Pasteurization is the process that kills potentially dangerous microbes in milk products by heating them to 161 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 15 seconds. The process was developed by French chemist Louis Pasteur in 1864 as a way to keep wine fresh. The process was eventually adapted to sanitize milk and is now the most commonly used method of preparing raw milk for sale in supermarkets. Ascertaining whether or not milk has been pasteurized is a simple task that requires only some observation.
Step 1
Observe where you purchased or are going to purchase your milk from. Most large supermarkets won't sell raw, unpasteurized milk.
Step 2
Look on the carton or jug of milk. It will say on the label whether or not the milk has been pasteurized.
Step 3
Talk to the dairy farmer who sells you milk directly at a farmer's market or some other source. Ask him whether the milk has been pasteurized, as he is likely to be the one who performs the pasteurizing process.
Step 4
Boil the milk to a temperature of 161 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 seconds to pasteurize the milk yourself if you are still unsure.
Things You'll Need
- Pot
- Thermometer
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