Here in America, goat's milk is rather unusual as compared to cow's milk; but in most of the world, just the opposite is true. If you're one of the many who hasn't tried good quality goat's milk, you might be in for a taste surprise. It is slightly sweet and maybe slightly salty.
To take care of its quality, be sure to keep goat's milk refrigerated as it can otherwise sour very quickly. Always close its container or it will take on the taste of othrs foods in the refrigerator.
Nutritionally, goat's milk is very similar to cow's milk in protein, phosphorous, calcium, riboflavin, biotin, and some pantothenic acid. A 3-1/2 ounce serving of goat's milk contains 69 calories, 3.6 g of protein, 11 g of cholesterol, 4.1 g of fat, and 4.5 g of carbohydrate sugars. A 3-1/2 oz serving of goat's milk cheese provides 364 calories, 21.6 g of protein, 79 g of cholesterol, 29.8 g of fat, and 2.5 g of carbohydrate.
While goat's milk is alkaline, cow's milk is acidic. Goat milk is lower in cholesterol and higher in calcium, phosphorus and vitamins A.
An inability to tolerate cow's milk is associated with many problems such as hives, headaches, shortness of breath, asthma, eczema, and rheumatoid arthritis. It has been shown that those with an allergy to cow's milk often do not have any problem with goat's milk. (Note, this is even more so true with camel's milk.) Since goat's milk contains many of the same nutrients as cow's milk, it may be a fine replacement for older children and adults.
However, goat's milk is lacking in several nutrients that are necessary for growing infants and, if used in place of cow's milk, must be supplemented through advice of a pediatrician or other qualified health care practitioner.
Value throughout History
Goats are perhaps the first animal to be domesticated. Many historians believe goats first came down from the ancient mountains of current-day Iran.
The ancient Greeks and Romans found the dairy products offered by goats important to their culture. Legend stories that the infant god Zeus was raised on the milk of the goat-nymph Amalthaea.
Pharaohs of Egypt revered the milk and cheese of goats, including the food items to be placed among other treasures with them in bural chambers.
Because of their great value, goats were at one time traded for silver. Other sources showing the great worth of the goat can be found in ancient verses:
- “And thou shalt have goats' milk enough for thy food, for the food of thy household, and for the maintenance for thy maidens.” Proverbs 27:27
- “There is no house possessing a goat but a blessing abideth wherein.” Mohammedan saying
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