When we moved I was hoping to find a local dairy close by. I thought it would be fun and delicious. Boy was I right. I found a dairy a town over on google and checked it out with my friend while she was visiting. Luca and I visit every so often to get some fresh milk, cheese, yogurt, or sausage.
Milk
We have tried to get fresh milk three times. We always got milk, but you have to boil it. The first two times we waited a few days to boil it and accidently made cheese. The third time we boiled it right when we got home and successfully ended with milk. It tastes good, maybe a little sweeter than normal milk. Luca said that might be from the boiling.
Cheese
They have a few cheeses you can buy but all the cheese starts from the same base cheese and then is aged for different amounts of time. There is the first salt cheese (primo sale) that is super fresh, just a day or two. Then cheese that has about a week and then two or three week cheese.
Yogurt
The yogurt is nice. They sell them in individual jars that you can bring back once you are done with them. They have a yogurt machine. I have not seen the yogurt machine, but color me interested.
Maremma Sheepdog
The Maremma Sheepdog (I’ve also heard Maremmano Sheppard) is a true working dog. They are an old breed that was selected to live with and protect sheep from wolves. The Maremma Sheepdog at the diary is not to be pet. He will bark at your car when you arrive and sometimes has a low grumble in his throat. Don’t pet or move quickly and and you will be just fine.
I have met one other working sheep dog when I worked for a livestock vet in California. The same rules applied, don’t pet the dog and you will be just fine.