So, ya’ll know I’m a huge raw milk advocate. Our little family goes through 4 gallons a week, I use it to make our own yogurt and kefir, I believe it contributes to healthy gut flora and strong teeth. I’ve even been known to drink nothing but milk for a week to achieve a oh-so-gentle body cleanse.
And sometimes I feel just a wee bit guilty, because I have easy access to affordable raw milk in the community I live in, and many of my readers do not (even after following my tips for finding raw milk in your area). And when ya’ll have asked “What do I do if I can’t find or afford raw milk???” I haven’t really had an answer.
Except to weep with you.
Until this past year, when were found ourselves living in NE Alabama for months at a time, and I faced my first personal raw milk shortage. Now I can relate.
Now my tears are full of empathy.
I’ve been there, and here’s what we did:
Searching for Raw Milk
I’ve used these steps for finding raw milk in the past, but Alabama required more effort because were weren’t in an agricultural area. I spent hours online, searching the RealMilk.com database, making phone calls, and sending emails to farmers withing a 3 hour driving distance, trying to locate a source for raw milk. We missed it so much, I was willing to drive that far for it…until the few small leads I found mentioned some awful sum of $9 a gallon. And it was being shipped from Pennsylvania. Wow.
Next, I looked over the border. Raw milk is legal for sale as pet food in Georgia (“hooray!” I thought) but it’s $7/gallon and a 1 1/2 hour drive. I couldn’t hack that option either. So, I was officially in the “No Raw Milk” boat, and had to learn a new way to float.
What to do if you can’t find or afford raw milk:
Option #1: store bought, pasteurized, homogenized milk from commercial cows.
Because the extreme process and high heat of homogenization literally changes the chemical make up of the milk and ‘whole milk’ from the store still has lower butter fat content than whole milk in its natural state, this is the least preferable option in my book. When what was on the shelves at the store was the only option for us, I bought a half gallon of organic milk at a time, and only used it for cooking or culturing. We didn’t drink it by the glassful.
If store bought milk is your only option: I recommend buying the best label you can afford with the highest fat content available and culturing it–making it into kefir or yogurt–to make it easier to digest. In order to get the amount of calcium, saturated fats, and other good stuff our bodies need from dairy, get intentional about sourcing and enjoying the best sour cream, cheese, yogurt, butter, and other milk products you can afford. (Good quality dairy products like local cheeses are usually easier to find than raw milk.)
Option #2: Non-homogenized, Low-temp pasteurized milk.
Our second summer in Alabama I found a dairy that sold grass-fed, low-temp pasteurized milk. I was so relived to quit buying milk at Walmart, I almost cried. Now, this is still not ideal because it’s missing the enzymes that raw milk has that help you digest the fats and sugars in the milk, but it is a better option than homogenization. Once again, I limited our consumption of it by the glassful because we found we didn’t digest it as well and it triggered some congestion, but I bought two gallons a week and made all our yogurt and kefir with it for the summer. I served kefir smoothies every morning, and we had yogurt with at least one meal a day to make up for the fact that we weren’t drinking milk by the glassful like we do at home.
This milk was $5 a gallon, which may seem steep to you, but because I was using it to make our yogurt, it was actually saving us money–1 qt whole fat yogurt was $3+ at Walmart, but I could make it for $1.25/qt.
If Low-Temp Pasteurized milk is what’s available to you: embrace it and, once again, make sure to culture as much of it as possible.
Option #3: Get a Goat.
Sounds extreme, but you have no idea how serious I am. Raw milk is such a huge part of the diet my family thrives on, it’s important enough to me that I have plans to get my own milk-producing animal if it becomes necessary. (I even chose names for my future goats this morning–I was in a naming mood, what can I say?) A goat (or two) would be my choice because they are smaller than cows and my 7 year old son would be able to help with the care and chores.
I know this is not an option for many people, but it is worth considering if you have a little bit of land and some children to help with chores or friends willing to co-op on the responsibilities.
