Buyer protection
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How does donkey milk get from a European farm to your freezer? At DON DONKEY'S, the journey involves a few clear steps: hand milking, laboratory testing in Germany, frozen shipping, and finally, proper thawing at home. Here we show you every step – no big words, just the facts that matter to you as a customer.
Step 1: The Farms
Our fresh donkey milk comes from European farms that specialize in donkey farming. Such farms are rare. Donkeys are primarily kept as working and leisure animals; only a few farms collect milk from them.
The reason lies in the nature of the animals: A donkey gives milk only after giving birth to a foal – and then about 1 to 2 liters per day in addition to the milk for its foal. You can find out more about this in the post Why donkey milk is so rare.
Step 2: Hand Milking
On the farms, the milk is either hand-milked or collected in small quantities. Large milking machines, like those found on dairy farms, are not suitable for the small quantities a donkey gives. This makes the work labor-intensive – and explains why donkey milk is a rare and expensive food.
After milking, the milk is cooled and frozen for shipping.
Step 3: Laboratory Testing in Germany
Before our donkey milk reaches you, it is laboratory tested in Germany. This ensures that the milk meets our specifications. You can find the nutritional values and information on the label and on the product page.
For reference: Donkey milk contains approximately 35–45 kcal, 0.3–1.8 g of fat (usually under 1 g), 1.5–1.9 g of protein, 6–7 g of lactose, and 60–90 mg of calcium per 100 ml. The values naturally vary from animal to animal.
Step 4: Frozen Shipping
We ship the donkey milk frozen, on Mondays and Wednesdays. This keeps it frozen during transit and ensures it arrives frozen at your home.
- Unpack the shipment promptly upon arrival.
- Place the bottles directly in the freezer.
- Store the milk at −18 °C until you need it.
Step 5: Thawing at Home
The final step is up to you. To preserve the milk's mild taste, proper thawing is essential:
- Plan: Only take out from the freezer what you need for the next few days.
- Thaw slowly: Place the bottle in the refrigerator at 2–7 °C.
- Store refrigerated: Keep the thawed milk in the refrigerator.
- Follow the label: You can find information on consumption after thawing on the label.
This is explained in detail in our Instructions for Thawing and Storage.
Alternative: Donkey Milk Powder
If you prefer to prepare it in portions, freeze-dried donkey milk powder is available. 10 g of powder and 90 ml of water yield approximately 100 ml. And anyone who wants to enjoy donkey milk regularly can receive a monthly supply through our Vital Program.
What You Will Find on the Label
All important information is on the label: ingredients and allergens, nutritional values, as well as storage and consumption information after thawing. The information on the label is always authoritative. If anything is unclear to you, feel free to write to us – we will explain where the milk comes from and how best to store it.
How Donkey Milk Tastes
At the end of the journey is the enjoyment. Donkey milk has a mild and slightly sweet taste. This is due to its relatively high lactose content of about 6–7 g per 100 ml. Because it usually contains under 1 g of fat per 100 ml, it is rather thin and light in the mouth. Many drink it plain and well chilled, while others use it for smoothies, porridge, or desserts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does DON DONKEY'S donkey milk come from?
From European farms where it is hand-milked. The milk is then tested in Germany.
Which days is it shipped?
We ship frozen on Mondays and Wednesdays.
How do I store the milk after delivery?
Place it directly in the freezer at −18 °C. To thaw it, place it slowly in the refrigerator (2–7 °C). Follow the information on the label.
Why is donkey milk more expensive than cow's milk?
A donkey gives only about 1 to 2 liters of milk per day in addition to its foal, and it is hand-milked. These small quantities and the manual labor determine the price.
Is donkey milk also available as a powder?
Yes. Our donkey milk powder is freeze-dried. 10 g of powder and 90 ml of water yield approximately 100 ml. Please follow the information on the label for storage and preparation.
