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Fun facts and recipes for National Dairy Month

What month is national dairy month?

June is the official month for National Dairy Month. We've put together some interesting statistics, facts and delicious recipes to celebrate National Dairy Month.

Did you know…

• According to a study, eating cheese after a meal can help prevent tooth decay.
• Eating just 2 slices of cheese a day can help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes by 12%.
• Milk has long been called “nature’s most nearly perfect food.” It contains a long list of essential vitamins, minerals, fats, sugars and proteins, for maintaining health.
• Fresh milk will stay fresher longer if you add a pinch of salt to each quart.
• Dairy cows produce more milk when listening to REM's 'Everybody Hurts', Simon & Garfunkel’s ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’, or Lou Reed’s ‘Perfect Day’.
• Cows can smell something up to 6 miles away!
• Cows can munch their way through 70 kilos of grass and drink more than 70 litres of water a day
• Low-fat chocolate milk is often used as a source of protein for athletes! With calcium, electrolytes, vitamin A, potassium, vitamin B and more.

How to celebrate dairy month, dairy free

Whether you’re lactose intolerant, vegan or just dairy free, it doesn’t mean you have to miss out on National Dairy Month. The world has been blessed with excellent dairy free milks, cheeses and other creamy products, some of which actually have great health benefits too!

Did you know…

• Oat milk has less of an environmental impact to grow and manufacture than regular, or other dairy free milks
• Soy milk is a great source of Vitamin A, B-12 and potassium
• Soy milk contains as much protein as cow’s milk, yet equals less calories
• Rice milk is the least allergenic of milk alternatives and is naturally sweet
• Coconut milk can actually promote weight loss, despite the fat content

The health benefits of dairy

Eating dairy helps with sleeplessness

For those suffering from symptoms of insomnia, drinking a glass of milk before bed can help aid in getting a good night’s sleep and alertness the next day.

Have dairy with a spicy meal to lower the heat

Drinking milk after a spicy meal, or combining spicy foods with some yoghurt can help cut the heat.

Bone health

The high calcium content of milk is believed to be responsible for encouraging higher bone density in people who consume milk.

Dairy can help with weight loss

According to a review published in the European Journal of Nutrition in 2013, people who ate full-fat dairy tended to be leaner than those who had low-fat dairy. A 2016 study by the American Society for Nutrition also found that consuming full-fat dairy, but not low-fat dairy, was associated with a reduced likelihood of becoming overweight through the years. One reason for this could be dairy fills you up and helps prevent overeating.

Some cheeses have anti-inflammatory properties

According to scientists, some cheeses, like the French blue cheese, Roquefort, might have healthy, anti-inflammatory properties, which can help protect against cardiovascular disease.

Lowers blood pressure

Dairy products have a unique combination of calcium, potassium and magnesium, which research suggests why it may be responsible for reducing high blood pressure, when combined with a healthy diet of fresh vegetables and low-fat foods.

Probiotics

Cultured dairy foods like yoghurt contains probiotics which provide a wide array of health benefits including increasing good gut bacteria, good heart health and lower cholesterol as well as boosting your immune system.

Extra cheesy tips

Some cheeses don’t contain lactose!

During the cheese making process, the sugar found in milk, or lactose, is converted into lactic acid. Therefore, the longer the cheese is left to age, the lower the amount of lactose in the cheese. If you’re lactose intolerant, the harder, drier and more aged cheeses will be the safest to eat, such as Parmesan, cheddar and Swiss.

Younger, fresher cheeses that are high in moisture may still contain a small amount of lactose, as the milk has not been left to ferment completely. People who are lactose intolerant should avoid these styles of cheeses, such as brie, mozzarella and feta.

Lactose is a sugar present in milk, so a quick tip to check the lactose content is to the check the sugar content! Less than one gram should be ok for those who aren’t extremely sensitive.

Keep your cheese from going moldy

Soak a paper towel in white vinegar, wrap it around the cheese and place it in a sealed plastic bag in the fridge. The acid from the vinegar will prevent mold from forming on the cheese.

Trim the mold

If your semihard or hard cheese has grown some blue mould, simply trim a centimeter or two below the mold and it’s good as new!

Save your rind

Did you know you can use the rind of a parmesan cheese in soups, beans and chili to add a delicious flavour. Careful not to eat the rind itself, but give it a go next time you’re cooking up a storm!

Delicious dairy inspired recipes

Let’s support our dairy industry. Below are some simple and delicious dairy recipes you can make at home. Let’s get cooking!

Perfect potato salad: This will impress everyone at your next picnic or BBQ.

Smoothies: Check out these 3 refreshing smoothies – healthy and delicious!

Creamy pea and chicken stew: Cheesy creamy goodness.

Yoghurt pie with grape and black pepper compote: simply divine and sure to impress at your next dinner party.

Cheese and bacon scones: Make a batch and freeze them and bring one to work as an afternoon snack. Top with lashings of butter. Delicious.

Ham and blue cheese tart: Just throw the ingredients together and voila! Leftovers are perfect for lunch the next day.

Bacon and beef pasta bake: An economical and family-friendly recipe.

Parmesan cheese biscuits: Tasty. Crispy. Yum. Great as a snack.

Cookies and cream ice cream: A decadent ice cream for the adults.

Dairy free recipes to try

Chilli choc chia seed pudding: A delicious breakfast treat or dessert

Honeycomb crème brulee: Perfect for the dairy free sweet tooth!

Coconut milk and lemon thyme ice cream: Something a bit decadent

Lamington cupcakes: Dairy free and gluten free! Nobody needs to miss out on dessert

Banana cake and coconut sorbet: Levelled up banana bread

Passionfruit chocolate tart: This one really sells itself

10 tips for incorporating more milk into your day

1. Start your day right – Enjoy a glass of milk in the morning, or have milk with your cereal, oats or coffee
2. It’s perfect as an afternoon snack – it fills you up and is packed full of nutrients. It’s great as a smoothie!
3. Have a glass of milk before going to bed – it will help you fall asleep
4. It's the most hydrating beverage you can drink – research suggests that milk is the best recovery drink post-exercise. It helps refuel the muscles after a workout or other physical activity
5. Add a sprinkle of cheese to your vegetables
6. Have a smoothie bowl for breakfast and add your favourite milk or milk alternative
7. Snack on some cheese and crackers in between meals
8. For a delicious dessert, have some frozen yoghurt with fresh berries
9. Dip fresh vegetable sticks in cottage cheese
10. And the best yet - don’t be shy with the parmesan cheese on top of your pasta!

Support local dairy farmers

Support the Australian dairy industry and the local farmers. Order fresh office milk today to have with your morning coffee and get it delivered straight to your office. We have a national office milk delivery solution for offices in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane, Perth and Canberra. Call us on 1300 851 900 for a free quote.

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