Raw milk taste

[Norasmomma]

I just purchased some raw milk that is from a very nice dairy in the community where I live. It's certified organic and I have heard great things about it, but I think it tastes a little "cowy". I know that 's a weird one, but it definitely has more of a cow taste to me, maybe I'm just imagining it.

What I am wondering is they have different kinds, holstein and jersey cow milk. Jersey to me seems like it would be more "creamy" tasting. Am I right? Do I just need to get used to the taste? Or is just something that is to be had with raw milk? I'm just curious, because I can't decide if I like it or I don't.

[zeldabee]

I don't know, it might depend on what they're eating. I've never experienced that with the raw milk I've bought, but I've only had it from two different local farms. It's somewhat more flavorful than store-bought milk, but nothing weird that you'd need to get used to.

[pampered_mom]

I've had some difficulty with milk from strictly grass fed cows. There have been many times when we've dealt with less than appealing flavors. Twice now I've been buying milk from a farm when they were feeding them some grain and then when they've made the switch to strictly grass fed and both times we've had off flavors.

I think it's probably the nature of grass fed milk, but I don't really have any scientific information to back that up with, just my own personal anecdotal evidence. I've found them to be somewhat variable so certainly try it more than once.

[mbravebird]

The taste does depend on what they eat, how much minerals, etc. The taste of ours varies a bit from week to week, but is mostly just creamy and good. We get goat milk now. It gets a little "goaty" when it's a bit older. How long before your pickup is your milk expressed? (Is that what they call it?)

[texaspeach]

I call that flavor "barn yardy" but dh says it's really called "gamey"

there's a definitely a stronger flavor

[Norasmomma]

They sell it in our regular store, it's available in quite a few places in our little town. It's very popular, but IDK, I don't know if I like it. I'm not sure when it's expressed the date on it says best by July 24? Not quite sure.

texaspeach-that's exactly what I think, "barn yardy". It really tastes more milky. I like my milk a little more sweet, maybe it is because of the grass feeding. I know that all the pastures are organic grass and alfalfa hay during the winter.

It wasn't that expensive 3.99 for a half gallon, I think I should have maybe bought the pint, just to see if we like it.

[Bensmommy]

Originally Posted by Norasmomma

What I am wondering is they have different kinds, holstein and jersey cow milk. Jersey to me seems like it would be more "creamy" tasting. Am I right?

Jersey usually has the best cream line, and is definitely more "creamy" IMO. Raw, grass fed may be a little different, but the grass-fed Jersey milk we have is definitely sweet. It's sweeter the newer it is; as it starts to sour a little bit as it gets older (even before it tastes sour) it is less sweet Maybe try to contact the dairy and get some super fresh Jersey and see how you like it-- to me it's truly awesome!

[Norasmomma]

Thanks Bensmommy, yeah I want sweet milk, this tastes more grassy I'm starting to think. I'll try to get some jersey milk instead. The holstein is good, but it's just not sweet enough for me.

[haitimom]

Hello,
When I was a girl my brothers went through a gallon of milk for breakfast. So my parents bought a jersey milk cow. I would swear it tasted just like a cow smelled.
Since becoming an adult and knowing the benefits of raw milk, I wanted my gang to drink it. It is legal here so I bought some at the HFS. Only a slight smell. But I couldn't afford $3.99 a half gallon. When we moved dh bought us a cow. I smell nothing!!! It is just sweet. I was so happy. I was afraid I wouldn't be able to stand it. Our cow is grass-fed. She gets hay and grain when she is milked. We are transitioning to hay only but have to go slowly. She was used to grain and she likes routine. Anyway, immediately after she is milked we put the milk in the deep freeze for one hour with the lid off. Then we put in the fridge.
I guess my point is, did it get warm? This may have alot to do with it. I believe that is why I didn't like it as a child. My mom didn't get it cold enough, fast enough. HTH

[wakkun]

I have only had raw milk from jersey cow so I can't compare with other raw milk. But I have not had a pb with "gamey" or "cowy" smell to it. For one thing, the milk is very sweet and high in cream. I find the whole milk a bit too rich for me. If I let it sit without disturbing it, the cream rise to the top, I sometimes pour that off for cooking and such and drink the milk with less cream in it. It's really nice and tasty.

[mbravebird]

Originally Posted by haitimom

Anyway, immediately after she is milked we put the milk in the deep freeze for one hour with the lid off. Then we put in the fridge.
I guess my point is, did it get warm? This may have alot to do with it. I believe that is why I didn't like it as a child. My mom didn't get it cold enough, fast enough. HTH

I've heard this from others, too.

[Holiztic]

You'll accept it, then you'll get used to it, then you won't mind it, then you'll LOVE it!!

I find our butter has more of a farm taste (as I refer to it), but I am sure our milk does too, I just have stopped noticing. When we first started, it actually bothered me that it bothered me. Meaning I hated that the milk I was used to was so removed from the farm that it had no farm taste.

On another note, try goat milk or butter. Now THAT is pure farm taste!

[paquerette]

I say embrace the cow flavor.

[Norasmomma]

I think what happened is that it was a little warm when I tried it, DH said he thought it tasted great. I know I am bothered that I think it tastes a little off, but I drank some more when it was icy cold and realized it tastes pretty darn good. I am going to embrace the cow flavor, plus I'm starting to think I may have just made it up in my head.