Yes, it is perfectly fine to heat milk directly taken from the refrigerator. In fact, many people heat refrigerated milk for various purposes, such as for making hot beverages like tea, coffee, or hot chocolate or for cooking and baking.
Here are a few tips for heating refrigerated milk:
Stovetop: Pour the desired amount of milk into a saucepan or pot and heat it over low to medium heat. Stir the milk continuously to prevent scorching or sticking to the bottom of the pan. Heating it slowly and gently helps maintain the milk's texture and prevents curdling.
Microwave: Transfer the milk to a microwave-safe container and heat it in short intervals. Stir the milk after each interval to distribute the heat evenly and avoid hot spots. Be cautious when using the microwave, as milk can heat unevenly and might boil over if not monitored properly.
Steam wand (for baristas): If you have an espresso machine with a steam wand, you can use it to heat milk for coffee-based drinks like lattes and cappuccinos.
Baby bottle warmer: For heating small amounts of milk for infants, you can use a bottle warmer designed for this purpose. Follow the instructions provided with the bottle warmer to heat the milk safely.
It's essential to avoid overheating milk, as it can lead to undesirable changes in taste and texture. Overheating might cause the milk to scorch, form a skin on the surface, or curdle. If milk is heated too quickly or at too high a temperature, it can also result in a lumpy texture.
Additionally, when heating milk for babies or young children, it's essential to check the milk's temperature before feeding it to them. Milk for babies should be warmed to a comfortable temperature, around body temperature (around 98.6°F or 37°C), to prevent burning their sensitive mouths.
In summary, heating milk directly taken from the refrigerator is safe and commonly done. Just remember to do it gently and avoid overheating to preserve its taste and quality.