Donkey Milk Processing: From Milking to Milk, Powder, and Cheese

From milking to the final product: How donkey milk is processed into frozen milk, milk powder, and cheese, and which product is right for you.

4 min readBy DON DONKEY'S

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Contents
  1. At the beginning: milking in small quantities
  2. Path 1: Frozen donkey milk
  3. Path 2: Freeze-dried donkey milk powder
  4. Path 3: Donkey cheese
  5. Why storage is so different
  6. The three product forms compared
  7. What we tell you about each product
  8. Frequently asked questions

Three completely different products are made from donkey milk in our range: frozen milk, freeze-dried powder, and cheese. Each is made in its own way. In this post, we show you how donkey milk is processed after milking and how the product forms differ – so you know which one is right for you.

1–2 litersof milk a donkey gives per day in addition to the milk for her foal
10 g + 90 mlof powder and water yield about 100 ml of milk
around 25 litersof donkey milk are needed for 1 kg of donkey cheese

At the beginning: milking in small quantities

It all starts on the farm. A donkey only gives milk as long as she has a foal – and even then only about 1 to 2 liters per day in addition to what her foal drinks. That is why it is milked in small quantities. Our frozen donkey milk is milked by hand on European farms.

This is where it becomes clear why donkey milk is so rare: A significant quantity requires many donkeys and a lot of manual labor. You can read more about this in the post Why donkey milk is so rare.

Path 1: Frozen donkey milk

For fresh donkey milk, the path is the shortest. The milk is cooled, bottled, and frozen after milking. Before it goes on sale, it is laboratory tested in Germany. It is shipped frozen on Mondays and Wednesdays.

  • Advantage: Closest to the milk as it comes from the farm.
  • Storage: At −18 °C in the freezer.
  • Thawing: Slowly in the refrigerator at 2–7 °C. Please follow the instructions on the label.

We explain how to thaw the milk properly in the post Thawing donkey milk: Instructions and storage.

Path 2: Freeze-dried donkey milk powder

For the powder, the milk is freeze-dried. During this process, it is first frozen. Then, the water is removed under vacuum without it turning liquid again. What remains is a fine powder that you can store without a freezer.

  1. Weigh out 10 g of donkey milk powder.
  2. Stir into 90 ml of water.
  3. Mix well – you will have about 100 ml of milk.

You can find detailed tips in the post How to prepare donkey milk powder correctly.

Path 3: Donkey cheese

The most elaborate path leads to cheese. About 25 liters of donkey milk are needed for 1 kg of donkey cheese. If you calculate this based on the daily yield of a donkey, one kilo of cheese contains the milk of many days. Donkey cheese is therefore a real rarity. You can find the ingredients and allergens on the label.

Why storage is so different

Fresh milk contains a lot of water and is sensitive. That is why it is frozen and must remain at −18 °C until consumed. With the powder, the water has been removed, so it does not need a freezer, but a dry place. Cheese, in turn, is a separate food with its own storage instructions. For all three, the binding information on storage and shelf life can be found on the label. If you order frozen milk, it is best to plan the delivery day so that someone is at home and the package goes directly into the freezer.

The three product forms compared

Frozen milk Powder Cheese
Processing cooled and frozen freeze-dried processed into cheese
Storage −18 °C dry, according to the label according to the label
Ideal for pure enjoyment, coffee, desserts supplies, on the go, travel cheese platter, delicatessen

What we tell you about each product

We rely on verifiable facts instead of big words. For our frozen donkey milk, this means its origin from European farms, hand milking, and laboratory testing in Germany. For all products, you will find clear information on storage, ingredients, and allergens on the label. If you would like to receive donkey milk regularly, take a look at our Vital Program.

Frequently asked questions

Which product form is right for me?

If you want to enjoy donkey milk pure, frozen milk is the first choice. For supplies and travel, the powder is suitable, while cheese is for moments of enjoyment.

Does the powder taste different from fresh milk?

Mixed powder tastes similarly mild and slightly sweet. Many notice a slight difference in texture.

Why is donkey cheese so rare?

Because about 25 liters of donkey milk are needed for 1 kg of cheese – and a donkey only gives about 1–2 liters per day.

How long does it take to ship the frozen milk?

We ship on Mondays and Wednesdays so that the package is not in transit over the weekend. Place the bottles in the freezer immediately upon receipt.

Can I combine powder and fresh milk?

Yes. Many keep fresh milk for enjoyment at home and powder as a supply or for on the go.

Is the milk tested?

Yes, our donkey milk is laboratory tested in Germany.

About DON DONKEY'S

We offer donkey milk, donkey milk powder, donkey cheese and care products with donkey milk. The fresh donkey milk is milked by hand, frozen straight away and delivered to you chilled. View the range