A Gentle Reminder…
With raw milk–and any other aspect of the real food journey–it all comes down to doing the best you can with what you’ve got, and not stressing about what you can’t control. I hope hearing a bit of my Real Food Journey has helped you see that even if you feel like you don’t have options, with a little creativity you can still make better choices for your family. You will also enjoy this grace-filled post from my blogging friend, Katie…Back to Basics: Raw Milk.
Next up? I’m gonna teach you the simplest methods for culturing dairy: My Easiest Yogurt Recipe Ever and How to Make Kefir!
Where are you with raw milk? Want to learn more about why I’m so passionate about it? Check out this post. You can also find recipes (with photos!) for how to make yogurt, kefir, sour cream, and whey in my book, Real {Fast} Food. It makes a great handbook for this real food journey–grab yours here!
Hello,
I was curious to know if raw goats milk and cows milk are equally nutritious?
Also, can I buy raw milk for pets consumption as labeled in Al, then pasteurize it @ 145 which should keep the enzymes and nutritious intact good enough?
Thank You!
I’ve heard that Goat’s milk can be more easily digested, so that could be an advantage!
Enzymes can be killed at 110 degrees, so I’d suggest simply verifying that your milk is coming from a clean source, and not denaturing it by heating it at all.
The two options I try and stick with are either cream top/organic/grass fed (Kalona Natural is the brand) or A2 milk (not organic or nonhomogenized, but only from A2 protein cows). Unfortunately, even though I am in a state where I could feasibly get raw by buying shares in a cow, poverty means I can’t in actuality: food stamps is 95% of my food budget and they wouldn’t cover it, and also, no car makes getting it difficult if not impossible. Some day I hope to be able to try raw before my teeth fall out (they’re a mess).
I do bone broth and probiotics as much as possible, but can’t afford cod liver oil, either.
It sounds like you’re doing the best you can where you’re at, Wren! Good for you!
Hi there. Lovely and useful article. Do you know if using Coconut Milk (make my own) is effective as I choose not to support the dairy industry in any form. Do you have any experience if this has the same beneficial effect on teeth?
Lynda, coconut milk does not have the same nutrients.
Hello!
Does anyone know if skim powdered milk can be used in making yoghurt?
Andrea,
It can, if that’s all you have on hand. But it’s not going to be nearly as nutrition, due to the over processing milk goes through to make it a powder.
I really don’t like milk, long story short I had gotten sick one night and the last thing I had was milk now every time I have tried to drink plain milk I get sick. Is it essential to drink milk or can use vitamins and IM Past which is high in calcium
Eric, whole foods deliver more nutrition than pills. I’d recommend exploring more whole food options in your diet (Raw milk cheese? Whole milk yogurt?)
I found this post on pintrest. I am also from alabama more towards central. Where did you find the second option? I have learned over the years especially on my trip to Australia that I can digest whole milk, and raw milk easier. I would love to be able to drink milk without worries. I have been drink horizon organic milk currently. If you could let me know where or how to find it easier on my own I would really appreciate it. Email would be the easiest way.
feel free to email me, Marti! trina@trinaholden.com
Hi, I just wrote a reply asking a bunch of questions. Like I said, I am brand new to raw milk and have never had any info on it till now. After leaving you site, I googled raw milk. I found this….
http://www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/rawmilk/raw-milk-questions-and-answers.html#rawmilk
and now I am terrified. Can you put me at ease and let me know how you and your family live on raw milk when this site says that its deadly? It would be a great help because I am so confused. Thank you!!!!
Hi, Emily! I answered your other comment, and now will address this link. I’m sorry that that article scared you–unfortunately that is exactly what it was meant to do. The authors of this type of article specialize in scare tactics to try to convince you. It’s important when reading an article like that to look for references and sources for their information. This article only links to a single source, which leads to a 404 error. You have no way of knowing how much they are exaggerating to make their point, or what science they are basing their “authoritative” statements on. In my humble opinion, this article is very poor quality reporting, and not much of it can be believed.
