What are the benefits of raw cow's milk?

Simply put, raw cow’s milk is milk that has not undergone pasteurisation - a process that involves heating milk to kill harmful bacteria. As a result, raw milk is closer to its natural state, retaining the full range of nutrients and enzymes it originally contains. The raw milk you'll find at Farmfetch is sourced from our partners at Fen Farm Dairy, produced directly from their grass-fed Montbéliarde cows, a breed known for producing rich and creamy milk. The milk is quickly cooled and bottled on-site after milking, ensuring that it reaches you as fresh as possible.

The appeal of raw milk lies in its purity. Unlike standard supermarket milk, which is often homogenised and pasteurised, raw milk has a fuller flavour and a creamier texture. Many believe this gives it a distinct taste, reflecting the diet and natural environment of the cows. At Fen Farm Dairy, the cows are fed on pasture, hay, and silage, with no additives or GM feeds, contributing to the milk’s rich and wholesome quality. Fen Farm comply with the stringent hygiene and safety standards demanded of raw milk producers, ensuring it's always safe to drink.

What are the Benefits of Raw Cow’s Milk?

Raw milk offers several potential benefits that distinguish it from its pasteurised counterpart. One of the primary advantages is the retention of natural enzymes, such as lactase, which helps break down lactose in the digestive system. This makes raw milk more easily digestible for some people who experience discomfort with pasteurised milk. Additionally, raw milk is rich in beneficial bacteria, such as probiotics, which support gut health and boost the immune system.

Nutritionally, raw milk is abundant in vitamins and minerals, many of which can be diminished during pasteurisation. Key vitamins found in raw milk include vitamin A, which supports vision and immune function, and vitamin D, which is essential for calcium absorption and bone health. Raw milk also contains higher levels of vitamin B12, a crucial nutrient for energy production and brain function, as well as water-soluble vitamins like vitamin C.

Moreover, raw milk is an excellent source of bioavailable calcium and essential fatty acids, both of which are crucial for maintaining strong bones and a healthy heart. These fats, particularly omega-3s, are retained in higher quantities in raw milk, giving it an edge over processed milk in terms of nutritional content. Fen Farm Dairy’s raw milk, produced from cows grazing on natural pasture, is especially rich in these nutrients, making it a wholesome and natural product for health-conscious consumers.

Is Raw Cow’s Milk Safe to Drink?

The safety of raw cow’s milk has long been a topic of debate, but at Fen Farm Dairy, strict measures are in place to ensure it is safe for consumption. Raw milk carries a risk of contamination by harmful bacteria, but with the right practices, this risk can be minimised. Fen Farm Dairy follows stringent hygiene protocols to produce milk that consistently meets high safety standards - the dairy conducts daily laboratory-standard testing to monitor for any potential pathogens, ensuring that only the highest-quality milk is bottled and sold.

Furthermore, the dairy’s milking and bottling processes are meticulously controlled to prevent contamination at every stage. The cows are milked in a clean environment, and the milk is cooled immediately after collection to preserve freshness. Fen Farm Dairy has also maintained a 5-star hygiene rating since 2011, a testament to their dedication to producing safe, raw milk.

That said, raw milk may not be suitable for everyone. Vulnerable groups, such as pregnant women, young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems, are generally advised to avoid raw milk due to the potential risk of illness. Fen Farm Dairy clearly labels their raw milk with safety warnings and encourages consumers to make informed decisions about whether it is right for them.