Best Milk Suppliers For Long Island's Cheese Makers

If you're looking to buy cheese-making milk on Long Island, you'll be pleased to know that there are several options available to you. The type of milk you use will impact the quality of your cheese, so it's important to source good milk. Local farms, farmers' markets, and raw milk co-ops are all great options for finding high-quality milk. In Long Island, you can find raw milk at local farms, allowing you to see the cows and understand the milking process. You can also try visiting farmers' markets, where you may be able to find raw milk, or join a raw milk co-op, which distributes milk among its members. Additionally, there are specialty stores on Long Island, such as The Village Cheese Shop, that offer a wide selection of cheeses and provisions from around the world. For those looking for a more convenient option, delivery services like Udder Milk provide high-quality raw milk and other dairy products straight to your doorstep. Mecox Bay Dairy, the only dairy on Long Island's South Fork, is another great option for locally crafted, artisan products.

Local farms

When it comes to finding milk for cheese-making in Long Island, local farms are a great option. Many farms in and around Long Island offer raw milk directly to consumers, giving you the opportunity to see the cows, understand the milking process, and ensure the quality and freshness of the milk. Here are some farms you can consider:

Mecox Bay Dairy

Mecox Bay Dairy is the only dairy on Long Island's South Fork. This family-owned and operated business is committed to quality and consistency in their artisan products, which they craft through sustainable farming practices. They maintain a positive relationship with the community and respect for the natural landscape.

Catapano Dairy Farm

Located on the North Fork of Long Island, Catapano Dairy Farm started as a tiny goat farm in Mattituck and has now become the region's source for quality goat milk products. They are passionate about making the best cheese and skincare products, and they take great care of their animals. You can visit their shop or tour their farm to see the happy goats and learn about the cheese-making process.

In addition to these farms, you may also find raw milk at other local farms in the area. It's worth exploring and reaching out to different farms to inquire about their milk offerings. Remember to prioritize quality and freshness when selecting a source for your cheese-making milk.

Farmers' markets

Farmers markets are a great option for buying milk suitable for cheese-making. While not all farmers markets will sell raw milk, some in the broader Long Island area may offer it.

The Long Island Growers Market has numerous farmers markets across Long Island, New York, including in New Hyde Park, Islip, Rockville Centre, Roslyn, and Seaford. The Rockville Centre Farmers Market and the Seaford Farmers Market both feature vendors selling fresh milk: Goodness Dairy and Goodness Dairy and Fresh Factor, respectively.

The Long Island Farmers Markets also have locations in Babylon Village and Huntington Village, which are open every Sunday morning from June to November. Their vendors include Goodness Dairy and The Big Cheese, respectively.

In addition to these larger markets, there are smaller, local farmers markets scattered across Long Island. These can be great sources of raw milk, and it is worth checking out various markets in neighbouring towns.

Raw milk co-ops

Joining a raw milk co-op is an excellent option for those seeking a convenient and cost-effective way to access raw milk in Long Island. The demand for raw milk has been growing in Long Island City, NY, with many health enthusiasts recognising its potential health benefits and rich flavour. However, due to the tight regulations surrounding the sale of raw milk, it can be challenging to find it in traditional retail stores. This is where raw milk co-ops come in, offering an alternative source of fresh, unpasteurised milk.

One of the advantages of raw milk co-ops is that they source milk directly from local farms. This means that members can be assured of the milk's quality and freshness. By visiting these farms, co-op members can see the cows, understand the milking process, and even learn about the specific farms' practices and standards. This level of transparency and connection to the source is not always possible with other forms of milk procurement.

In addition to the benefits of sourcing milk directly from farms, raw milk co-ops also provide a sense of community and shared values among their members. These groups often consist of individuals who are passionate about the benefits of raw milk and may share other similar interests related to health, sustainability, or local agriculture. This sense of community can enhance the overall experience of consuming raw milk and provide opportunities for knowledge sharing and social connections.

When considering joining a raw milk co-op in Long Island, it is important to research the specific co-ops operating in your area. Each co-op may have different structures, requirements, and sources of milk, so it is essential to find one that aligns with your values and needs. Additionally, some co-ops may offer other benefits, such as educational workshops, social events, or access to a wider range of local, sustainable food options beyond just raw milk.

Delivery services

If you're looking for the convenience of having your cheese-making milk delivered straight to your doorstep, there are a few options available to you in Long Island. Here are some recommended delivery services:

• Udder Milk: Specialising in raw milk, Udder Milk is a popular choice for those seeking high-quality, fresh, and nutritious milk. They offer a range of raw dairy products, including cream, butter, and cheese, in addition to their raw milk. Udder Milk sources their milk from carefully selected farms that adhere to strict quality standards, ensuring the safety and freshness of their products. They offer online ordering and delivery, making it a convenient option.
• Catapano Dairy Farm: Located in Mattituck, this dairy farm offers an online store where you can order their award-winning goat cheese and other goat milk products. They pride themselves on the happiness and care of their animals, ensuring the quality of their milk. While their farm is open for visits and cheese pickups, they also offer shipping within the continental USA for their body soaps and crème.
• Mecox Bay Dairy: As the only dairy on Long Island's South Fork, Mecox Bay Dairy is committed to quality and sustainability. They craft artisan dairy products through sustainable farming practices and maintain a positive relationship with the local community. Although their website does not explicitly mention delivery services, you can contact them to inquire about their distribution methods.
• The Village Cheese Shop: Located on Love Lane in Mattituck, The Village Cheese Shop has been a staple for over 23 years, offering a vast selection of over 150 cheeses and accompaniments from around the world. While they may not specifically deliver milk for cheese-making, they are worth considering if you're looking for a wide variety of cheeses and provisions.

These delivery services can provide you with fresh, high-quality milk and cheese-making supplies, saving you time and effort in your cheese-making endeavours.

Mecox Bay Dairy

When it comes to finding good milk for cheese-making, several factors come into play. The quality and type of milk can significantly impact the final product, and even the same type of milk from the same source can vary from batch to batch and year to year. The care and treatment of animals, location, season, diet, exercise, handling, and time between milking and drying off all influence the quality of milk produced.

For those seeking raw milk, which is milk that has not been pasteurized or homogenized, Long Island offers several options. Local farms, farmers' markets, raw milk co-ops, and delivery services are all potential sources for raw milk in the area. Visiting local farms allows consumers to see the cows, understand the milking process, and ensure the freshness and quality of the milk they are purchasing.

One popular supplier of raw milk in Long Island City and the broader Long Island area is Udder Milk. They offer high-quality raw milk and other raw dairy products, including cream, butter, and cheese. Udder Milk sources their milk from carefully selected farms that adhere to strict quality standards, ensuring their customers receive fresh, safe, and nutritious products.

Another notable dairy farm on Long Island is Catapano Dairy Farm, located on the North Fork. Catapano specializes in award-winning goat cheese and also offers a range of skincare products made from goat milk. Their happy and well-cared-for goats produce high-quality milk that is a great source of Vitamin A and calcium, easy to digest, and packed with protein and prebiotics.

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