Compare that to this well written, scientifically based article by Dr. Ted Beals, which goes into the 4 main types of bacteria found in raw milk, and explains why humans have so little to fear when their milk is from a reliable source and well refrigerated–http://www.realmilk.com/safety/those-pathogens-what-you-should-know/
Ultimately, the choice is up to you, but I’d encourage you to research both sides of the argument, and don’t let fear mongerers tell you what to drink. 😉
Hi! I stumbled across this article while looking for info on oil pulling. But I have been so fascinated in everything you have been writing about raw milk, that I kept clicking your links and reading more. I have no knowledge at all about raw milk, kefir, or any of that!!! Its brand new to me. It is all very interesting though. My only concern is, that I dont eat meat, or drink milk other than almond or coconut milk. I am a believer in the not needing milk from another animal. We are the only species who drink milk from another species than our own. I am extremely against the factory farms and what people do to cows to make our milk appear on the shelves so conveniently. They are tortured and I cannot pay them to do it. BUT I would like some feedback from your views because I am not here to argue, I just wanted to know what your opinion was and what your facts are on the issue of cows and milk. How could I get the benefits of raw milk (which are surprisingly amazing!) without paying someone to torture a cow? Just use organic? If so, then why do we still need to drink milk from another species? Wouldn’t almond milk be ok? I am truly wanting to understand. Thank you for your feedback and much respect to you!
Hi, Emily! I’d be glad to share with you why we drink raw milk.
First, let’s compare the nutritional value of the two milks. Cows milk has 8 times the amount of protein as a serving of almond milk, plus is rich in saturated fats (which, if you read my post on good fats, is a GOOD thing!) This makes cow’s milk a naturally nutrient-dense food, whereas almond milk is basically diluted almonds, with a lot of additives to try to bring the nutritional value high enough to impress people. (this article was rather eye-opening about the true nutritional value of almond milk)
Second, let’s talk about digestibility, because it doesn’t matter how much a nutrition label promises if it’s not bioavailable (meaning, or bodies can actually digest and utilize the nutrients). Almond milk’s nutrients are due in a large part to additives. Healthy Home Economist says,” The Organic Consumers Association warns that isolated vitamins such as those produced synthetically cannot be recognized or metabolized by the body in the same way as the natural version. – See more at: http://www.thehealthyhomeeconomist.com/coconut-and-almond-milk-in-cartons-not-a-healthy-buy/#sthash.vE0XDl1v.dpuf
In addition, it’s been found that to really get the most out of almonds, they should be soaked first. Almond milk is really only digestible and benificial if made at home and cultured (or fermented) to begin to break down the enzyme inhibitors found in nuts, like this post describes–http://www.thehealthyhomeeconomist.com/fermented-homemade-almond-milk/
Many would argue that cows milk is no easier to digest, with many allergic to the lactose. But that only applies to milk that has been pasteurized. Raw milk contains natural lactaid which promotes its digestability. Often those who cannot tolerate pasturized milk do fine when it is in its natural state.
So, it seems that if we are going to drink milk for its nutritional value, cow’s milk is the better alternative. Which brings us to the question of is it right to drink milk from another animal? My answer may not be your answer, but I will share it nonetheless.
I am Christian and get my world view on every area in my life, including food, from the Bible. I believe that in a perfect world (the one that existed before sin entered) our bodies were able to thrive on a plant-based diet. However, after the fall, we needed added nutrients to maintain health and energy. It is not ideal that we must feed off of other animals to survive, but the Noahic Covenant (the directions God gave to Noah after the flood) directed man toward eating animal-based foods.
I and my family have drank raw milk for years and feel it is an important part of our nutrition. We’ve been able to see and feel the difference in our health when we’ve traveled and not had access to raw milk: our teeth are weaker and we have cravings for junk food–a sign our bodies are lacking nutrition. Add milk back in, and we feel great.
If you are interested in trying cow’s milk, I suggest finding a small, family dairy that will sell you raw milk. Get to know the farmer, and you will find that many farmers treat their cows as one of the family. They have names, are fed the best the farmer has to offer, and are cared for lovingly and gently. Having grown up on a farm myself, I know this to be true. Our cow was named Bambi. 😉
I found you doing a google search for “low temp pasteurized milk in Alabama”. I will be visiting in about a month from the wonderful land of California where I can get raw grass-fed milk in my local grocery store. I was wondering what brand your non-homogenized milk was. What stores is it available in, or do you buy direct from the farmer? Thanks for the help! I will be visiting central AL, if that helps.
