Donkey’s milk has been in use for thousands of years. It has become popular again as it is appealing to both adventurous foodies and those who aim to eat natural foods with health benefits.
History
Donkey’s milk has a long history of medicinal and cosmetic uses. Hippocrates used donkey’s milk for the treatment of arthritis, coughs, and wounds. Cleopatra maintained soft, smooth skin from donkey milk. It has antimicrobial properties and is used for treatments of infections in various parts of the world.
Nutrition
Donkey’s milk is rich in vitamins and minerals along with protein. It is low in fat and rich in vitamin D. 100ml of this milk gives 49 calories and has about 2g protein, 6g carbohydrates, 2g fats, and 23% daily value (DV) of vitamin D. It contains whey protein which has antimicrobial properties.
Donkey Milk Is Good For Infants With Gastric Problems
- A. True
- B. False
Benefits
Donkey’s milk is found to be allergen-friendly and immune-boosting. Casein in milk is known to cause an allergic response in some people. Cow’s milk has five times more casein than whey protein in it. At the same time, donkey’s milk has a casein amount equal to that of whey protein present in it. As it contains significant lower casein content, it doesn’t cause an allergic response. It is a plus for people allergic to cow’s milk.
It promotes cytokines, proteins that stimulate the immune system. It causes cells to produce nitric oxide, which dilates blood vessels, thereby reducing blood pressure. It is used in many skin moisturizers and soaps. It has some proteins, which are antioxidants.
Why Is Donkey Milk Costly?
Donkey farming is becoming popular. However, most farms contain small 5 to 30 milking jennies. Each produces only 1 liter of milk per day, and so it is considered a specialty item. Both the number of donkey dairy farms is limited, so it is expensive to produce and sell. Along with its low casein content, it makes it expensive and difficult for cheese making.
Pule Cheese
Pule cheese is a Serbian cheese made from 60% Balkan donkey milk, 40% goat’s milk, and the most expensive cheese from Balkan donkeys. Pule cheese is not only expensive but also extremely rare. 25 liters of donkey’s milk can yield only 1 kg of white and crumbly smoked cheese. It takes more time and effort.
Zasavica donkey sanctuary seeks to support the preservation of animals by selling pule cheese at $1700 a kilogram; one of the reasons why pule cheese is expensive. Pule cheese is made from Balkan donkey’s milk and is made in Serbia. There are no donkey milking machines, and all milking is done by hand 3 times a day. Slobodan Simic is the world’s only producer of pule cheese.