I had to buy milk. It's insane, I know. But we use milk for so many things, that it has become an absolute necessity in our home. I just hate when I am required to buy milk.
Fresh, raw, goat milk is the norm for us. We prefer the taste, raw milk is healthier, and having a milk goat means I always have the good stuff in our fridge. Except right now, I don't. And it hurts. It makes me sad. Store-bought milk is pasteurized, homogenized, and it tastes funny. And oh. my. goodness. look at the expiration date on that jug that I bought yesterday - August 22nd. This stuff doesn't expire for two solid weeks - and I have no idea how long it has already been in the store. Something just seems terribly wrong about that. Granted, my raw milk will often last up to two weeks as long as it is handled properly, but we generally use it much faster than that so I really don't know for certain just how long it would keep. Maybe two weeks really isn't all that strange. Maybe seeing it in print is what is strange to me. *shrugs*
Right now, we only have one goat in milk, and that is Molly. Molly may have mastitis - we're waiting on the lab results to know for certain. The at-home test results have been negative every time we have tested, and there are no visible symptoms. Something is wrong with the milk however. After about three days, it tastes awful. It should taste creamy and maybe a little sweet. It should taste like the best, most awesomely rich, fresh milk you have ever experienced. It should taste that way for a minimum of a week, but as I said above, it usually stays fresh for two weeks if we actually keep it around that long (which doesn't often happen). Nothing has changed about my milk handling practices. I make sure my hands are clean and I thoroughly wash the udder and teats, using the same udder wash I have always used. I use clean glass jars that have been through my dishwasher for sterilization, and I chill the milk as quickly as possible. After milking, I dip each teat in the same teat dip I have always used. Not one single part of my usual routine and handling practices has changed. But the milk has changed, so the first logical thing to do is have the milk tested. The samples have been delivered to the vet and all we can do now is wait for the test results. And buy milk if we absolutely cannot get by without it. Yuck.
Fresh, raw, goat milk is the norm for us. We prefer the taste, raw milk is healthier, and having a milk goat means I always have the good stuff in our fridge. Except right now, I don't. And it hurts. It makes me sad. Store-bought milk is pasteurized, homogenized, and it tastes funny. And oh. my. goodness. look at the expiration date on that jug that I bought yesterday - August 22nd. This stuff doesn't expire for two solid weeks - and I have no idea how long it has already been in the store. Something just seems terribly wrong about that. Granted, my raw milk will often last up to two weeks as long as it is handled properly, but we generally use it much faster than that so I really don't know for certain just how long it would keep. Maybe two weeks really isn't all that strange. Maybe seeing it in print is what is strange to me. *shrugs*
Right now, we only have one goat in milk, and that is Molly. Molly may have mastitis - we're waiting on the lab results to know for certain. The at-home test results have been negative every time we have tested, and there are no visible symptoms. Something is wrong with the milk however. After about three days, it tastes awful. It should taste creamy and maybe a little sweet. It should taste like the best, most awesomely rich, fresh milk you have ever experienced. It should taste that way for a minimum of a week, but as I said above, it usually stays fresh for two weeks if we actually keep it around that long (which doesn't often happen). Nothing has changed about my milk handling practices. I make sure my hands are clean and I thoroughly wash the udder and teats, using the same udder wash I have always used. I use clean glass jars that have been through my dishwasher for sterilization, and I chill the milk as quickly as possible. After milking, I dip each teat in the same teat dip I have always used. Not one single part of my usual routine and handling practices has changed. But the milk has changed, so the first logical thing to do is have the milk tested. The samples have been delivered to the vet and all we can do now is wait for the test results. And buy milk if we absolutely cannot get by without it. Yuck.
Disclaimer:
None of the information contained on this site is intended to diagnose, treat, or otherwise substitute for the care and advice from a qualified human or animal medical professional. Please consult the trusted medical professional of your choice before using any of the information contained on this site.
None of the information contained on this site is intended to diagnose, treat, or otherwise substitute for the care and advice from a qualified human or animal medical professional. Please consult the trusted medical professional of your choice before using any of the information contained on this site.
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