From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Williamsburg,KY

Ive read the posts and team pumpkin regarding using milk for PM..how do I figure out 40% milk...Math is not my greatest strength..Can I use powdered milk?? Thanks for helping this math flunk out..Croley Bend

6/2/2008 8:59:19 AM

Brooklyn Corner, Nova Scotia

I had the same question a while back. http://www.bigpumpkins.com/MsgBoard/ViewThread.asp?b=6&p=243612    

As for the mixture, for whatever percentage you are looking for just multiply the reccommended amount on the package by .4 if you want 40%. For example, if the directions on the package said 2 cups powdered milk will make one gallon, just multiply 16 oz ( 8 oz per cup ) by .4 which will give you 6.4 oz. Multiply by .3 if you want 30% and so on. There are other ways to work it out as well, I find this formula the easiest. Good luck.
Ingredients of skim milk powder and here is what minerals were found:Minerals (mg/100 g)

Calcium-1248.00
Sodium-494.00
Potassium-1674.00
Phosphorus-993.00
Iron-0.40
Magnesium-110.00
Zinc-4.08

6/2/2008 9:19:04 AM

Williamsburg,KY

Thanks Andy, got it and will keep this in my notes. REally appreciate it, I did read the post you mentioned but I needed some math help. thanks again. good luck with your seasaon. Croley

6/2/2008 3:13:46 PM

Connecticut

Hi Croley this is Matt from Team-Pumpkin.

For my trial I used powdered milk since it is easy to store and was the most economical for my research scale.

The quick answer to your question is use 2.66 cups of powdered milk per gallon.

If you were going to use milk from the refrigerator then for a 40% mixture you would use 51.2oz. per gallon.

--Important note--
Add the amount stated above and then bring the final volume to one gallon by adding water.

However as soon as I mention refrigerator milk everyone asks should I use skim, 1%, 2%, or whole???

My answer would be I would favor 1% or 2%, the added fat may have some spreader sticker characteristics. Whole milk may contain to much fat and cause some detrimental effects, and skim may not contain enough.

For those select few luck enough to have access to fresh milk right from the cow (unpasteurized), from what I have seen there is no real advantage to this verses what is in the grocery stores.

Any other questions feel free to ask.

6/2/2008 9:18:30 PM

Williamsburg,KY

Thanks Matt, Does the milk have to be fresh, meaning...say the date is past that says best if used by...I ask only because I have some old milk in the fridge..not sure just how sour it is tho...just a thought..I'll be going to wallyworld soon and will get some powdered milk. Thanks so much for your help and time. Croley

6/20/2008 7:27:15 AM

Connecticut

How old is too old for milk?

I honestly do not know. Personally if it has gone sour then I would not use it, mainly because I would not like the smell. But I am not sure biologically what effect (pos. neutral, or negative) using sour milk would have on powdery mildew.

I like to stick with what works so I will be using powdered again that is of drinkable quality.

6/20/2008 5:19:58 PM

Williamsburg,KY

Thanks Matt..new milk it is....Croley

6/21/2008 8:18:28 AM