AmyM,
The place I get my low-temp pasteurized milk is called Wright’s Dairy in Alexandria, Alabama, and it would be a good hour, maybe hour and a half outside of Birmingham. I have heard of several farms in Huntsville, Alabama, that deliver raw milk to the greater Birmingham area. I think that would be the best direction to go hunting in.
the best place to start is the raw milk directory at rawmilk.com, find a farm that’s nearest the area code you will be in, and contact them–http://www.realmilk.com/real-milk-finder/alabama/#al
You won’t find raw or low temp pasteurized milk in stores here–you will probably be picking it up at a drop point, or hopefully finding a dairy that does low-temp pasteurization and picking it up from them.
Enjoy your visit!
I love the idea of raw milk however my concern is financial. I survive on one income for a family of three our grocery budget is extremely tight and i have to settle for a small half gallon of organic milk that is $3.99 when i want to by the grass fed milk that is $5+ everytime i eye that glass bottle of milk and i cannot. What can i do? I don’t know how to culture milk and all the other things that you do but i am willing to learn how to do these things for me and my special needs child if you would be willing to give me some advice and resources to learn how to improve the health of me and my daughter.
Tanya, in my book “Your Real Food Journey” I do a break down of the cost of better dairy for my family. Basically, I can afford the better milk because I save money in the budget by making my own yogurt. Adding cultured foods into your diet is the number one thing that I recommend, and yogurt or kefir is super easy. I’ve got recipes and step by step instructions on the blog and in my books!
Hi!!!
your article about curing cavities with oil pulling and rebuilding through healthier food choices has certainly struck a chord with me because our family has weak teeth, we loose them pretty quickly.
The question I have is, were the teeth able to rebuild without the real milk option, because in cities like ours we only get homogenized milk or milk that has been skimmed and watered down by the owner. We tried to turn the homogenized milk into yogurt by adding lemon juice, we added the juice of three lemons and nothing happened.
Saadia,
It can be hard finding good quality milk! I would suggest making sure you have plenty of good proteins in your diet (like quality meats and eggs) and learn to make and cook with bone broth.
Hi,
I am looking to improve my health and I am seeing raw milk and other dairy is the way to go but I am worried because I have problems with lactose. I have never tried any dairy in its raw form, only regular store milk and yogurt. Have you come across anyone with lactose problems and being able to handle raw milk?
Thanks
Melissa, yes! Raw milk contains natural lactaise–enzymes that help you digest it and you very well may have a completely different experience with dairy if you were able to get some raw.
whats the answer if one is allergic to dairy?
Irene, I would first ascertain if the dairy allergy is an intolerance to pasturized dairy. Many who are have lactose intolerance can still enjoy raw milk, or cultured dairy. If diary cannot be tolerated at all, I would suggest looking into a healing diet such as GAPS that can stop and reverse food allergies.
FYI – There are raw dairy (for pet consumption) farms in Alabama. Here is one where we get our dairy, butter, and more:
https://www.facebook.com/happyhenfarm.sterling?fref=ts
Honestly, I would cut out drinking milk if I could not do raw. It’s useless, otherwise, and downright unhealthy. The only alternatives I do now are yogurt and kefir. My child and I don’t drink milk, but I get it for other family, and for making yogurt. We do the raw butter, which is great!
We live about an hour from the farm, but stock up when we make the trip or, if we are lucky, the co-op will get it and we pick up from them, locally.
Ana, I agree with you to an extant–we don’t drink the low-temp pasteurized milk we have access to, but use it in cooking and to make yogurt and kefir. Thanks for sharing your milk source!
I thought you were offering the links to your recipes for your yogurt recipe and the kefir, but I cannot click. Did you actually post those recipes? Would be highly appreciated as I am pregnant and finding one of my molars is looking a bit like the story of your husband’s tooth! lol
Looking forward to start oil pulling and making my own cultures. Any thoughts on Raw milk during pregnancy?
