You'd probably think otherwise, but raw milk doesn't taste too different from pasteurized milk. In its liquid form it actually shouldn't. Good raw milk should be as clean as - or, arguably, cleaner than - pasteurized milk, and should have no trace of the animal from which it came.
The Slice: The (Raw) Milk Itself
Since regulations aren't as stringent for milk that's destined to be pasteurized, you'll find that raw milk that's meant for drinking (or cheese, for that matter), can be treated in a safer manner from the start. Try telling that to the super-advocates of pasteurization.
Now as for the milk itself, I've never been able to taste the "wild," or even "gamey" flavors I've heard people swear to in tastings, and have always thought that they say this only because they know they're drinking raw milk or they're told that it should taste "raw." Note that a similar thing occurs often during wine tastings, when people agree in unison that yes, that is unripe starfruit on the midpalate with a hint of Meyer lemon pith on the finish. Isn't it funny how it's easy to believe what you're told you're tasting?
At most, I can pick up a difference only in the finish between raw and pasteurized milks; pasteurized milks tend to have a consistent, unwavering flavor throughout that dies off after you swallow, while the raw milk will linger longer, with a subtle aroma that makes its way back through your nasal passage. The true differences can emerge during cheesemaking, which we'll be discussing soon. In the meantime, now that certain states are passing laws to legalize raw milk, you may be able to taste the difference for yourself. Or not.
- Nora S.
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Is your raw milk Homogenized? if it is not it is very different In texture and flavor. The cream taste is very apparent in non-homo milk (I am talkin Raw - out of the cow but chilled).
I come from a Dairy farm family and think the pasteurized taste is different. I also think that different brands of milk can taste different.
What everyone must do is Stay Away form Ultra pasteurized milk! That has a Bad favor and may be Bad for you!
Here is the Big Surprise...
If you buy Organic Milk, check the label carefully, most are ...
...How guessed it? Ultra-pasteurized!
check this out -
http://www.westonaprice.org/motherlinda/ultra-pasteurizedmilk.html
view phauxtoe's profile
I attended a Farm to Table conference last year (Pittsburgh) where I was introduced to the Weston Price Foundation (link in previous comment) via the main speaker, Sally Fallon.
Since then, It's been my desire to drink raw milk due to the substantial benefits (if you can find it from the right farmer). The only problem was the distance it took to get to the nearest farmer to pick it up.
About a month ago I found out that our food co-op actually started carrying it from a reputable farmer. This milk is from cows that are grass fed, soy free, and hormone free. I'm absolutely addicted and I will probably never switch back to pasteurized milk unless I have no other option.
Also - I have a friend that was recently diagnosed with Crohn's Disease. His desire to combat this disease without medication led him to drink raw milk and make other important whole food additions to his diet. It's amazing to see that is has a vast improvement on his health.
Cheers for raw (REAL) milk!
view emily927's profile
It's very tough to find quality milk that isn't Ultra-pasteurized these days and it's impossible for me to find cream that isn't ultra-pasteurized.
view quercus's profile
I just started buying raw milk and did a taste comparison against my organic milk in the fridge. The whole organic (Stonybrook) smelled sour and looked pathetically thin against the raw milk. The smell of the raw was very subtle. Almost non-existent. Slight grassy notes at the finish and the taste is unbelievable. Smooth, creamy and very pure.
Other than all the health benefits, often lactose intolerant folks can handle raw milk-- it is also more digestible than pasteurized milk (which makes my boyfriend happy after I have my glass of milk before bed!).
view sbelleo's profile