How to Purchase Raw Milk
Raw milk is milk that has not been pasteurized or homogenized and should come from cows that are fed a natural grass and greens diet with very little grain. Raw milk has many advantages, including natural antibiotic properties as well as other natural bacteria not found in processed milk that aid in digestion and the breakdown of stomach bacteria. Raw milk should always be consumed in its whole form, not skimmed, to get the full benefits. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Visit the Real Milk website for locations in your area that sell raw milk. Some states sell raw milk at farmer's markets, while other states do not allow distribution of raw milk and you will need to buy directly from the farm.
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If you do not find a listing for raw milk in your state at this website, contact your local Weston A. Price Foundation chapter leader to find other locations, or visit local farmers and ask if they know of any locations where raw milk is available for purchase. Weston A. Price chapter leaders can be found via the link to Weston A. Price on the Real Milk website.
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Once you arrive at the location, make sure that the milk is less than three days from milking, as raw milk only lasts seven to 10 days from milking at optimal temperatures.
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Check the temperature at which the milk is being stored. Raw milk should reach and remain at 34 to 36 degrees Fahrenheit within an hour of milking for optimal quality and shelf life.
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If you are purchasing raw milk directly from a farmer, ask what the cows are fed. Raw milk cows should only be fed grass and greens with a small amount of grain, if any. If the cows are fed excess grains or sprouts and soy products, be aware that this is not optimal for raw milk and choose another location.
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Tips & Warnings
Sprouts and soy products contain hormones that accelerate the milk production in the cow which is passed through to the milk.
Cows fed an excess of grain produce milk that lacks the natural antibiotic properties that the milk of grass-fed cows contains. This milk has a shorter shelf life and is not as beneficial as grass-fed cows' raw milk. Cows fed this diet produce milk that should be pasteurized before selling.
Do not purchase raw milk from a farmer or individual who is not familiar with the proper sanitation processes for raw milk and is not approved by the Weston A. Price Foundation.
Do not use raw milk from unknown or new sources if you are pregnant, sick, elderly, have a weakened immune system or are using it to replace infant formula.
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- Photo Credit got milk image by Greg Pickens from Fotolia.com
