Interested in raw milk but still have questions?
Here are the answers to our most common FAQs.
If you are interested in learning more or would like to try raw milk, please let us know.
Is raw milk legal?
While pasteurized milk falls under federal law, the legality of raw milk falls under state jurisdiction. As a result, you will need to check the rules for your state. In our state of Minnesota, milk and cream can be purchased directly on the farm.
Is raw milk safe?
Recently, researchers from Canada and Europe have studied the safety of raw milk intended for direct human consumption. They have found that carefully produced raw milk is a low-risk food which is fundamentally different from milk intended for pasteurization.
For more details on raw milk safety check out the Raw Milk Institute website.
As raw milk producers, we pay close attention to the health of our cows and follow cleaning and testing standards as recommended by the Raw Milk Institute.
How to schedule
Milk production will fluctuate through the year depending on when cows have their calves. Typically it peaks mid summer right after the spring calving is completed and while the animals are out on pasture. This is the perfect time to try getting into raw milk. Milk production tends to drop in the winter so fewer people are added and we usually have a wait-list at that time.
We require people to reserve their milk ahead of time and bring their own containers during our designated store/pick up hours. You can either have a standing order or reserve when needed. If you are interested in more info, let us know.
How to clean jars
Jar cleanliness will affect the shelf life, quality, and safety of your milk. Improperly washed jars can contaminate the milk, produce odd flavors, and cause it to sour much quicker.
Check your jars before going to the farm. Most of the time people are great about bringing in pristinely clean jars. But there are also times that I’ve seen jars not properly cleaned including residual milk fat, soap, other residue, dirty rims, moldy lids, bugs or pet hair inside.
Notes for washing
The jars do not need to be sterilized although it is a nice option.
Wide mouth mason jars are recommended since they’re easy to clean either by hand or by dishwasher.
I recommend pre-washing new jars before using.
If hand washing, use hot water and a bottle brush to clean the corners and neck of the jar and scrub the rim.
When using the dishwasher, avoid loading jars in the corners since sometimes the water doesn’t get inside the whole jar.
Rinsing the milk out of jars immediately after emptying will make the wash job a lot easier.
Make sure the lid is thoroughly cleaned. If your lid has a gasket, remove, clean, and allow it to dry before re-assembling.
Allow the jar to air dry. Avoid putting lids on hot, wet jars which can cause mold growth.
How to transport
We recommend a sturdy box, bag, or cooler. Also using cardboard or towels to avoid clanging and cracking jars is helpful.
For the best shelf life, keep the milk cold. If you live more than a half hour away, it’s best if you bring a cooler. If it’s longer or you have other stops to make on the way home, use ice, ice packs, or pre chill your jars.
How to store
Ideal temperature is 38-40F.
Store unopened jars in the back of the fridge where it’s coldest.
How long will it keep in the fridge?
It can last anywhere from 1-4 weeks depending on a number of factors. We recommend going through it in 2 weeks for best quality.
Jar cleanliness
How well it is kept cold.
How often the jar is opened and exposed to the air
If you drink small quantities of milk at a time, use smaller jars for a longer shelf life so less milk is open at a time.
Farm factors such as milking process, chilling process, and udder health also affect milk shelf life. This will be discussed in another blog.
Can you freeze it?
Yes. If using a glass mason jar, keep the milk level below the curve of the jar and keep the lid loose to avoid cracking the jar.
Square, narrow mouth milk jars are not recommended.
Plastic containers would work well for freezing.
For more consistent thawing, shake the cream in before freezing.
Cream line, color changes
The cream will rise to the top over time. Shake the jar to mix the cream in before pouring.
The amount of cream will vary depending on the time of year, the breed of cows, and stage of lactation of the cow.
In the summer, you’ll notice the cream will have a more yellow color. This is due to the beta-carotene (vitamin A) in the fresh grass that the cows are eating.
Start slow
If you are new to raw milk, have dairy sensitivities, or have avoided eating dairy for more than a few months, it’s recommended to introduce raw milk slowly. Start with just a couple ounces at a time and see how your body reacts.
If you have questions or concerns, please let your farmer know right away. It is our goal to provide a safe, healthy, and delicious food for your family. If there is an issue or potential problem, we want to deal with it immediately.
