Since the milking forum does

[freemotion]

If you run it through the blender for a few seconds it is much better (thawed milk, that is.)

 

[vegaburm]

I use the udder wipes from Hoeggers now. I like the convenience. When kids are not nursing anymore I will use the Fight bac afterwards as well.

I use the mini strainer and have always thought it was easy. Maybe I am weird? I am milking nigi's though, so we are talking smaller quantities of milk. I would have bought the larger strainer if I were milking full-size. The milk filters are thicker than a coffee filter, I would think they would do a better job, but that may not be true, just how I perceive it.

Mine were only on one side for about 2 weeks and then they pretty much figured it out. i started just checking her each evening and milked only if necessary. Most of the time it wasn't. then around 3 weeks I started separating the kids at night and milked in the morning for our use. Then letting the kids have the milk for the rest of the day.

 

[BlackWatchLady]

Thanks everyone,

I have another question, how does one make buttermilk? I have read and heard that the store bought stuff is not the same buttermilk as what the pioneer's would have had?


I love buttermilk ranch dressing, and I use buttermilk to soak onions in for onions rings every once in awhile,

 

[helmstead]

You can buy a culture, or just use vinegar.

 

[freemotion]

I've read that some people use one batch to culture the next, like you do with yogurt. So you should be able to start with store bought buttermilk. Not sure how this is done as I don't bake much so if a recipe calls for buttermilk, I use kefir and it works out wonderfully.

Buttermilk refers to two very different dairy products. The one we are used to nowadays is cultured milk. The one often referred to in my grandmother's day was the liquid left over after churning cream into butter. Recipes calling for buttermilk usually also call for baking powder, which will work better with something acidic, hence the buttermilk, to create a light and fluffy product.....like buttermilk pancakes and buttermilk biscuits. YUM! So any acidic milk product can be used as well, and in a pinch, vinegar or lemon juice added to milk and letting it sit for a few minutes before using it will work. It won't have the live cultures and those benefits, though.

 

[AlaskanShepherdess]

Going back to the question about natural disinfectants there are many. Tea tree oil is one of the most popular. Currently I use just my BioKleen Hand Dish soap that is pretty natural, disinfectant and gentle on the hands/udders. I have not yet had any problems, but then I have only milked for 4 of my 13 months as a goat owner.

Eventually someday I want to make my own that will revolve around peppermint, tea tree, and a few other essential oils in some sort of base. I need to do more research but there is plenty of info out there.

I have the mini strainers from Hoeggers and LOVE them! Coffee filters are a pain because it takes FOREVER for the milk to go through!

I make cultured buttermilk by buying some from the store, filling a 1 qt jar 1/4 of the way full with buttermilk and the rest with milk. Barely screw a plastic lid on and let it sit in a warm place for 24 hours.

 

[BlackWatchLady]

Buttermilk refers to two very different dairy products. The one we are used to nowadays is cultured milk. The one often referred to in my grandmother's day was the liquid left over after churning cream into butter..

That makes sense to me.... My mother in law used to love drinking buttermilk straight, its not something I like, but I love it else where,

 

[BlackWatchLady]

I make cultured buttermilk by buying some from the store, filling a 1 qt jar 1/4 of the way full with buttermilk and the rest with milk. Barely screw a plastic lid on and let it sit in a warm place for 24 hours.

Thank you, I will have to try that,