the dairy dilemma

Leaving butter out on the counter? Buying and drinking raw milk? The controversies surrounding dairy products are high and mighty. Personally, I am open to both of these dairy storage and use options. Although my household has always drunk pasteurized milk and stored our butter in the fridge, the more people I talk to, the more contrasting households occur. 

The Food and Drug Administration says that it is safe to leave butter out on the counter. And it makes sense. Like everything, leaving food out for a long period of time can result in it spoiling. But, having a soft butter accessible for all your bread and spreading needs is not a bad thing. Most reviewers do still keep some butter in their fridge however, for baking or cooking use. 

Raw milk is highly sought after for families who have an organic nutritional focus. It is believed to have extra nutrients. The Food and Drug Administration does not agree that this is safe. Without pasteurization, raw milk can contain harmful bacteria that is dangerous in particular to children or pregnant women. Pasteurization has been proven to reduce illnesses drawn by raw milk. Many people claim that the health benefits of raw milk are greater, but there has been no proof that raw milk is any healthier than pasteurized. Raw milk is still available to purchase in half the states. This presents the theory that it is safe, because if not it wouldn’t be available. 

Doing your research and developing your own opinion is the best way to go about this dairy dilemma. Risk versus reward should be taken into account. Trying these things yourself is also a great tactic.

“Raw Milk: Are There Health Benefits? Pros and Cons, Nutrition Information, and More.” WebMD, www.webmd.com/diet/raw-milk-health-benefits. Accessed 06 Sept. 2024.

Kinsman, Kat. “Do You Refrigerate Your Butter or Leave It on the Counter?” Food & Wine, 28 Oct. 2022, www.foodandwine.com/do-you-refrigerate-your-butter-or-leave-it-out-6822792. Accessed 06 Sept. 2024.