to three months. It’s best to freeze it in individual portions using an ice cube tray. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to three days after it’s been thawed. Don’t ever throw away expired half and half again! Keep it to use for later with these easy steps.
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