Thanks!
Sanako,
hey, thanks for catching that–I edited and added the links for my yogurt and kefir recipes!
Personally, I’ve drank raw milk all the way through all of my pregnancies. I believe there is less cause for concern if you are getting your milk from a trusted farmer with sterile practices and healthy cows. If you are trying raw milk for the first time, pregnant or not, I recommend starting with a small glass at a time just so your body can get used to the increase in good bacteria entering your system!
Thank you for the links. They are indeed very easy recipes. I will try them soon. And yes, I have had raw milk in the past but I had gone completely away from it. Yesterday I had my first 6 oz glass of it and my stomach felt it. For sure I will have to sip through the day to get used to it again!
Thanks again!
Thank you so much for this. I have a new found cavity and was told that my only option was extract or root canal. so, i came home and started researching -now i have 2 bottles of cod liver oil on there way to my house and will start oil pulling. i have already started eating chicken liver and trying to get up the nerve to eat beef liver. also, this info on what I can do with what i have available like store bought organic milk and no raw milk for at least 1 1/2 hours and i can’t do that. but i bought your book and i am going to learn how to make kefir and yogurt. thank you thank you jessica
Hi,
I believe Wholefoods sells raw milk. I will check it out next time I go.
Linda
Your blog posts are so interesting! I would really love to try oil pulling (especially after having four cavities filled), but a huge part of your diet seems to consist of raw milk. What would you recommend for someone who is lactose intolerant?
Leah, I’d recommend finding raw milk, as many who are lactose intolerant can enjoy raw milk just fine. Also, I’d look into healing dairy allergies with a healing diet like GAPS
My godson was raised on raw milk and when he married and moved he suddenly became lactose intolerant. I never drank anything but growing up, but within the last fifteen years raw milk has become VERY difficult to find where we live.
Thanks for the info on oil pulling and also on raw milk. I’m enjoying learning from your site! 🙂
I am unable to afford raw milk or a goat, is the organic milk in stores like Kroger’s is just as good as raw milk?
also which foods specifically to avoid?
Storebought, pasteurized milk is totally different than raw milk, despite the organic label. We should avoid any foods that put a burden on our bodies instead of building them–sugar, over processed fats, processed foods, and anything our bodies don’t seem to digest well.
I cant afford to drive to Timbuktu and spend nine bucks on a gallon of milk.
Is there any stote milks that you recommend when you can’t get raw milk?
I recommend buying the best label you can afford (organic, grass fed, local) and culturing it (yogurt, kefir)
Almond milk is what I use because my raw milk dealers is to far away without a car. But next time your in Alabama check out Mississippi for raw milk. There are several stores that sell it in Ocean Springs MS and in Van Cleave MS
If only raw milk cost $9 a gallon. I can get it for $13.99 or $14.99 per gallon depending on which store I go to.
Thanks for the input. It has given me a lot to work with. The kefir is something I believe is key to good health.
I am in the Gadsden area!! Please tell me where I can find some, we DESPERATELY need it to help my son’s teeth!
Hi, Cheyenne! We are currently driving to Georgia for milk–you could look into Carlton Farms.
We’re in Gadsden, too!
Hi, neighbor!
Hey Trina, Thanks for all the great info. on oil pulling. I live in Ashville Al. We have a friend who has several goats that he milks. It is soooo good!
Sandra! that’s only about an hour from us! I’d love to meet sometime (and get a sip of your friend’s fresh milk! ;))
$9 a gallon? I might be willing to try it at that price. The cheapest place I can find within 2 hours of me sells it for $11 a gallon. Sigh.
I have been thinking of rekindling my raw milk adventures… reading your blog is giving me inspiration! I bought a few freezer drawers full of raw goat milk last year and also started lacto-fermenting. I personally don’t like the smell of goat (I have processed too many half rotting goat skins in the past and the smell has embedded itself into my brain, lol) but my fella and little one Max (2years) drink it.
I may have to try again, but I will use cow also, so I can have it!! I have some kefir grains the freezer (on the kitchen side now as I have just dug them out to defrost) and my dehydrator is crying out to be used as a yogurt maker, lol.
