Thinking of Switching to Raw Milk

[JennaW]

We currently get this milk:

http://www.strausfamilycreamery.com/

The kind in the glass bottle. But I am thinking of switching to raw, as it seems many Mama's around here have lots of good things to say about it.

Does it taste very different then regular organic milk? In what way? (just curious)

Also, how long does it normally stay good for? I usually buy a gallon of milk a week. Does it last this long normally or should I buy less at a time?

Thanks!

[dogmom327]

I think it tastes more clean than milk you buy from the store (organic or not). It doesn't have the after taste or leave a film in your mouth.

If properly stored I find my milk is very pleasant tasting for up to about 10 days and occasionally longer. After that it starts to get a bit sour but frankly it just gets more of a "store milk" taste to it. Unlike pasteurized milk, raw milk doesn't actually spoil so if for some reason you do have some left over and it's a bit too sour to drink, you can use it for cooking, etc.

[JennaW]

I am assuming by properly stored you mean in the fridge below 41 degrees F?

Thanks for your quick response.

[JennaW]

Oh and I was planning to buy this raw milk from my local Natural Foods Co-Op (same place I buy the milk I get now). Is that okay? When people here talk about raw milk does that mean they are getting it from their own cow?

It would really be convenient for me to get it from the Co-Op, I'm not sure if its going to happen if I have to track down a farmer...

[dogmom327]

Originally Posted by JennaW

I am assuming by properly stored you mean in the fridge below 41 degrees F?

Thanks for your quick response.

Yes, in the fridge (I put mine in the back of the fridge so it stays really cold). I've found that you just really don't want it to get warm. Make sure it stays cold and it will taste good for the maximum amount of time.

Originally Posted by JennaW

Oh and I was planning to buy this raw milk from my local Natural Foods Co-Op (same place I buy the milk I get now). Is that okay? When people here talk about raw milk does that mean they are getting it from their own cow?

It would really be convenient for me to get it from the Co-Op, I'm not sure if its going to happen if I have to track down a farmer...

I would venture that most of us buy from other people's cows. Rules vary by states. Some people do co-ops, some can buy directly from the store. Around here we have to buy directly from a farmer with no more than 3 lactating cows at any given time. I think the key is to have a source you can trust. For many of us that means checking out the farm. Some states have good regulations/inspections though. It's all about what you are comfortable with.

[kaleidoscopeeyes]

Honestly, I love Straus milk. I still buy it when I'm culturing dairy or something like that b/c it's cheaper and easier to get ahold of. For drinking though I've switched to Claravale. In taste the only difference I have noticed is that Claravale is a little sweeter. My only problem with it is as soon as it comes into the HFS, it's gone. I mean within an hour or two, it's crazy.