Raw Milk
Discover the Natural Goodness of Raw Cow’s Milk at Matakana Meadows
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At Matakana Meadows, we are committed to providing our community with the finest,
nutrient-rich food directly from our farm.
Our standout product is raw cow’s milk, a natural and wholesome choice for those seeking the full spectrum of nutrients and benefits that come from unpasteurised milk.
What is Raw Cow’s Milk?
Raw cow’s milk is milk that has not undergone pasteurisation, a process that involves heating the milk to kill potentially harmful bacteria, or homogenisation, a process which involves dispersing the milk fat (cream) evenly through the milk to prevent the cream settling on top.
By skipping these processes, raw milk retains all its natural enzymes, vitamins, and beneficial bacteria, offering a product as close to its natural state as possible.
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Benefits & Considerations
Raw cow's milk, also known as unpasteurized milk, has been consumed for centuries. It is praised for its rich flavour and potential health benefits, but it also comes with certain risks. This page explores the benefits and considerations associated with raw cow's milk to help you make an informed decision.
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Benefits of Raw Cow's Milk
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Nutrient-Rich: Raw milk is packed with essential nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, proteins, and beneficial fats. It contains slightly higher levels of vitamins such as B12, B2, vitamin C, and folate compared to pasteurized milk. Additionally, raw milk is a good source of calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, which are crucial for bone health.
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Probiotics: Raw milk contains beneficial bacteria, such as Lactobacillus, which can aid in digestion and support a healthy gut microbiome. These probiotics can enhance the immune system and may help reduce the risk of gastrointestinal infections.
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Allergy and Asthma Protection: Several studies have shown that children who consume raw milk have a lower risk of developing allergies and asthma. The GABRIELA study, for example, found that raw milk consumption was associated with significantly lower rates of allergies and asthma in children, regardless of whether they lived on a farm or not​. The Ministry of Primary Industries also mentions this in their 2013 paper “An assessment of pasteurisation on claimed nutrition and health benefits of raw milk” (https://www.mpi.govt.nz/dmsdocument/1119/sitemap) (Raw Milk Institute)​​ (International Milk Genomics Consortium)​.
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Digestive Health: Some people with lactose intolerance report that they can tolerate raw milk better than pasteurized milk. This might be due to the presence of natural enzymes in raw milk that aid in the digestion of lactose. However, scientific studies on this are mixed, and it might not be true for everyone​.
Considerations and Risks
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Safety Concerns: Raw milk can contain harmful bacteria and pathogens such as E. coli, Listeria, and Salmonella. These can cause serious illnesses, especially in vulnerable populations like infants, pregnant women, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.
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MPI Disclaimer: "Raw milk may contain harmful microorganisms that can cause serious illness. To reduce the risk of illness, raw milk should be heated to 70 ℃ for one minute. This is critical for infants, young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems."
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Regulation and Quality: In New Zealand, the sale of raw milk is highly regulated to ensure safety. In order to be certified by MPI to sell Raw milk, we follow a comprehensive testing regime & adhere to strict hygiene & safety protocols, giving you the consumer peace of mind that you are purchasing the safest product possible.
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Conclusion: Raw cow's milk offers potential health benefits, including improved nutrient intake, digestive health, and reduced risk of allergies and asthma. However, it also poses significant health risks if not handled and consumed properly. It is important to do your own research & make your own decisions accordingly.
For those in high-risk groups, it is advisable to consume pasteurized milk or follow the MPI recommendation to heat raw milk to 70 ℃ for one minute before consumption.
For more information on the studies mentioned, you can explore:
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Bottle Safety
Our milk comes directly from our cows to you, with no processing in between. We take hygiene very seriously and have stringent procedures and regular testing in place to ensure we produce the best product possible.
You can bring your own clean, sterilized bottles or purchase bottles from us to collect milk from our vending machine.
We believe in self-responsibility. It is important to bring clean, sterilized bottles and to store your milk below 4℃ to maintain its safety and quality.
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Join the Raw Milk Movement
​Experience the natural goodness of raw cow’s milk from Matakana Meadows. By choosing raw milk, you are supporting a local and regenerating farm, while enjoying milk in its purest form.
Visit our farm gate self-service shop, to taste the difference and learn more about our commitment to quality and community.
