For over a decade, raw milk has been a cornerstone of my kitchen. My journey began with Schoch Family Farmstead, whose raw milk has been a constant in my life. While I pasteurize it at home (a fancy way of saying I boil it), the process feels grounding, almost meditative. I collect the cream—a luscious reward—and savor the milk in its purest form. And when it comes to yogurt, Schoch’s offering is simply unparalleled. The consistency and quality outshine anything I’ve encountered on store shelves, making it a delight when I don’t whip up a batch of my own.
When we moved, I stumbled upon another gem: Valley Milk, delivered by a man named Joe from Modesto. Joe’s milk was a revelation—not just because he offered raw cow milk, including A2 milk, but because of his humane practices. What set Joe apart was his commitment to not sending cows to the slaughterhouse after their productivity waned. This ethos struck a chord with me, addressing one of my longstanding concerns about milk production in the U.S.
The only hitch? The timing. Joe’s deliveries often arrived late at night on Mondays, sometimes as late as 9:30 pm. While the milk’s quality was worth the wait, the logistics were less than ideal.
Enter Spruno, a service that’s revolutionized how I source my dairy. Spruno specializes in delivering food from non-local producers at local rates. They stepped in to bring Joe’s milk to my doorstep at a more reasonable hour—a total game-changer. They even accommodate Schoch products, making it easier than ever to access high-quality raw milk and yogurt without the hassle of late-night pickups or market trips.
For those who prefer a personal touch, Schoch attends the Palo Alto Farmers Market every Sunday, offering their exceptional products directly to the community. Joe, on the other hand, manages a WhatsApp group to coordinate his raw milk deliveries across the Bay Area, making it accessible to a broader audience.
If raw milk has been on your radar or if you’re a yogurt aficionado seeking something extraordinary, I can’t recommend these options enough. Whether through Spruno’s seamless service, a Sunday visit to the farmers market, or joining Joe’s community of milk lovers, there’s a path to quality dairy that aligns with your lifestyle and values.
Here’s to milk that nourishes not just our bodies but also our conscience!
Disclaimer: The milk brands and services mentioned here are ones that I personally use and absolutely love. I do not receive any discounts on these products; I pay full price because I genuinely believe in supporting local businesses.
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