Homogenization gives milk a more marketable, creamier texture by creating somewhat of an emulsion between its watery and fatty parts. It makes it harder to digest. When I tried Ronnybrook’s Creamline non-homogenized milk from Top’s grocery store in New Paltz, my body felt a night and day difference, It wasn’t a fight to digest it, the best way I can describe it, is that it felt nourishing.

Milk has been a cornerstone of human diets for centuries, celebrated for its versatility, nutrition, and ability to bring comfort to our meals. Non-homogenized milk, in particular, offers a closer connection to nature, delivering milk in its most authentic form with its fat globules intact.

Why Non-Homogenized Milk?

Unlike homogenized milk, which undergoes a mechanical process to break down fat globules, non-homogenized milk is left unaltered. This means:

• Natural Cream Layer: The cream naturally rises to the top, offering a decadent texture and the flexibility to use it as a separate ingredient in cooking or coffee.
• Easier Digestion: Non-homogenized milk retains its natural fat structure, which may make it easier for some people to digest.
• Rich Flavor Profile: Unprocessed fats give non-homogenized milk a deeper, more satisfying taste compared to its processed counterparts.

The Nutritional Benefits of Milk

Milk is often called a complete food because of its wide array of nutrients. Whether you’re enjoying it raw or gently pasteurized, milk provides:

• High-Quality Protein: Essential amino acids support muscle repair and overall health.
• Healthy Fats: The natural fats in milk are a great source of energy and help the body absorb fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K.
• Calcium and Vitamin D: Building blocks for strong bones and teeth.
• Probiotics: When fermented into yogurt or kefir, milk becomes a powerhouse for gut health.

Ayurvedic Perspectives on Milk

Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, considers milk to be a sacred, sattvic food that promotes balance, peace, and vitality. Some Ayurvedic recommendations for incorporating milk into your diet include:

Drink It Warm: Heating milk makes it easier to digest and unlocks its calming properties.

Consume at Night: A cup of warm milk before bed is believed to calm the mind and support restful sleep.

Add Spices: Definitely not local to New York, but the medicinal power of these spices are worth the shipping.. here’s an article about the ayurvedic health benefit of each spice I wrote.

Milk from Gopal Farm

We are delivering milk, cheese, yogurt, and paneer from Gopal Farm (our host farm) as an add-on for our 2025 CSA. Gopal Farm is a shining example of how milk production can align with values of compassion and sustainability. Produced in accordance with Hindu principles, every dairy purchase factors in the retirement and healthcare of the cows for life, ensuring they’re treated with the utmost respect and care. This translates into as little stress hormones in your milk as possible. Contact us if you’d like to meet the cows.