I wrote a blog on my adventures lacto-fermenting using breast milk if you fancy a read…. are you still lactating? You could give it a go if you haven’t tried already?
http://alisonbrierley.wordpress.com/2013/08/16/yummy-mummy-mama-mooli-my-experimental-adventures-lacto-fermenting-using-raw-breast-milk/
I also started lacto-fermenting using breast milk, but that supply has since dried up 😉
Big love
Alison xxx
mind blown by this idea. checking it out, thanks Alison 😉
Would like more info on how to eat healthier and especially how to use the coconut oil For dental health and I don’t know what keifer is, and is greek yorgurt best to buy, when you cannot make your own, I’m new at all of this, but teethe are breaking off from acid reflux, extreme pain, no dental insurance, and I know my diet has a lot to do with all my health problems. Are you familar with flax and chia seeds? Will these help with diet? Thanks For any healthy suggestions! Thanks
Mandy, I know all this can be a bit overwhelming, that’s why I wrote a series all about baby steps to real food–you can find it, including a whole post about kefir here…Your Real Food Journey
Yogurt that is full fat and contains no added sugar would be my recommendation if you can’t make your own.
I use flax and chia seeds in my smoothies on a regular basis. 😉
Do you think kefir made from raw milk is alot better than kefir made from pasteurized milk?
Victoria,
I do think that raw milk kefir will have even more friendly bacteria and enzymes! As I don’t have access to raw milk right now, though, I’m making my kefir from pasteurized. 😉
Hello there! I’m just wondering what to do if raw milk if illegal
where you live and I don’t do well with pasteurized milk . Are there some supplements I could replace it with? Thanks.
Joelle, I’d recommend culturing your dairy–most people can digest it after it’s been made into yogurt or kefir.
Hi, I was just wondering what your thoughts on Greek yogurt are? Also my family aren’t big milk drinkers, we use almond milk mainly. What is it about raw milk that makes it optimum? Thanks!
Rachel, I’d encourage you to visit realmilk.com to learn more about the wonderful benefits of whole, raw milk!
I am personally not a fan of greek yogurt–mainly because it’s so difficult to find a full-fat version, and I’m a big fan of consuming dairy with the proportions of good, saturated fat that God designed it to have. 😉 If you like the consistency of greek yogurt over regular, you can strain your homemade yogurt through cheesecloth to make it thick like greek yogurt!
I am so envious of people who can digest raw milk 🙁 I can’t seem to do any dairy, in any form. My parents were both really unhealthy, and didn’t hand much to me, either. And then I messed up my gut as a child with cane sugar (plain old white sugar). We recently tried having goats, fed them all organic (wheat, soy, gmo free) grain and hay. They had the best stuff with herbal dewormers, herbs at thier disposal, organic kelp, raspberry leaves, comfrey….you name it. Very healthy goats. I tried to drink the milk, but it was a loss. I just spent the last year healing my gut after one season of trying to drink it. So, for now, I will have to just stick with homemade coconut milk. I have yeast issues, too, so fermented foods set my body off as well. I can only hope that my kids will be better off…NEVER let your kids have sugar if you can help it….it ruins their health for generations.
I’m so sorry, J, about your milk woes! I know a lot of people have trouble digesting cows milk, but from what I’ve read, cultured dairy can be really beneficial…have you read this post? http://www.healthhomehappy.com/2013/06/i-healed-my-dairy-allergy-in-6-weeks-with-the-gaps-diet.html
I am new to all of this! I just found your blog today (post about oil pulling) and started clicking all your links 🙂 I have LOTS of questions about milk. I have hated the taste since early elementary age. However, that was always store bought milk. How does raw milk compare in taste to store bought milk? Does it still have a “milk” taste? I gag every time I think about drinking milk. I tried not to put my distaste for milk on my children when they were young however all three seem to have an allergy to milk protein. I haven’t had them tested but it runs in the family. They all had horrible sinus infections/ear infections in their 1st-2nd year when switching to cow’s milk for the first time. I took them off cow’s milk completely and no problems. I am curious how raw milk would affect them. My youngest likes milk but can’t have it. My middle might actually be growing out of it. My oldest (she is 12) still has problems with things like ice cream and yogurt. They all three love yogurt however if they have some everyday they would have severe congestion which would lead or sinus infections or ear infections. Even my 12 year old. I can get raw milk in my state but wondering if it would affect them even more. Not sure what to do or what my options would be if they can’t have milk at all. What do you think?
