Dairy

The traditional Amish practices at Miller’s Farm are all about getting back to basics. The way we grow and process are food has changed dramatically over the years, and some of those changes have ultimately proven detrimental to the quality and nutritional value of our food as well as our health. Pasteurization is one process that while born of good intentions, has produced negative consequences.

Most people are wary of eating raw or unpasteurized dairy products because pasteurization has become the law of the land, but knowledge is power. The pervasiveness of pasteurization represents a real shift in the way we farm and process our food. For centuries, raw milk was consumed straight from the animal and even used for medicinal purposes. In the 1800s, pasteurization became a popular method that extended the shelf life of dairy products and helped remove bacteria that can result in food borne illnesses, but the question is why did disease causing bacteria become a problem in the first place? The answer is: preventable contamination. While dairy products have naturally occurring good bacteria, any bad bacteria is typically the result of careless, unsanitary farming practices. Dirty equipment, sick animals, or exposure to feces can all cause contamination, but these are also avoidable problems.

Ultimately, the main function of pasteurization is that is removes bacteria that shouldn’t have been there in the first place, unfortunatly it also negatively affects the nutritional value of dairy products. During the process, milk is heated to a certain temperature that kills bacteria, but this practice also kills helpful enzymes, good bacteria, and essential vitamins. The end result is a product that is far inferior to its natural state. The difference between pasteurized and unpasteurized dairy is so significant that most people who are lactose intolerant or allergic to dairy often experience no reaction to raw dairy.

Miller’s Farm believes that the solution to getting rid of harmful bacteria is not to treat dairy products, but to implement farming practices that prevent bacteria. Instead of treating the symptom, they have returned to tried and true methods to tackle the problem. By feeding their animals a balanced, natural diet, using sanitary and humane farming practices, and eliminating pollution and toxins, they have rendered pasteurization unnecessary. This means safe dairy products that are packed with nutrients and easier on the body to digest. Whether you are interested in cow, sheep, goat or camel products, our raw dairy products offer all of the benefits of natural foods without the risk of harmful bacteria.