We only make organic dairy products.
When you grow up on a dairy farm you never really leave the land. It becomes part of you.
With such a close connection to the air, earth and water you begin to realize the impact of your farming decisions. When Bill Straus started the dairy in 1941 it was a time of global conflict and scarcity. People had to make do with what they had, which meant farming with your head, heart and hands. Fast forward a couple of decades and economic prosperity heralded in new techniques to increase milk production, crop yields and farm output. However, all of those improvements came with an environmental price -- one that we're all just beginning to realize.
In the late 70s the Straus dairy stopped using synthetic pesticides and herbicides. The use of chemical fertilizers ended in the early 80s.In fact, we are the only California milk producer that runs both an organic dairy and an organic creamery. Our cows are fed a diet of pasture grasses and 100% organically grown feeds. Organic cows are never treated with hormones, including the growth hormones rBST and rBGH, or antibiotics. When necessary our cows are treated with homeopathic remedies or aspirin. All of our products are certified kosher.
Straus Family Creamery has a passion for freshness.
Our processing practices are all about preserving the goodness and the fresh taste and aroma of our organic milk. Many other organic milk brands use ultra-pasteurization. Ultra-pasteurization is pasteurization at 280 degrees for 2 seconds, extending shelf life. We feel temperatures this high substantially change the character and flavor of milk. We like to taste the sweet grasses and fresh ocean breezes in our milk. That's why all of our products are made from milk that has been pasteurized at 170 degrees for 19 seconds. This process keeps the natural flavors of the milk intact while killing harmful bacteria. You’ll taste the difference after just one sip!