You can pretty much get milk from anything, right? Almonds, oats, hemp… but drinking camel’s milk? This may be the first time the thought has even come up, but YES, camel’s milk is becoming more and more talked about. “White gold” as it’s been called, is not a popular drink in the U.S. And yet, camel milk is like the wine of the Middle East. People prize it and give it to their guests to celebrate them. It has been used for centuries in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East by people who lived for months in the desert just primarily drinking this “white gold”.
The taste is very close to cow’s milk – after all, it IS milk! Though depending on the farm, some varieties can be saltier or sweeter. Many are surprised that it’s still refreshing, smooth, and fulfilling. Some drink it straight, others blend it in smoothies. The ways it can be used are endless!
READ MORE: Moo-ving Onto Cows Milk For Babies, Let’s Get Started!
The Health Benefits of Camel Milk
Like how chicken soup is seen in the States, camel milk health benefits is also known as a superfood, a natural remedy of sorts used to help cure disease and ailments. The proteins are very unique in it and they’re completely different from cow or goat. In fact, according to research, camel’s milk is actually the closest milk to human mother’s milk, and because it’s so high in lactoferrin it has almost a colostrum effect.
That said, it’s being used to restore microbiomes and healthy gut flora in humans. The more and more research is completed, the more we’re learning that microbiomes are linked to chronic illness. By restoring those microbiomes, chronic illness is frequently kept away or at least lessened. It’s great for boosting immune systems too.
Today camel milk is seeing a growth in popularity among those who need a dairy alternative with added benefits and those who are health-conscious, looking to better their ‘biome. This dairy product (yes, it’s still dairy) is so low on lactose and has a type of acidity in it that makes it easy for the body to break it down, can be a great alternative to the traditional dairy options.
READ MORE: How To Strengthen Your Immune System With 3 Simple Lifestyle Changes
Camel’s Milk vs. Cow’s Milk
When it comes to calorie, protein, and carb content, camel’s milk is comparable to whole cow’s milk. However, it’s the unique benefits of camel’s milk make it a healthier choice than cow milk.
Insulin-like factors prevent a spike in blood sugar, and as mentioned above, its milk sugar (lactose) is easier to digest than that of cow milk. It’s also lower in saturated fat, and offers more vitamin C, B, calcium, iron and potassium.
And yes, it’s much more expensive, but camels are fewer in number, and milk production is very low. While an average cow can product 50 liters of milk a day, a camel produces 6-7. That’s a big difference! Over time, the hope is that the camel population in the U.S. grows so that the cost per ounce goes down. Until then, compare costs with your local providers.
READ MORE: Everything You Never Knew About Goat Milk Soap
Where to Find It
Finding the golden child of dairy products isn’t as easy as walking into your local grocery store… yet. But you can find it. You just need to know where to look. We’ve put together 5 places you can go to find camel’s milk and incorporate this superfood into your daily meals.
Buying from a Farm/Local
Buying local is one of the best ways to buy anything – vegetables, meat, and dairy. If you happen to live near a camel farm, you may be able to buy directly from the source and support our national farmers. Not sure if you live near one? The easiest way to know is by typing in “camel farmers near me” or “camel farms in (X) state” in a Google Search. A few larger farmers who come up are:
Camel Culture in Missouri
The Oasis Camel Dairy & Foundation in California
Camelot Dairy in Colorado
River Jordan Camel Dairy in Indiana
Millers Organic Farm in Pennsylvania
Don’t live near a camel farmer? Many of the larger farms will ship! Check out their websites for more information.
READ MORE: Down Home Gifts and Recipes from Pearson Farm
Buying Camel’s Milk Online
If you don’t want to buy directly from the farmers’ websites, the most well-known name in U.S. camel’s milk is DesertFarms.com. They work with camel farmers across the U.S. and sell 100% raw and natural camel milk. Get it fresh, frozen, as Kefir, or in powder form.
Places like Amazon and Walmart sell the same Desert Farms brand, however, the benefit is if you have gift cards, you can use them there. They also sell other brands like Aadivik and Camelicious Camel Milk powder so compare and see which brand works best for you.
Specialty Stores Carrying It
Ideally, everyone would have a local camel farm and be able to buy milk straight from the source. However, unless you’re one of the lucky few, many of us need to figure out another way to get our camel’s milk. If shipping milk isn’t your thing, smaller specialty stores or organic markets, typically carry unique natural items such as camel’s milk. Desert Farms camel milk has been sold at Whole Foods in California so check your local store to see if it’s in stock.
MOM’s Organic Market or David’s Natural Markets on the east coast don’t necessarily carry it right now, but that doesn’t mean they won’t be one of the first. And even small sellers on Etsy like CandyKrunch are selling camel milk products. Though finding fresh or frozen milk is still hard to come by from smaller shops, powered camel milk, or products such as soaps and lotions are pretty easy to get your hands on.
If a store doesn’t carry it yet, just ask. Many stores are happy to supply customers with a new product if they have a need.
If you’re looking for a natural, healthy way to boost your immune system and fix your biome, or a healthier alternative to the high lactose in cow’s milk, you’ve gotta try camel milk. While it may be harder to find, it is available, and easier than ever to get it straight from the source. Order some today and have a ‘hump day, every day’.
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