Ownership:
Privately held. Owned by Albert Straus
Sourcing:
Farm is located in Marshall, CA (where the cows live) Creamery is located in Marshall, CA (where we make all the products ourselves in our own facility.
Inspiration:
Our Moo-nifesto
We believe Organics is a philosophy—not an industry, marketing slogan or a seal on a package.
We are committed to the true spirit and intention of the organic movement-and have been since we started the first organic dairy (west of the Mississippi) in Northern California in 1994.
We abide by the highest organic standards and apply the most sustainable practices to all aspects of our dairy and artisan creamery.
We are a new generation of family farmer. We are equal parts environmentalist, inventor, cow care-giver, passionate organic advocate, producer, farmer and foodie.
We’ll always have one boot rooted in the legacy of our family’s pioneering work as environmentalists and advocates for local family farmers.
We believe our holistic model of farming and production is a really big idea— it keeps us intimately connected and attuned to everything we do—from the field, to the bottle, to our artisan creamery.
We believe local should be the new global—it’s an important concept that's finally come full circle.
We love that chefs and foodies love and use our products—it validates our belief that common sense farming practices produce uncommonly great tasting food.
We are cow people. We appreciate, respect and yes, have great affection for them. They provide the single most important ingredient in all of our products—our signature Straus Milk. What we feed them and how they live is what makes our fresh products so unique and taste great. And since we are what we eat, caring for our cows is like caring for ourselves.
Our actions and products will always speak louder than our words. We like to walk softly but carry a big pint of the best tasting ice cream.
We believe in transparency. We’ll honestly answer any question you may have—especially the hard ones—about our facilities, practices, products and cows. No bull.
Profit will never be the first reason for to us make any decisions. But, the welfare of our cows, the health of the land, the quality of our relationships with our community and the taste of our products always will be.
Cream-Top Whole Milk
All of our milk products are pasteurized at 170F degrees for a total of 19 seconds, about the same temperature as a nice toasty cup of hot chocolate. Unlike most organic milk, you'll really taste the true flavor of our cow's diet. Our grasses tend to be sweeter because of the salty ocean air out here in northern Marin. First thing you'll notice when you pop the top of our milk is the beautiful aroma. But, please don't be afraid, milk is supposed to have an aroma and a distinct taste!!
Cream-Top Whole Milk
All of our milk products are pasteurized at 170F degrees for a total of 19 seconds, about the same temperature as a nice toasty cup of hot chocolate. Unlike most organic milk, you'll really taste the true flavor of our cow's diet. Our grasses tend to be sweeter because of the salty ocean air out here in northern Marin. First thing you'll notice when you pop the top of our milk is the beautiful aroma. But, please don't be afraid, milk is supposed to have an aroma and a distinct taste!!
Cream-Top Whole Milk
All of our milk products are pasteurized at 170F degrees for a total of 19 seconds, about the same temperature as a nice toasty cup of hot chocolate. Unlike most organic milk, you'll really taste the true flavor of our cow's diet. Our grasses tend to be sweeter because of the salty ocean air out here in northern Marin. First thing you'll notice when you pop the top of our milk is the beautiful aroma. But, please don't be afraid, milk is supposed to have an aroma and a distinct taste!!
Cream-Top Reduced Fat 2% Milk 1 Tasting Notes, 1 by Experts
All of our milk products are pasteurized at 170F degrees for a total of 19 seconds, about the same temperature as a nice toasty cup of hot chocolate. Unlike most organic milk, you'll really taste the true flavor of our cow's diet. Our grasses tend to be sweeter because of the salty ocean air out here in northern Marin. First thing you'll notice when you pop the top of our milk is the beautiful aroma. But, please don't be afraid, milk is supposed to have an aroma and a distinct taste!!
Cream-Top Reduced Fat 2% Milk 1 Tasting Notes, 1 by Experts
All of our milk products are pasteurized at 170F degrees for a total of 19 seconds, about the same temperature as a nice toasty cup of hot chocolate. Unlike most organic milk, you'll really taste the true flavor of our cow's diet. Our grasses tend to be sweeter because of the salty ocean air out here in northern Marin. First thing you'll notice when you pop the top of our milk is the beautiful aroma. But, please don't be afraid, milk is supposed to have an aroma and a distinct taste!!
Cream-Top Reduced Fat 2% Milk 1 Tasting Notes, 1 by Experts
All of our milk products are pasteurized at 170F degrees for a total of 19 seconds, about the same temperature as a nice toasty cup of hot chocolate. Unlike most organic milk, you'll really taste the true flavor of our cow's diet. Our grasses tend to be sweeter because of the salty ocean air out here in northern Marin. First thing you'll notice when you pop the top of our milk is the beautiful aroma. But, please don't be afraid, milk is supposed to have an aroma and a distinct taste!!
