Can milk be heated directly in hot water

Milk can be heated directly in hot water, but the water temperature needs to be controlled to avoid nutrient loss. When milk is heated above 60 degrees Celsius, some proteins may denature and the vitamin B complex may be disrupted; If the water-resistant heating method is used and the water temperature is controlled below 50 degrees Celsius, the nutritional components can be well preserved. The whey protein in milk is temperature sensitive and can form clots when boiled at high temperatures for a long time, affecting the taste. When heating milk directly in hot water, the water temperature should not be too high. It is recommended to maintain the temperature of the hot water at 40-50 degrees Celsius and slowly increase the temperature through heat conduction. This method can avoid protein denaturation caused by local overheating, while reducing the oxidative loss of vitamin C and B vitamins. Pasteurized milk itself has undergone heat treatment, and brief reheating does not affect safety, but prolonged boiling can damage its active substances such as lactoferrin.

In special circumstances, it is necessary to avoid direct heating of hot water. When using a microwave to heat milk, uneven heating may cause localized boiling and splashing; Heating aluminum containers may trigger chemical reactions that produce harmful substances. For lactose intolerant individuals, although high temperature heating can reduce lactose activity, it cannot completely decompose lactose. It is recommended to choose specialized low lactose dairy products. If milk is stored for more than 24 hours after opening, heating it to above 70 degrees Celsius can kill some bacteria, but the flavor will significantly change.

It is recommended to use water-resistant heating or a milk warmer for daily milk consumption, with the temperature controlled between 40-45 degrees Celsius, which can improve drinking comfort and maximize nutrient retention. Heated milk should be consumed as soon as possible to avoid continuous loss of nutrients due to repeated heating. Eating with whole wheat bread or nuts can increase calcium absorption rate, while drinking heated milk on an empty stomach may exacerbate gastrointestinal discomfort for some people. When choosing pasteurized milk with a shorter shelf life, the heating time needs to be strictly controlled.