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DON DONKEY'S donkey milk is hand-milked on European farms, laboratory-tested in Germany, and delivered to you frozen. These steps also explain why donkey milk is rare and costs more than conventional milk. In this post, we show you the journey from the farm to your front door – and what you should keep in mind yourself after delivery.
Why donkey milk is not produced like cow's milk
Donkey milk is not produced in large quantities per animal. A donkey gives about 1 to 2 liters of milk per day, in addition to the milk its foal drinks. It is milked by hand or in small quantities. This means a lot of manual work for a small amount of milk.
This is why donkey milk is a rare food. It is produced on manageable farms rather than in industrial facilities. We describe in detail how the milk is obtained directly on the farm in the post How is donkey milk obtained?. Here we focus on the next steps: from the obtained milk to the finished product delivered to you.
Step by step: The journey to you
- Obtained on European farms: The milk is milked by hand. The quantities per milking session are small.
- Frozen: To allow the milk to be transported and stored, it is frozen. It is stored at −18 °C.
- Laboratory-tested in Germany: Our donkey milk is laboratory-tested in Germany before it goes on sale.
- Shipping: We ship on Mondays and Wednesdays. This ensures that the delivery does not travel over the weekend.
- At your home: You place the milk directly in the freezer and thaw it slowly in the refrigerator at 2–7 °C when needed.
Why donkey milk costs what it does
The price of donkey milk is determined by several factors:
- Small milk yield: About 1 to 2 liters per donkey per day is little compared to other milk-producing animals.
- Manual work: Milking by hand takes time, experience, and a gentle approach with the animals.
- The foal comes first: The milk is primarily intended for the foal. Only a portion is milked in addition.
- Frozen supply chain: Storage at −18 °C and refrigerated shipping are more complex than shipping dry goods.
- Laboratory testing: Testing in Germany is an additional step.
This is even more apparent with donkey cheese: About 25 liters of donkey milk are needed for 1 kg of cheese. You can find more background information in the post Why donkey milk is so rare.
Liquid or powder: two product forms
In addition to frozen donkey milk, donkey milk is also available as freeze-dried donkey milk powder. During freeze-drying, the water is removed from the milk. To mix it, use 10 g of powder and 90 ml of water, which makes about 100 ml. The powder is practical if you only need small quantities or have no space in the freezer. Our post How to properly prepare donkey milk powder explains how to mix it correctly.
What you should keep in mind after delivery
From the moment your package arrives, you are responsible for storing it. These points are important:
- Unpack the delivery immediately and place the milk in the freezer (−18 °C).
- Only thaw as much as you expect to use in the foreseeable future.
- Thaw it slowly in the refrigerator at 2–7 °C, not at room temperature.
- Please follow the preparation and storage instructions on the label.
You can find detailed instructions in Thawing donkey milk: Instructions and storage.
How to recognize transparent origin
With a rare food like donkey milk, it is worth looking more closely. When purchasing, look for verifiable information: Who is the responsible food business operator? How is the milk stored and shipped? What preparation and storage instructions are on the label? Are the ingredients and allergens clearly stated?
We answer these questions on our product pages and on the label. If you would like to receive donkey milk regularly, the Vitalprogramm is one option: You receive a monthly delivery and do not have to reorder every time. A small quantity is ideal for getting started so you can first try the taste.
Frequently asked questions
Where does DON DONKEY'S donkey milk come from?
The milk comes from European farms. There, it is milked by hand or in small quantities. The milk is then laboratory-tested in Germany.
Why is donkey milk delivered frozen?
Freezing allows the milk to be stored and shipped over long distances. It is stored at −18 °C. You then thaw the milk slowly in the refrigerator.
On which days do you ship?
We ship on Mondays and Wednesdays. This ensures that the shipment is on its way during the week.
Where can I find ingredients and allergens?
You can find all information about ingredients and allergens on the label of the respective product. Donkey milk naturally contains milk protein and lactose.