Cream-Top Lowfat 1% Milk
All of our milk products are pasteurized at 170F degrees for a total of 19 seconds, about the same temperature as a nice toasty cup of hot chocolate. Unlike most organic milk, you'll really taste the true flavor of our cow's diet. Our grasses tend to be sweeter because of the salty ocean air out here in northern Marin. First thing you'll notice when you pop the top of our milk is the beautiful aroma. But, please don't be afraid, milk is supposed to have an aroma and a distinct taste!!
Cream-Top Lowfat 1% Milk
All of our milk products are pasteurized at 170F degrees for a total of 19 seconds, about the same temperature as a nice toasty cup of hot chocolate. Unlike most organic milk, you'll really taste the true flavor of our cow's diet. Our grasses tend to be sweeter because of the salty ocean air out here in northern Marin. First thing you'll notice when you pop the top of our milk is the beautiful aroma. But, please don't be afraid, milk is supposed to have an aroma and a distinct taste!!
Cream-Top Lowfat 1% Milk
All of our milk products are pasteurized at 170F degrees for a total of 19 seconds, about the same temperature as a nice toasty cup of hot chocolate. Unlike most organic milk, you'll really taste the true flavor of our cow's diet. Our grasses tend to be sweeter because of the salty ocean air out here in northern Marin. First thing you'll notice when you pop the top of our milk is the beautiful aroma. But, please don't be afraid, milk is supposed to have an aroma and a distinct taste!!
Cream-Top Lowfat 1% Milk
All of our milk products are pasteurized at 170F degrees for a total of 19 seconds, about the same temperature as a nice toasty cup of hot chocolate. Unlike most organic milk, you'll really taste the true flavor of our cow's diet. Our grasses tend to be sweeter because of the salty ocean air out here in northern Marin. First thing you'll notice when you pop the top of our milk is the beautiful aroma. But, please don't be afraid, milk is supposed to have an aroma and a distinct taste!!
Nonfat Milk
All of our milk products are pasteurized at 170F degrees for a total of 19 seconds, about the same temperature as a nice toasty cup of hot chocolate. Unlike most organic milk, you'll really taste the true flavor of our cow's diet. Our grasses tend to be sweeter because of the salty ocean air out here in northern Marin. First thing you'll notice when you pop the top of our milk is the beautiful aroma. But, please don't be afraid, milk is supposed to have an aroma and a distinct taste!!
Nonfat Milk
All of our milk products are pasteurized at 170F degrees for a total of 19 seconds, about the same temperature as a nice toasty cup of hot chocolate. Unlike most organic milk, you'll really taste the true flavor of our cow's diet. Our grasses tend to be sweeter because of the salty ocean air out here in northern Marin. First thing you'll notice when you pop the top of our milk is the beautiful aroma. But, please don't be afraid, milk is supposed to have an aroma and a distinct taste!!
Nonfat Milk
All of our milk products are pasteurized at 170F degrees for a total of 19 seconds, about the same temperature as a nice toasty cup of hot chocolate. Unlike most organic milk, you'll really taste the true flavor of our cow's diet. Our grasses tend to be sweeter because of the salty ocean air out here in northern Marin. First thing you'll notice when you pop the top of our milk is the beautiful aroma. But, please don't be afraid, milk is supposed to have an aroma and a distinct taste!!
Nonfat Milk
All of our milk products are pasteurized at 170F degrees for a total of 19 seconds, about the same temperature as a nice toasty cup of hot chocolate. Unlike most organic milk, you'll really taste the true flavor of our cow's diet. Our grasses tend to be sweeter because of the salty ocean air out here in northern Marin. First thing you'll notice when you pop the top of our milk is the beautiful aroma. But, please don't be afraid, milk is supposed to have an aroma and a distinct taste!!
Vanilla Bean Ice Cream 3 Tasting Notes, 0 by Experts
Just cream, milk, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract with flecks of real vanilla bean. Tastes like fresh churned ice cream you'd make at home. No kidding! No gums, no colorings, no gluten. Super delicious. Ingredients: Organic cream, organic nonfat milk, organic sugar, organic egg yolk, organic vanilla extract, organic vanilla bean.
Vanilla Bean Ice Cream 3 Tasting Notes, 0 by Experts
Just cream, milk, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract with flecks of real vanilla bean. Tastes like fresh churned ice cream you'd make at home. No kidding! No gums, no colorings, no gluten. Super delicious. Ingredients: Organic cream, organic nonfat milk, organic sugar, organic egg yolk, organic vanilla extract, organic vanilla bean.
Vanilla Bean Ice Cream 3 Tasting Notes, 0 by Experts
Just cream, milk, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract with flecks of real vanilla bean. Tastes like fresh churned ice cream you'd make at home. No kidding! No gums, no colorings, no gluten. Super delicious. Ingredients: Organic cream, organic nonfat milk, organic sugar, organic egg yolk, organic vanilla extract, organic vanilla bean.
