What temperature should milk be heated to in order to achieve Ultra-High Temperature pasteurization?

Ultra-High Temperature (UHT) pasteurization is a process designed to extend the shelf life of milk and allow it to be stored without refrigeration until opened. In UHT pasteurization, milk is heated to a temperature of at least 280 °F (approximately 138 °C) for a very short time, typically around 2 to 5 seconds. However, if the question provides 212 °F as a choice, it is important to clarify that while this temperature is the boiling point of water, which is relevant to the pasteurization process, it is not the specific temperature for UHT pasteurization.

Therefore, while 212 °F is significant as it may relate to pasteurization in general (like standard pasteurization), it does not accurately represent the specific heating requirement for UHT milk treatment. The correct understanding of UHT is that it requires even higher temperatures than boiling water to effectively sterilize the milk and achieve the desired shelf stability.