Raw Milk Cheese — Find Artisan Raw Cheese Near You
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Raw milk cheese retains the complex flavors and beneficial enzymes that pasteurization destroys. From aged cheddar to fresh mozzarella, raw milk cheeses are prized by cheese lovers worldwide for their depth of flavor and artisan character.
Types of Raw Milk Cheese
- Aged cheeses (60+ days) — Cheddar, Gruyere, Gouda, Parmesan, Manchego, Pecorino Romano. Widely available in stores and cheese shops.
- Fresh raw milk cheese — Mozzarella, ricotta, queso fresco. Available at farms in raw-milk-legal states.
- Artisan/farmstead — Small-batch cheeses made on the farm where the milk is produced.
- Sheep milk cheese — Roquefort, Manchego, Pecorino. Made from raw sheep milk.
- Goat milk cheese — Chevre, crottin, bucheron. Made from raw goat milk.
- Buffalo mozzarella — The authentic mozzarella di bufala, made from water buffalo milk.
Where to Buy Raw Milk Cheese
Aged raw milk cheese (60+ days) is available at most specialty cheese shops, Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, and online retailers. Fresh raw milk cheese is available directly from farms and at farmers markets in states where raw milk sales are legal.
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Raw Milk Cheese Safety
The FDA's 60-day aging rule was established because the natural acidification and salt content of aged cheese creates an environment hostile to harmful bacteria. Raw milk cheeses aged 60+ days have an excellent safety record. Fresh raw milk cheeses carry the same considerations as raw milk itself — source from trusted producers with clean handling practices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is raw milk cheese safe?
The FDA requires raw milk cheese sold commercially to be aged at least 60 days, which allows natural acids and salt to reduce harmful bacteria. Many award-winning cheeses worldwide are made from raw milk. Fresh (unaged) raw milk cheese is available directly from farms in states where raw milk sales are legal.
Where can I buy raw milk cheese?
Raw milk cheese is available at specialty cheese shops, farmers markets, natural food stores (including Trader Joe's and Whole Foods), and directly from artisan cheese makers. Many famous European-style cheeses are made from raw milk.
What is the 60-day rule for raw milk cheese?
The FDA requires that cheese made from unpasteurized milk must be aged for a minimum of 60 days at a temperature of at least 35°F before it can be sold. This rule applies to commercial sales — cheese purchased directly from a farm may not be subject to this rule depending on state law.
Does Trader Joe's sell raw milk cheese?
Yes, Trader Joe's carries several raw milk cheeses including raw milk cheddar, Gruyere, and seasonal specialty cheeses. Look for "raw milk" or "unpasteurized" on the label. Selection varies by location.
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