My Introduction to Raw Milk

A woman I've known for many years recently asked me if I would like to have some raw milk. Raw milk? I didn't even know that you could buy raw milk. Where would I get it, and was it safe to drink? I have to admit that even though I spent the first 10 years of my life on a dairy farm, I was quite ignorant when it came to the pasteurization process and its effect on the quality and contents of milk. At first I put her off because I was uncomfortable with the idea, not because I had any good reasons for being opposed to it.

Not long after this time I was given the book, The Truth About Children's Health: The Comprehensive Guide to Understanding, Preventing, and Reversing Disease, by Robert Bernardini, M.S. I had been in search of good resources pertaining to natural living and was looking for ways in which I could reduce harmful materials in my family's environment and food supply. After reading it along with several other internet resources on raw milk, for and against, I found my attitudes about raw milk dramatically shifting and decided to give it a try.

For the benefit of readers who may not be familiar with buying raw milk, I should mention that it is not legal to do so in all states. Also, it is illegal for raw milk to cross state lines for sale. Other states have various regulations designed to restrict and control the sale of raw milk. For example, in my home state of Minnesota farmers may sell raw milk provided the following:

1. They do not advertise to sell their product.

2. The buyer comes to the farm to purchase the milk.

3. The buyer provides his own containers for the milk.

4. The milk is sold only for the occasional personal consumption of the buyer.

So, with my milk can in hand, I headed to the barn of a reputable local farmer who I was told sold raw milk. I was comfortable with him because I knew he was a provider for the local organic milk supply company in our area.

My friend had instructed me as to how I should go directly into the barn, take the milk from the bulk tank and leave my money in the sour cream container left in the parlor. I have to admit that I felt a bit ruthless at letting myself into the milk parlor of a total stranger, who I was told preferred doing business this way, and helping myself to the bulk tank. I filled my gallon milk jug and left the money, $2.50 is what he charges, in the sour cream container.

The next morning I took the cream that had collected at the top of the jar and put it into a blender to make butter. From the gallon of milk I purchased I was able to make about ½ cup of butter and also had a cup and a half of buttermilk left over, which I used to make muffins. I should also add that the milk tasted great to me, my husband and my kids. If you are interested in learning more about raw milk, its benefits and alleged disadvantages, please consider visiting the Raw MIlk website.