Maple Whole/Nonfat Yogurt 2 Tasting Notes, 1 by Experts
This is the yogurt hater's favorite. That's right, even people who don't like yogurt love this one!! It's more like a creamy, delectable pudding with a cream top finish. Better yet, it's so good for you! Made with real organic maple syrup so it's really, really yummy. Ingredients: Pasteurized organic whole milk, organic evaporated cane juice, organic maple syrup, organic maple extract and living yogurt cultures: L. acidophilus, L. bulgaricus, S. thermophilus and bifidus.
Maple Whole/Nonfat Yogurt 2 Tasting Notes, 1 by Experts
This is the yogurt hater's favorite. That's right, even people who don't like yogurt love this one!! It's more like a creamy, delectable pudding with a cream top finish. Better yet, it's so good for you! Made with real organic maple syrup so it's really, really yummy. Ingredients: Pasteurized organic whole milk, organic evaporated cane juice, organic maple syrup, organic maple extract and living yogurt cultures: L. acidophilus, L. bulgaricus, S. thermophilus and bifidus.
Maple Whole/Nonfat Yogurt 2 Tasting Notes, 1 by Experts
This is the yogurt hater's favorite. That's right, even people who don't like yogurt love this one!! It's more like a creamy, delectable pudding with a cream top finish. Better yet, it's so good for you! Made with real organic maple syrup so it's really, really yummy. Ingredients: Pasteurized organic whole milk, organic evaporated cane juice, organic maple syrup, organic maple extract and living yogurt cultures: L. acidophilus, L. bulgaricus, S. thermophilus and bifidus.
Have a question for us?
What is Pasteurization? Milk Pasteurization is the process of heating raw milk for a specific time and temperature. There are two basic methods: high-temperature short-time (HTST) – kind of like a cup of hot cocoa - or ultra pasteurized (UP) – kind of like steamed milk for a frothy latte. No matter which method you choose, pasteurization greatly reduces the possibility of food-borne illness. By state law, the vast majority of dairy products sold in the United States are pasteurized. Most non-organic milk is pasteurized using the HTST (high temperature short time) method, followed by immediate cooling. At Straus Family Creamery, we keep close to the minimum - 170 degrees for 19 seconds, about the temperature of a cup of nice toasty hot chocolate. This method produces milk with a shelf life of 14-17 days. We want the benefits of pasteurization while still keeping our milk tasting as fresh as possible. A second method, used by most organic dairies, is Ultra Pasteurization, in which the milk has been heated to a minimum of 280 degrees F. for two seconds and then immediately chilled. That’s more like steamed milk. This method typically yields a shelf life of around 60 days. Once opened and refrigerated, and if all storage and handling conditions are equal, all milk retains its freshness for the same length of time, about 7-10 days. You will notice a fresher, uncooked flavor with milk that is either pasteurized at a lower temperature. Many people comment that our milk tastes fresh from the farm. Try it and see what you think.
When a cow gives milk, it’s actually producing two things. Nonfat milk and cream. Left to sit, the cream will naturally rise to the top. Homogenization, introduced in 1932, breaks apart fat molecules under high pressure, leaving the fat suspended and evenly dispersed throughout the milk. It is a process which does not contribute any nutritional benefit.
On some dairies, the GMO used is the Bovine Growth Hormone (also known as rBGH or rBST) which is injected into milking cows. This hormone was created to increase the amount of milk that a cow will give. We have concerns about how this affects the cow. Increasing milk production to such an extent produces more stress and the cow is much more likely to become ill. There is also concern as released by the Scientific Committee of the European Union on Veterinary Measures relating to Public Health that rBGH shows a possible increase in IGF-I levels in milk and may be associated to an increased risk of breast and prostate cancer, though they suggest more research and evaluation is needed. There is a reason for the protests and consumers should be made aware of the issues.
The United States is one of the very few countries that is allowing GMOs to proliferate. Around the world, people and governments are protesting. U.S. trade wars with Europe and Japan are centered on their resistance to purchase GMO crops from the U.S. European grocery stores are banning them from the shelves. Austria has become the first country to declare itself GMO free.
Milk is a highly perishable product. Under optimum conditions, normally pasteurized milk can last 3 weeks. Ultra pasteurized can last up to 6 weeks (we don't use this method because we think it ruins the flavor of the milk - learn more by clicking here...). To give you an idea of how quickly milk lose its shelf life, when stored at 45 degrees it will last 8 days; at 50 degrees it will last only 4 days; at 70 degrees it will last a mere 12 hours. Egad! That's quick. What to do?
Raw milk is not pasteurized or homogenized. It's basically milk directly from the cow. We do not sell or produce raw milk. Legally, you can't produce both pasteurized and raw milk in the same facility. You have to choose to produce one or the other.
By state law, the vast majority of dairy products sold in the United States are pasteurized. However, there are still a couple of dairies that supply raw milk. At Straus we pasteurize our milk, but do not homogenize it.
Pasteurization greatly reduces the possibility of food-borne illness. We want the benefits of pasteurization while still keeping our milk tasting as fresh as possible.
Straus Family Creamery
1105 Industrial Avenue, Suite 200
Petaluma,
CA
94952
Tel 707.776.2887
