Milk Shop
Nothing signals summer more loudly than packing the group in the car and taking a trip to the ice cream shop. And we are living in good times; the selection of artisanal ice creameries in the United States has increased by leaps and bounds at more than 35 percent over the past 10 years.
Here we break down the various milk-based ice creams available:
Cow’s Milk, a natural source of calcium, potassium and vitamin D, is the most widely used milk in ice cream. Studies have linked cow’s milk to increasing bone health, lowering blood pressure and reducing the risks of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes in adults. Cow’s milk ice cream can be found in various forms at grocery stores to meet the consistency preferences of the consumer. Due to its widespread availability, the cost per pint is more affordable than most other options. For a cow’s milk ice cream fix, visit McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams at 868 Monterey Street in San Luis Obispo.
The chemical composition of Goat’s Milk is likened to that of human’s milk, with the size of the fat molecules being smaller than those of cows. This increases bioavailability, making it easier to digest and assimilate in the human body. For those who have digestion or absorption limitations, this ice cream is a popular option. In its raw, organic form, the taste of goat’s milk is similar to that of cow’s milk with a slightly sweeter aftertaste.
Sheep’s Milk is less common due to sheep only producing about a half-gallon of milk a day. But luckily for us, we have the only 100 percent sheep’s milk creamery in the country, right here on the Central Coast — Negranti Creamery, in the industrial market of Tin City. Similar to goat’s milk, sheep’s milk is naturally homogenized, so fat molecules are smaller and stay suspended in the milk, allowing for easier digestion among the lactose intolerant. The big difference? Sheep’s milk has a much milder flavor than goat’s milk. It is naturally sweet and creamy, only 8 percent fat (half the fat of cow’s milk ice cream and gelato), high in protein, vitamins and minerals and gluten free. Visit Negranti Creamery at 2989 Limestone Way in Paso Robles.
