Trying donkey milk for the first time: How to make a smooth start

Contents

1. Before you start: What to expect from the first...
2. The right amount to start with
3. Your first glass: step by step
4. Pure, in coffee or in muesli: three ways to...
5. Fresh or powder: what you can start with
6. Typical mistakes when trying for the first time
7. Frequently asked questions

You want to try donkey milk for the first time and are wondering how best to start? The easiest way to get started is with a small amount, well chilled and straight from the glass. This way you will get to know its mild, slightly sweet base flavor before using it in coffee, muesli or desserts. In this post, we will show you step by step how to prepare your first glass and what to look out for.

Before you start: What to expect from the first sip

Many expect a strong or unusual taste. Usually, the opposite is true: donkey milk is often described as mild and slightly sweet. It is thinner than whole cow's milk because it contains significantly less fat, with usually less than 1 g of fat per 100 ml. The sweetness comes from the milk sugar. Donkey milk contains about 6–7 g of lactose per 100 ml, which is more than cow's milk (around 4.7 g).

If you would like to know more about where the sweetness and consistency come from, you can find the background in our post What does donkey milk taste like?. Here it is all about the practical side: your first glass.

The right amount to start with

A small amount is enough for a first impression. A small glass with about 50–100 ml is sufficient to get to know the taste and mouthfeel. This way, there will be enough left to also test the milk in a drink or recipe afterwards.

Anyone who wants to compare different products can start with a set. In the gourmet tasting set, you will get to know several donkey milk specialties without having to commit to a large quantity right away.

Your first glass: step by step

1. Thaw in time: Place the frozen bottle in the refrigerator the day before and let it thaw slowly at 2–7 °C. You can find detailed instructions under Thawing donkey milk.
2. Swirl gently: After thawing, some ingredients may settle slightly. Swirl the bottle carefully instead of shaking it vigorously.
3. Serve chilled: Pour the milk directly from the refrigerator into a clean glass. Chilled, it tastes fresh and light.
4. Look and smell first: Pay attention to the color and aroma. Donkey milk is white and has a subtle milky scent.
5. Take a small sip, wait briefly: Take a small sip and let it sit in your mouth for a moment. Pay attention to when you notice the sweetness and how quickly the taste fades.
6. Store the rest chilled: Close the bottle and put it back in the refrigerator. Please follow the instructions on the label.

Pure, in coffee or in muesli: three ways to get to know it

Once you have experienced the pure taste, it is worth a second test in everyday life. Three simple options are suitable for getting started:

• Pure and chilled: The direct way to experience the original taste. Ideal for a first impression.
• In coffee: A splash of donkey milk makes the coffee slightly milder. Because it contains little fat, the foam becomes lighter than with whole milk. Find out more in Donkey milk in coffee.
• In muesli or porridge: The slight sweetness pairs well with oats, berries and nuts. Often, you will then need less additional sweetness.

You can find more ideas in our everyday recipes with donkey milk.

Fresh or powder: what you can start with

For a first impression of the original taste, frozen donkey milk is suitable. If you have no space in the freezer or want to remain flexible, freeze-dried donkey milk powder is an alternative. 10 g of powder and 90 ml of water yield approximately 100 ml. Stir the powder into cold or lukewarm water and let it soak briefly. The taste is also mild, but may taste slightly different depending on the mixing ratio compared to liquid milk.

Typical mistakes when trying for the first time

• Thawing too quickly: Warm water or the microwave are not a good idea. Slow thawing in the refrigerator is the gentlest way.
• Cow's milk expectations: Anyone expecting creamy whole milk will be surprised by the light consistency. Try donkey milk as its own product, not as a copy.
• Thawing too much at once: Only thaw as much as you want to use in the next few days. Store the rest frozen at −18 °C.
• Mixing directly with strong aromas: In a strong smoothie, the subtle taste gets lost. Try it pure first.

Frequently asked questions

How much donkey milk should I thaw for the first tasting?

For getting started, a small bottle or a portion of it is sufficient. Only thaw as much as you want to use in the next few days, and follow the instructions on the label.

Should I try donkey milk warm or cold?

For a first impression, we recommend it well chilled. Then it tastes fresh and light. Later, you can try how it tastes to you in coffee or porridge.

Is donkey milk lactose-free?

No. Donkey milk contains about 6–7 g of lactose per 100 ml, and thus more than cow's milk. Anyone who has lactose intolerance or a milk protein allergy should please clarify this with a doctor beforehand.

What do I start with if I want to test several products?

A tasting set is a good start. With it, you will get to know different donkey milk products and find out what tastes best to you.