Master the Healthy Techniques for Heating Milk
The pasteurization temperature for milk doesn't need to be very high; 3 minutes at 70°C or 6 minutes at 60°C is sufficient. If boiled, the temperature reaches 100°C, causing the milk sugar to caramelize, and caramel can induce cancer. After boiling, the calcium in milk can form a precipitate with phosphate, thereby reducing the nutritional value of the milk.
The milk available on the market today is pasteurized and can be consumed directly. However, there are times when milk needs to be heated before drinking: first, when the stomach and teeth cannot tolerate cold milk; second, when the milk has been stored for a period after opening and may be contaminated with bacteria; third, it should be heated before consumption by people with weaker digestive systems, such as the elderly and children.
Many people are accustomed to heating milk in a microwave oven, but this has its drawbacks. Because microwave heating cannot stir, and it heats quickly, it is easy to cause the milk's fat and protein to burn onto the container walls, leading to nutrient loss. This is especially true for pregnant women, as microwave radiation is not good for health. Therefore, it is recommended to use a dedicated milk pot to heat milk.
When many people heat milk, it often boils over, or a layer gets scorched on the bottom and walls of the pot, causing a loss of nutrients such as fat, protein, minerals, and vitamins D, C, and pantothenic acid. Here is a method to teach everyone: "Bring to a single boil." The so-called "bring to a single boil" means to pay close attention to the milk's changes while heating, and turn off the heat immediately when the first "bubble" appears. During the process, stir continuously but gently, without creating foam. The heat should not be too high; medium heat is sufficient. The "single boil" heating method not only kills bacteria but also preserves the various nutrients in the milk to the greatest extent.
Finally, clean the milk pot with soft tools to avoid scratching the inner walls. Soaking it in warm water for a moment before cleaning can also help remove milk stains, and a small amount of vinegar can be used to eliminate milk residue.