Why Buffalo Milk?
One of the questions we are asked the most at the farm is what is the difference between buffalo milk and cow’s milk. Well, we think it’s about time we gave you the definitive answer and explained the benefits of adding buffalo milk to your diet. Buffalo are the second largest (after cows) source of milk in the world.
In Southeast Asia, an estimated 90% of people are lactose intolerant. There is an absence of dairy in the diet of most of the population. When the founders of our farm arrived in Laos, on a mission to create a brand new industry, they saw thousands of buffalo and inquired about purchasing milk to make cheese. This inquiry was met with udder confusion because, in Laos, they do not milk their buffalo. Buffalo here traditionally have two main roles - to work on the farm or as meat for sale. Ask Lao people where milk comes from, and a buffalo doesn’t even rank in the top five answers! The number one answer is coconuts.
Some parts of Asia have harnessed this dairy resource with India and Pakistan accounting for 80% of all buffalo milk production globally. China, Egypt and Nepal have more buffalo dairies than cow dairies, while Sri Lanka has some of the most famous buffalo yoghurt in the world.
The buffalo yoghurt from Sri Lanka, or buffalo curd as the called it, is what attracted the founders to this idea in Laos. Having tasted the rich, creamy goodness while holidaying in Sri Lanka, it was never far from their thoughts on how to get more.
Buffalo milk vs cow’s milk
Buffalo milk has 50% more protein than cows milk, 40% more energy in calories, nearly 40% more calcium and has high levels of antioxidants. Buffalo milk has a higher fat content which makes it perfect for making cheese and ice cream. It is world-renowned for being delicious!
Our farm prides itself on having the most delicious cheese in Laos which is available in many of the hotels and restaurants in Luang Prabang and Vientiane. If you want to try our cheese fresh from the dairy, you can come and try mozzarella, feta, ricotta, blue cheese, burrata as well as ice creams, cakes and yoghurts! Yum.
2020 Mekong Experience Showcases Finalist
In case you missed this fantastic announcement last time, we are one of the finalists in the 2020 Mekong Experience Showcases. According to the members of the Mekong Tourism Advisory Group, we fit the bill for 3 main principles:
To make a significant social impact in our community.
To provide an authentic local experience for tourism.
To have an innovative and sustainable concept in our business model.
We are so excited to have been singled out as one of the responsible small businesses to do this. But, it isn't over quite yet! There is still another round of voting to go through.
From 7 July to 15 August we are asking that you please go to http://www.destinationmekong.com/ems2020/ and vote for us. The winner will be announced on 25 August 2020.
Tourism in Need
COVID-19 has badly affected tourism and visits to the farm. In order to mitigate some of the effects of the loss of income this has meant for the dairy, we have teamed up with the Tourism in Need initiative that supports responsible tourism organizations affected by the pandemic. Through this initiative, travellers can support the dairy through the Give Today, Go Tomorrow fundraising scheme. Click here to find out more and to make a contribution to help us to pay farmers and staff, and continue to train farmers and work on our nutrition program.