Raw goats milk is often a hot topic of conversation. Fans of milk pasteurization argue that there is no way to ensure the bacterial safety of the product. Proponents of the raw movement, on the other hand, say that it contains more vitamins, minerals, electrolytes, trace elements, enzymes, protein, and fatty acids than cows milk. Unsurprisingly, the latter is correct. Keeping food as close as possible to its natural state is always the healthier option. Of course, it is important to purchase quality goats milk from a reputable source or raise goats yourself so that you know exactly what you are putting into your body. Here are just a few delicious things you can do with this milk and how to source it locally.
How to use raw goats milk
Drink a glass
Unlike pasteurized dairy, raw milk offers a wealth of nutritional benefits, including beneficial bacteria such as lactobacillus acidophilus, vitamins, and enzymes. Milk that has been pasteurized is “dead” and has been stripped of all nutritional value. Enjoy a glass of raw goats milk with breakfast for a cold, refreshing treat. Plus, it is much easier than cows milk for your stomach to digest, so it may be helpful if you or your children suffer from digestive upset following a glass of milk. Remember, goats milk is still reasonably high in natural sugar, so it is important to drink it in moderation and keep water as your primary beverage of choice.
Use it in your smoothie
Use raw goats milk in place of another milk substitute in your morning smoothie. Combine it with nutrient-rich greens, frozen fruit, and some greek yogurt for the optimal creamy, on-the-go breakfast.
Make cheese
Though the process of cheese making can seem a little daunting, once you get started, you’ll be making cheese like a pro. Patience is a must when it comes to waiting for the cheese to age, but the delicious end product is well worth the wait. Do some online research to learn the cheese-making process or find someone willing to teach you who is well-versed in the art of creating cheese from scratch.
Substitute any dairy
Goats milk has exactly the same texture and properties as cows milk, except raw goats milk is infinitely better for you. The great thing is, if your goats are healthy or you are buying your milk from a reputable source, you shouldn’t even be able to tell the difference between these two forms of dairy. Use goats milk anywhere you would typically use cows milk, such as in baking, over cereal, or in any cooking.
Fudge
Use goats milk to create a yummy fudge for the upcoming holiday season. Try recipes with alternatives sweeteners to help cut back on sugar and enjoy a guilt-free, decadent dessert.
How to safely source raw goats milk
Finding raw milk, especially raw goats milk can be incredibly challenging since it is illegal to sell in many states and only available from retail sources in others. Many family farms will list raw milk for sale “for pet use only” as this is a way to avoid facing any legal repercussions.
Of course, it is important to exercise caution when purchasing raw goats milk since there is a possibility for bacterial transmission or dirty milking environments. Before searching out online classifieds, try looking into other options such as 4-H, (a youth program that supports agriculture and hands-on projects such as raising livestock) as many counties, especially rural areas will usually have a number of connections to reputable farms.
Don’t be afraid to ask to visit the farm where you are looking to buy raw milk from. Inspect the milking area for cleanliness, look at the living area for the goats and ensure they have adequate space, and talk with the owner about antibiotics and processes for screening the milk. On another note, goats milk from healthy goats should not taste any different from regular cows milk, if it has an “off taste,” this is usually an indication that something is wrong with the goats.
If you have land and are wanting to get into raising goats for milk, be sure to do lots of research regarding care and fencing requirements for goats. It can be a bit of a struggle to get your operation set up, but having even a couple milking goats could provide your family with this yummy dairy all year long.
-Susan Patterson