raw milk

We offer raw milk through our herd share. To get raw milk in Virginia you must become a stakeholder in the herd. Learn more about joining the herd share program.

About goat milk

The raw milk comes from Nigerian Dwarf goats. Nigerian Dwarf milk tastes like cow milk, except that it is creamier, higher in protein, and lower in lactose. People with allergies to cow milk may be able to drink goat milk.

Although raw milk may be safe to drink, you do not have to drink it raw. Like most raw food, fruit and vegetables, grains, chicken, pork, eggs, and seafood can contain bacteria that can make you sick. Like other foods you can heat milk to kill any bacteria. Heating milk is the process of pasteurization. Milk heated to 165 degrees for a few seconds or heated to 145 degrees for 30 minutes, will pasteurize milk.

Many sites offer information on how to pasteurize milk. Here’s a sample method to pasteurize milk.

Goat milk offers a range of health benefits, making it a popular choice for those seeking alternatives to cow’s milk or looking to enhance their diet with nutritious dairy options. Here are some of the key benefits:

1. Digestibility: Goat milk contains smaller fat globules and a higher proportion of medium-chain fatty acids compared to cow’s milk, making it easier to digest for some people.
2. Nutrient Density: Rich in essential nutrients such as calcium, phosphorus, potassium, and vitamins A and B. These nutrients are vital for bone health, muscle function, and overall well-being.
3. High Protein Content: A good source of high-quality protein, containing all the essential amino acids necessary for muscle repair, growth, and maintenance.
4. Rich in Vitamins: Goat milk is particularly high in vitamin A, which is important for vision, immune function, and skin health. It also provides significant amounts of other vitamins such as riboflavin (B2), vitamin B12, and vitamin D.
5. Bone Health: The calcium and phosphorus content in goat milk contribute to bone health, helping to prevent conditions like osteoporosis and promoting strong, healthy bones.
6. Boosts Immunity: Contains bioactive compounds such as oligosaccharides and lysozyme, which may help support the immune system and protect against infections.
7. Skin Benefits: Some people find that consuming goat milk can lead to improvements in skin conditions such as eczema and acne, possibly due to its anti-inflammatory properties and the presence of certain fatty acids.
8. Weight Management: The medium-chain fatty acids in goat milk may have potential benefits for weight management, as they are believed to be more readily metabolized by the body and less likely to be stored as fat.
9. Heart Health: While more research is needed, some studies suggest that goat milk consumption may have positive effects on heart health, including lower levels of cholesterol and triglycerides.