Kelly, forgive me for taking so long to respond to your comment–we’ve been without internet for weeks, so I’m very slow about getting comments answered!
Raw milk is an entirely different animal than pasteurized, homogenized milk. I can’t predict how your kids would respond to it, or whether your pallet would appreciate it, but I do think it’s worth a try. It does taste quite different than store bought milk, and it is MUCH easier to digest, so you may all be pleasantly surprised. But even if you don’t end up enjoying it as a beverage, it would be awesome if you had access to whole milk and learned to make your own yogurt–it would be cheaper and better for you than the store bought stuff! Have you seen my super simple yogurt recipe? http://trinaholden.com/easiest-yogurt-recipe-ever/
Okay Trina, If you are moving to central Alabama you might want to check out Wright Dairy. They even have a drive up window.
Check out a TV series for our local area call “Absolutely Alabama”. They did a segment on Wright last week. It is about an hour drive for me from Alabaster, but they say it is worth it.
Yes yes!! Wright’s is where we get our milk when we are down there! It’s certainly the next best thing to raw milk–and I LOVE the drive through!
I have also heard of that TV series and have wanted to watch it. But, we don’t have TV ;(
I’ve been buying regular whole milk and making it all into yogurt for several years now. Less than a year ago we finally were able to buy our own home with 2 acres. This past summer we got two Nubian baby goats in order to milk them in 2 years. We have started buying raw goat milk from the people we bought the goats from ($4/gallon!) However, we found out that since we do not have at least 3 acres we are not supposed to have any agricultural animals (even though we totally live in farm country and have no close neighbors…we can probably get a variance from the county but the application fee is $400 — not in the budget right now. We began to try to train one of the goats to tie so she could go to my brother-in-laws home for the winter until we can afford the variance, but she strangled herself. 🙁 Found a home for the other one with friends from church that also have goats…got her back last night and she died this morning — wouldn’t eat or drink at her new home 🙁 🙁 We are sad right now, especially since they were a part of the family, my kids (ages 5, 3, 1) are missing their goat friends. We will probably get goats again (provided we can get the variance from the county) but if you are looking into your own animals, check your county regulations first and then be prepared for the unknown.
What we will do once we can’t get raw milk anymore (these goats are dry from Nov-May ) I will make coconut milk from unsweetened dried coconut…it works well in baking/cooking for most things although I still haven’t figured out making yogurt with it!
Wow, Bethany, it sounds like you have really been intentional about your milk consumption! I’m so sorry to hear about your goats.
OK, now I’m really curious what the regulations are for goats…
For coconut yogurt I think you need a special, vegetable-based culture.
