Part of the self-initiated responsibility that I have gladly taken on with Tasty Yummies and now as I move towards my Nutritional Therapy Practice, is to not only read about and research how traditional whole foods can play a role in our healthy lifestyles and healing journeys, but to also keep my ear to the ground about new (or new to me) nutrient-dense alternative foods. I especially am drawn to foods that are more under the radar, that may be of benefit to my readers and their health.

I know that with this community we have created together here, we have a wide array or food allergies and intolerances and unique health concerns, so whenever I come across a food that may be of benefit to the community, I get really excited. Like little-kid-on-Christmas-morning stoked!

This particular discovery was one that I had heard about, long before I had the opportunity to sample it for myself. Camel milk. Yes, you heard me correctly, milk from a camel. Now, before you shy away I think it’s important to learn what makes this 100% wholesome, raw and natural milk an amazing alternative to cow’s milk.

Nutrition

For centuries, man has subsisted on raw camel milk – and this wisdom must be passed on! Unlike the homogenized, de-fatted and pasteurized cow’s milk you’ll find at the store, that is devoid of almost all of the beneficial vitamins and minerals naturally found, Desert Farms Camel Milk is raw, non-homogenized, it contains no hormones, preservatives or additives and the milk comes from camels that are pasture raised, 100% grass-fed on non-gmo feed and they are grain-free.

Desert Farms Camel Milk is a excellent source of calcium, and it provides over 70% of our suggested daily value of Vitamin B1. It’s a good source of protein, potassium and phosphorus, as well. Camel milk is easier to digest than cow’s milk and the calcium found in camel milk is far more absorbable than that which is found in other milks. Camel milk can also be used as a supplement to mother’s milk, as it is the closest substitute to human mother milk.  Many studies have also found that autistic children may greatly benefit from regular consumption of camel milk. Some researchers think the value of camel milk is to be found in the high concentrations of volatile acids and, especially, linoleic acid and the polyunsaturated acids, which are essential for human nutrition. A majority of customers that are consuming Desert Farms Camel Milk are from the autistic community, followed by diabetic consumers and other health-conscious individuals seeking a wholesome dairy alternative to cow’s milk (Paleo, gluten-free, raw foods, lactose free, etc.) Read even more of the amazing science and research on camel milk, here.

What Does Desert Farms Camel Milk Taste Like?

Camel milk tastes just like milk. It’s light, a little sweet, creamy and very fresh and clean.

Why Raw?

Unrefined, non-homogenized  untreated raw milk of any kind, retains the natural nutrients and some nutritional and enzymatic structures in the milk are so much more powerful in their raw state. Heat denatures foods, including milk, making it difficult for our bodies to absorb the benefits at their full potential. While Desert Farms Camel Milk is raw and non-homogenized, you can take comfort in knowing that the farms conduct regular lab testing for bacteria and pathogens before packaging. Each bottle is milked, bottled and packaged at the farm to ensure the delicate camel milk is not exposed to contamination. Read more about the process and why raw milk is better.

The Camels

The Desert Farms camels are found on small farms, mostly in the mid-west and most of the farms only have 2 to 20 camels. The ratio of cows to camels in the US is 18,000 to 1. That means there are 18,000 cows to every single camel in the US. They camels all raised on pasture with room to roam and then are milked using a closed system to prevent contamination.

Cantaloupe Creamsicle Smoothie

In creating a smoothie recipe for the folks at Desert Farms, using their camel milk, I wanted to feature it in a way that really allow the milk stand out and the star of the show. I didn’t want to bury it amongst a dozen fruits and a pile of greens, where the flavor could be overpowered. This Cantaloupe Creamsicle Smoothie highlights the inherent rich, sweet, creaminess of the camel milk complimented by fresh flecks of vanilla bean, a subtle, soft sweetness from the melon and the banana and it’s kissed with a hint of bright, fresh citrus from the orange.

This smoothie tastes just like the creamsicles we grew up eating, but instead we replace the sugar, artificial flavors, colors and who knows what else and we replace it with fresh, nutrient-dense whole foods. A great breakfast, a tasty snack or best yet, a naturally sweetened, real food dessert drink.

* Receive 20% off and free in-home delivery on your first order. Use coupon code “TASTY20” (expires Aug 6, 2016)

[print_this]Cantaloupe Creamsicle Smoothie
{gluten-free, vegetarian with paleo and vegan options}

serves 1-2

• 1 cup Desert Farms Camel Milk, ice cold (or other dairy or non-dairy milk of your choice)
• 1 cup fresh cantaloupe, diced into 1-inch chunks and frozen
• 1 banana, cut into chunks and frozen
• 1 whole vanilla bean (or 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste)
• 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup)
• zest and juice from 1 orange
• ice, as needed/desired

Instructions:

Add all of the ingredients to your high speed blender. Process until smooth and creamy. Adjust sweetener, as necessary.

RECIPE NOTES:

If you cannot consume dairy, sub in your favorite non-dairy milk.

If you do not have a high speed blender, rather than the whole vanilla bean, opt for vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract

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This post is for educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.

This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Desert Farms All content, ideas and words are my own. Thanks for supporting the sponsors that allow me to create new and special content like this for Tasty Yummies.