According to a recent scientific study carried out by Newcastle University which was reported in the Independent http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/organic-milk-is-better-for-you-say-scientists-2186302.html found that Organic milk was healthier than non organic. It concluded that organic milk had more beneficial fatty acids and lower levels of harmful saturated fats than conventional milk. The study which was published in the journal of dairy science, found that conventional milk also varied more in nutritional content throughout the year, whereas the nutritional values in milk produced using Organic methods remained consistent throughout the year. Gillian Butler, the livestock project manager for the Nafferton Ecological Farming Group, said, "Switching to organic milk and dairy products provides a natural way to increase our intake of nutritionally desirable fatty acids, vitamins and antioxidants without increasing our intake of less desirable fatty acids. By choosing organic milk you can cut saturated fats by 30-50 per cent." The milk we sell at Cheshire Organics is supplied by a Soil Association licensed farming co operative in Wales. It is obviously pasteurised for safety, but unlike other, conventionally produced milk brands, it is non-homogenised. This means that the fat cells are not smashed within the liquid and so, like the milk we remember as children, the cream settles on the top. This in turn means that the fat cells are less easily absorbed by the body and are passed through, whereas the smaller broken fat cells in homogenised milk are absorbed adding to the body's saturated fat intake. Homogenisation extends the shelf life of milk for retailers and this is the reason behind this commercial process. As well as being higher in Omega 3 essential fatty acids, studies have also found that organic milk is higher in anti oxidants, in Vitamin E by an average of 50% and 75% higher in Beta carotene. This is thought to be due to the fact that the less intensive farming methods allow the cows access to space, fresh air and exercise and a diet rich in chemical free fresh grass, clover pasture and silage. Organic cows are not managed in such a way as to be forced to produce more milk than they would do naturally Plus, not forgetting - it tastes great! MILK Semi-skimmed, whole or skimmed - please specify when ordering ½ Litre 65p 1 Litre £1.15 2 Litres £1.95 EGGS The eggs that Cheshire Organics offer for sale are produced within a few miles of our base and are licensed by the Soil Association. We see for ourselves each week when we collect them that the Hens and ducks are roaming in wide open spaces and living in great conditions. Our children often insist that we do not go to the egg farm until after school so they can go too, it is such a lovely place to visit. A world away from intensive farming and the images of battery hens we see on TV. Organic eggs might cost a little more because of the care that goes into their production but once you have tasted them, you will understand why they are worth every penny. You may find that your eggs have different coloured yolks and you can be confident of the natural process involved. In intensively reared birds, farmers are offered a colour chart by the food suppliers and they can select the colour of yolk that they want and then just the right amount of that shade is added to the feed to make the yolks a uniform chosen colour. Eggs x 6 £1.75 Duck Eggs (subject to availability which is better through the summer months) x 6 £2.70 Local Cheshire Honey This is the only thing we sell which is NOT certified as organic due to the strict criteria for the size of the organically certified area around the hives. However, the hives are located on a certified organic farm but not one that is large enough to meet the boundary requirements for certification. Honey made from local pollens is thought to assist with resistance to local pollens in hayfever sufferers. Even if it doesn't, it is still the finest honey we have ever tasted. Runny Cheshire Honey 454g £5.55 Set Cheshire Honey 454g £5.55