I used to ‘man'(or ‘woman’ 😉 ) a raw milk coop. I understand the cost factor, but there are other things to consider. It is truly medicine(100% grass-fed is important in a big way, and preferably from what are called A1 cows(the older breeds that don’t output humongous amounts). At different times, we had suppliers of both types of mik–from Holsteins(newer breed) and Jersey, Brown Swiss, etc(older), and I saw people who had no problem with the Jersey milk have problems with the Holstein, even though it, too, was 100% grass fed. These people were generally more sensitive in their general health, as I observed. But I saw kids covered with eczema and families with many asthmatics, that had to get up to tend to them multiple times a nite, who got free of their illnesses when they started drinking copiously of what I like to call liquid gold. One gal did a fast on raw milk and overcame whooping cough that no medicine had helped her with. One young man cannot tolerate store bought milk, nor its products, and would have terrible gas if he consumed them. He had no negative reaction to the raw milk. The family was greatly relieved, esp. on car trips! 😉
If you consider raw milk as a medicine(which truly all food, that is as close to its natural state, is); if you understand that it helps mend the intestines by populating it with good bacteria, which then fight to overcome the bad and the opportunistic bacteria, you will not think of $5-7 a gallon as much. Give it to the family member that needs it most first. Get them well. Stop paying for empty calories, s.a chips, juice(very hard on our insulin mechanism—drink water instead) and other junk food. Stop eating out. Grow your own food, esp this time of year. Consider selfwatering container gardening, so well explained on many YouTube videos. Some are set up so simply, and inexpensively, it’s amazing. No worries about the watering, which is a huge one for me!! Texas, lol. Find a grocery clearance. Most towns have them. I even found a health food clearance center. Make sure you don’t use it as an excuse to buy tons of carbohydrates and hurt your health that way, but find the probiotic drinks, proteins, vegetables, whatever they offer, and buy wisely, and you can afford a lot of things you normally could not. Yes, and making your own yogurt, even from a $7 gallon, is cheap, as Trina suggested. I won’t pay grocery store prices for yogurt, and if you have a picky eater…i.e. they want it thick and smooth, put theirs in a smoothie. Consider using baking soda and vinegar for much of your cleaning and toiletry. I make my own toothpaste from coconut oil and baking soda and peppermint oil. So cheap. I wash my hair with 1 TB baking soda to 1c water, and as a make it with the same dilution of vinegar. My hair is clean, shiny and no tangles. Plain baking soda for under your arms. Other recipes are out there. It’s so easy to save when you want to, and it’s not difficult. It can be lots of fun. Watch your mileage. Go to the store once a week instead of every day or two. Make a list and stick to it. Plan your meals instead of letting produce rot(oh, how I know this one!!) etc. Take the challenge! Let your family drink LIQUID GOLD. Thank you Trina for the encouraging article. Forgive me for writing another one!
I was raised with goats. They’re the sweetest most irritating things ever. Our goat milk always tasted wonderful because we would chill it and take care of it.
However… other people? Finding raw goat milk around here that has been properly “de-gamyfied” is extremely difficult. 🙁
I’m so glad we found raw milk! It’s only a ten minute drive and my sister and I take turns going for milk.
If you get a goat you would really have to get used to the taste! We used to have goats and I never did get used to the taste, although my dad made all of us drink a glass every day for years 🙂 (not too long ago he admitted he never liked it either ;))
The cheese is delicious though, and milking a goat is just such a fun way to start your day!
Oh, Naomi–I know about that goaty flavor–we had goats in my teens on the homestead, and had poor refrigeration so the milk always tasted strong–couldn’t stand it! But my husband’s family has perfected the art of goat milking (milking into a frozen metal pail and staining it immediately) and I have to admit, as sensitive as my palate is, I can’t tell the difference between cow and goat milk when it’s been properly cared for.
And yes, I LOVED milking our goats. I’m hoping my kids will, too!
Seriously? I never knew that! I do hope when we’re out of the baby phase we can get a goat or something 🙂 When the little guys can help, since their daddy isn’t such a garden/animal/outdoor person ;p
Seriously? I never knew that! I do hope when we’re out of the baby phase we can get a goat or something 🙂 When the little guys can help, since their daddy isn’t such a garden/animal/outdoor person ;p
We visited some friends in AR last summer who kept a milking goat. I was very concerned about that gamey flavour – he said there are two causes of that flavour, both to do with natural hormones in the goat. The first is sexual – if there is a male goat penned with the milking goat, the flavour is going to be there. So don’t keep a billy if you want a milking goat. The second is fear. Yes, fear. If the goat is handled roughly or is stressed, the milk will taste off. If the goat is calm and relaxed while milked, the milk tastes perfect. I wouldn’t have believed it myself but I have tasted it, and it’s true!
Can you believe that raw milk is illegal in NJ where I live. So disgusting what this country does in supressing people’s right to be healthy. 🙁 I can travel over the border though and get it I guess. It is worth it. I have not been drinking milk at all because I am afraid of the fake, store stuff. But now my body really needs the nutrients, especially my teeth. Thanks for your post and for your blog, it is very helpful!