Curdled milk doesn't always mean it's spoiled. While curdling is a common sign of spoilage, it can also occur due to other factors, such as:
- Acidification: When milk is exposed to acidic ingredients like lemon juice or vinegar, it curdles. This is a common technique used in cooking to make dishes like ricotta cheese or paneer.
- Heat: Heating milk can cause it to curdle, especially if it's heated too quickly or at too high a temperature.
- Enzymes: Some enzymes naturally present in milk can cause curdling, particularly in raw milk.
How to tell if curdled milk is spoiled:
- Smell: Spoiled milk will have a sour or putrid odor.
- Taste: Spoiled milk will taste sour or bitter.
- Appearance: Spoiled milk may have a separated appearance, with a watery layer on top and a thick layer of curds at the bottom.
If you're unsure whether your curdled milk is spoiled, it's best to err on the side of caution and discard it.
