My family is really going through the raw dairy these days. I got the idea for this post when we – yet again – ran out of any and all raw dairy a full 24 hours before the next farm delivery. I even added a whole extra gallon to our order at last pickup and here we are out once more!
Do I run to the store and pick up a half gallon of ultrapasteurized organic milk to tide us over?
No way! Organic Valley or Horizon organic milk from the store is horrible, health-robbing stuff. I would never buy it. It is way better to go without until you are able to get more milk fresh from the farm.
We haven’t always consumed as much as we are now. It’s just that my oldest is starting puberty and drinking about a quart a day – maybe even more?
My other two kids have all of a sudden gotten into drinking it as well. I’ve always had to pretty much force them to drink their milk in the past (you know the drill – drink your milk or no bike ride after dinner or whatever).
Now they are gulping it down and asking for more.
I know this seems like a lot, but at the moment, our family of five is easily going through 4 gallons of grassfed cow milk and 2 gallons of foraging goat milk.
Per week!
Oh, I almost forgot. Add a half gallon of raw milk yogurt to that.
And 1-3 quarts of raw cream (for raw ice cream of course). Who can live without ice cream? We do a lot of milkshakes at our house.
Plus one pound of raw butter.
That’s a lot of full fat dairy for a family of five. But then again, we don’t buy any sodas, boxed breakfast cereal, and other processed foods so even though the fresh dairy is expensive, it fits within the budget.
Just my opinion, but I would go from two cars to one or move to a smaller house if necessary to afford our raw dairy. You can’t put a price on health. It is more important than any possession.
“Health is the first wealth” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
In light of how much saturated fat my family is consuming, some of you might be thinking that we surely must be a family of large people.
As it turns out, none of us has a weight problem. It’s really true – eat your whole, unprocessed fats and don’t skimp! It really does help keep you trim!
How much raw dairy does your family consume? I want to know and I’m sure others would too!
Sarah, TheHealthyHomeEconomist.com
Mmm you are making me thirsty … don’t ever make a pregnant woman crave milk, it’s cruel and unusual! And there is none to be had in this house today, sadly!
The closest I can find to raw milk here (we move with the Navy a lot and we are only here for two months so I haven’t gotten serious about searching) is some organic barely-heated milk from a nearby farm. I don’t know how bad that is but I know I would never, ever buy ultra-pasteurized … we’ve gotten that far!
When I am out of milk we either go without, or I make almond milk (http://dotalanecdotes.blogspot.com/2011/01/rich-and-aromatic-almond-milk-yes-made.html) which is so delicious that it is a treat in and of itself to have it.
I live in Pa and our family of 3 kids 2 adults go through 3 gallons of raw milk a week. we buy from a farm near us $2.00 gal of raw milk, eggs $2.50 a dozen, $3.50for a pint of butter.
Marilyn…that is exactly where I am at right now! I totally hear you.
So I am totally new to raw milk. If I were to make the switch, the only thing holding me back is the price, would it be cheaper to make my own butter or pay the $11 for the tub of raw butter at our local health food store? Is it hard to make your own butter? Also for one trying to cut processed foods…What would be the first, most important change in the way we eat….raw milk, raw butter, organic fruits and veggies, meat not treated with hormones and grass fed, and no processed foods? I honestly don’t know if we can afford to do all of this and just wonder if where I am starting is the best choice. Thanks.
Raw butter is so expensive b/c it takes something like 3 gallons of raw milk to get enough cream for 1 lb of raw butter!
Hi,
After reading some of the recommended books fromWise traditions I came to realize the benefit of raw cows milk. I live in Bahrain, in the Middle East, and have finally hunted down a farm (if i can call it that) here. I got my hands on raw cows milk, but now am concerned. I have been told to heat the milk before consumption due to ot knowing how sanitized the container and hands are etc. Even though i did not want to at first due to defeating the purpose of it being raw, I am now wondering if I should.
The cow that they milk, is kept contained in decent size area but is not roaming around freely. The chickens, however, are running around the cow constantly. Also from what I have seen it is fed both greens and dried pita breads. The pita bread is plenty and always kept In a bin in front of the cow and some have greenish stuff on it too (my guess mold). They do feed it grass and other plants but I don’t think it is their main feed.
So should I even bother to get this kind of raw milk? Or should I get it but heat it at home? I’m so confused.
Health is the most important thing in the world! But it still does not mean I can afford to pay $7-10/gal. for milk, or a pound of butter, or spend $10 in gas to go pick it up. I WANT raw dairy products, but unless they are made more accessible and affordable, how can a truly financially struggling large family afford to do this? I’m not about to go out and buy garbage for my family. But I also can’t afford to do what I know is right, and it’s frustrating!
Stumbled onto your site – while checking for raw yogurt – and saw “Lebanon”
I am just south of Lebanon and wondered if I could learn where you get your yogart.
I really want raw for my family of 5. We need it so badly and I am stumbling around trying
to find what I need. Any info would be appreciated.
If you would rather talk in person – email at myronweaver2@gmail and I will call you.
Thanks so much,
Rachel
I live in athens, Ga and raw milk is illegal here. *sigh* Have a two year old and feel I am missing something incredibly necessary in her nourishment.
We are a family of 4 in Ireland & we use just over 3 U.S gallons a week. That is not including milk for yogurt etc. I pay $3 a gallon but the going rate in Ireland is $15 a gallon (My supplier makes raw cheese & is a very informed man on raw milk benefits & he loves that he has an attentive ear & good discussions with me & that I give my kids raw milk so he just charges me the same as a gallon of milk in the store). Raw milk is also about to be banned in Ireland so I am very very upset about that.
None. We drink very little milk at all. I wish we could drink raw milk for the health benefits but in no way am I willing to risk my children’s health in case we get a bad batch. It very well may never happen but it just isn’t worth the risk especially since my children are so young. Too bad.