Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Raw Milk

Ok, I know that some of you are going to think I'm crazy for this, but a few months ago, we started drinking raw milk. That's right, not pasteurization, no homogenization, but instead straight from cow to refrigerator.

Some friends from our small group had been talking about it, (funny, they talked us into raw milk but never mentioned the fact that they sell Amway...ha!) and how much they and their son have loved it. With a little research as well as picking up our friends' share for them one week, we were convinced. It didn't hurt that the farm is only ten minutes away and right behind our regular grocery store.

We love it. Love the taste, love the good nutrients and healthy bacteria it provides, love the freshness and local consuming of it. We especially love just going to the farm, seeing "our" cow along with the ducks and the pigs and the chickens. They also have fresh breads and meats and cheeses and eggs that we can pick up right there.

Personally, I have experienced one of the most amazing health benefits of this milk. Now, a few times a year I catch myself a cold. They are always the same. Sneezing, sore throat & runny nose for a few days and then progressing to a hacking cough for a week or more. I've mentioned before how great Zicam is. If you haven't tried it, take the chewable tablets or mouth spray right at the start of your cold (during the sore throat part--first day) and your cold will be noticeably shorter.

My friends, I think I found the natural version.

Since I am currently gestating, the only medicine I have been taking is the occasional Tylenol for a headache. I've had two colds this fall. Neither of them lasted longer than two or three days and neither of them made it past the sneezing and (very slight) sore throat. Milder than any cold I've ever had and never have I succeeded in avoiding the coughing stage.

I think it's time for some more hot cocoa with milk...


10 comments:

Jefferson Adams said...

Yes! Yes! Yes! A few weeks back, I had my first glass of milk in almost 10 years. Raw, organic, pasture-grazed cow's milk. Mmmmm. Not only did I not get sick. I got better. My stomach had been giving me trouble off an on for years and I could never nail it down. No matter how nutritiously I ate, or how a carefully I combined food, I had frequent digestive issues. However, raw, unpasteurized dairy is rocking my world! I can't stop talking about it. Great to see your post. Keep up the good work.

JanelleH said...

yay! I love it that you are getting raw milk! I'm sure you've read all about how horrible the commercial milk is. I have been wanting to get it for a a few months now, but its so hard to find. We are part of a co-op now getting pasture raised chicken eggs, and 100% grass fed beef, so maybe I'll make some connections and find out where I can get some. It seems practically illegal!

anne said...

I won't go so far as to say that commercial milk is horrible and I do understand where the FDA is coming from in their milk decisions, but yes, it is hard to find good places to get raw milk. Generally you can't purchase raw milk outright and have to be a part of a share where you instead own a portion of the cow.

Mandie said...

Two things...
1. Very jealous. I don't know anywhere I could buy raw milk... one of the downsides to living in a city.
2. You MUST try making your own cheese. It's amazing. My sister and I tried this recently. The mozzarella is really yummy, but with pasteurized milk, it doesn't get firm enough. It stays rather spreadable. Raw milk about be amazing. www.cheesemaking.com

anne said...

Mandie, I'm sure you could find somewhere! You'd be surprised what is out there. :) And I had a chance last month to make cheese with some friends but wasn't able to do it...I've been wanting to!

Nezzy (Cow Patty Surprise) said...

This Ozarks farm chick is currently taking Zicam fighting the cold, sore throat thing. It's working!!!

From the hills and holler on the Missouri Ponderosa, have a Merry Christmas ya'll!!!

Tamil Home Recipes said...

Good blog.

Kassi Gilbert said...

It is interesting, what does your doctor say about drinking unpasteurized milk? I was told to stay away from it during pregnancy...I am not sure why. I'm just curious, not condemning. I also wonder if there is some place out my way that I could purchase it....I've got 4 growing children that would probably benefit greatly from the natural stuff...

Luanne said...

I want a cow...you have convinced me (not that it was that hard) Where is your farm?

anne said...

Kassi, I am pretty sure the whole unpasteurized deal (on any dairy) is to avoid risk of any contamination that may occur from milking to production. I'm confident in my milkhouse because I've seen how it is run and how they avoid contamination! Phew.

Luanne! You guys would love it! Our farm is over here on our side of town on LMich drive. But, I know they also have ride share folks so you may only have to pick up your milk once a month!