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Health See other Health Articles Title: How to Safely Handle Raw Milk How to Safely Handle Raw Milk 29 September 2016 Homesteading animal husbandry, cows, dairy, food production, milk, raw milk Probably the primary appeal of having a family cow is the delicious, nutritious and plentiful milk you can get from her. Raw milk, meaning fresh, unpasteurized milk, has many more beneficial enzymes and bacteria than store-bought milk. But it is important to handle it safely to maintain optimum freshness and sanitation. This is particularly important if you plan on selling your raw milk. If you want to sell your milk, make sure to check your local laws. In some states it is highly illegal to sell raw milk. In other places, there may be certain restrictions. But even if you just want to share with friends and family or just keep it yourself, its always best to use safe, clean practices to maintain the quality, nutritional content and longevity of the milk. Here is a simple guide to safe raw milk practices: 1. Prepare your milking area You will want to have a proper set-up for milking. It doesnt need to be anything fancy, but a dry, covered area, with a place to tie up your cow and feed her as well as space to comfortably sit by her is probably all you need. You will also want a place that will either have a sink or be in close proximity to the area where you will clean your milking equipment. 2. Have the right Equipment Again you wont need anything fancy, but a good, stainless steel bucket for milking is ideal, especially with a top to keep the milk protected. Stainless steel is easier to clean than plastic and will withstand possible kicks from a grumpy or restless cow. You may also want some soft, cotton rags to wipe the teat while milking. 3. Sanitize Before milking, you will want to make sure you have properly washed your bucket, hands, and cows teat thoroughly. Some people use a small amount of bleach, but hot water and soap should be sufficient. 4. Practice When you first start milking, it might take some practice to keep the milk clean. You are ultimately trying to keep the milk from getting any debris like manure or dirt in it, so if that happens, you wont want to drink that milk. You can give it to your other animals. 5. Strain the milk You can use a coffee filter, fine mesh strainer, or strainer made specifically for milk, but the idea is to get out as much debris as you can. 6. Cool the milk As soon as you are done milking, you will want to cool your milk as quick as possible. Some people even keep reusable ice packs at the bottom of their bucket. When your milk is strained into the bottles or jars you want to use (which should be properly cleaned and sanitized first as well), put them in the freezer for an hour-set the timer so you dont forget about them! And then transfer to the fridge. You can now use as you would any other milk, although because it is raw it might not last as long, but its so delicious that might not be a problem for your family! Poster Comment: We used to get raw milk from the Mennonites out here. At least the ones that lived on the farm. It was luscious and healthful milk. People nowadays get the pasteurized milk from the store that has all the healthful bacteria killed along with the unhealthful bacteria. The result is a lot more yeast infections in the gut and many other problems in the gut. It is a good idea to supplement with a probiotic. Post Comment Private Reply Ignore Thread Top Page Up Full Thread Page Down Bottom/Latest
#1. To: BTP Holdings (#0)
The old timers would put a clean silver coin in the milk to kill bacteria.
The Truth of 911 Shall Set You Free From The Lie
I've got some silver rounds but no raw milk. ;) "When bad men combine, the good must associate; else they will fall, one by one." Edmund Burke
The only time I've ever had raw milk was when my wife & I visited Christine at her house and she gave us some. It tasted good and I didn't get sick, and I dont even like milk. ;-)
"Even to the death fight for truth, and the LORD your God will battle for you". Sirach 4:28
The proof is in the pudding. I've drank raw milk several years back and did not get sick either. ;) "When bad men combine, the good must associate; else they will fall, one by one." Edmund Burke
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