Hay Milk

Hello, fellow food professionals and connoisseurs of fine ingredients!

Here at Gourm.it UK Ltd, we pride ourselves on bridging the distance between the UK's vibrant food scene and the authentic, often hidden, culinary treasures of Italy. Today, we're thrilled to delve into a product that truly embodies tradition, quality, and a profound respect for nature: "Latte Fieno," or Hay Milk. If you're seeking an ingredient that can elevate your offerings and tell a compelling story of origin, this is one you'll want to know.

What Exactly is "Latte Fieno" (Hay Milk) TSG?

You may have encountered its counterparts – "Heumilch" in Austria and Germany, or "Lait de foin" in France. "Latte Fieno" is the Italian term for this special type of milk, which represents a genuine return to the most authentic dairy traditions. This isn't just a romantic notion; it's a rigorously defined production method, so unique that the European Union has awarded it the prestigious TSG (Traditional Speciality Guaranteed) mark. This certification, established by Regulation (EU) 2016/304, isn't easily earned. It assures consumers and professionals alike that the milk adheres to a historically established, specific, and uncompromisable production process.

The Foundations of Quality: Inside the Hay Milk TSG Standard

So, what makes Hay Milk stand out in a world of dairy options? The difference lies in a philosophy centred on animal welfare and the absolute naturalness of the milk, starting with the cows' diet:

• A Strictly Natural and Traditional Diet: Cows producing Hay Milk feast exclusively on fresh grass, legumes, and cereals. Crucially, at least 75% of the dry matter in their annual diet must consist of fibre-rich coarse fodder, predominantly hay and straw. This harks back to how dairy cows were fed for generations.
• The Crucial Absence of Silage (and GMOs): This is a cornerstone of the Hay Milk TSG standard. The use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in feed is strictly prohibited. Even more significantly, there's an absolute exclusion of fermented feeds, known as "silage" (like corn silage). Why is this so important? Eliminating silage preserves the original, delicate microbial flora of the milk. This natural flora is fundamental for developing complex flavours and textures during cheesemaking and contributes to the distinct organoleptic characteristics of all Hay Milk products.
• Further Commitments to Purity and Welfare: The stringent rules don't stop there. Industrial by-products (like wet brewers' grains), animal meals (except milk/whey for young calves), and waste products are all forbidden. Even the environment is carefully managed, with restricted use of chemical plant protection on fodder surfaces and careful controls on substances used in barns.

Why Hay Milk Matters for the Discerning UK Food Professional

For chefs, cheesemongers, bakers, and retailers across the UK, Hay Milk TSG offers a distinct advantage:

• Superior Flavour Profiles: The natural diet and absence of silage result in milk with a cleaner, richer, and often subtly sweeter taste that can elevate your finished products.
• Enhanced Cheesemaking Potential: The intact microbial flora provides an excellent base for artisan cheesemaking, allowing for more complex flavour development and traditional expressions.
• A Compelling Story of Authenticity: In an era where consumers value transparency and naturalness, Hay Milk TSG offers a verifiable story of traditional farming, animal welfare, and EU-certified quality.
• A Mark of Distinction: Sourcing ingredients like Hay Milk can differentiate your brand and products in a competitive market, appealing to customers seeking premium, traceable foods.

An Italian Treasure: The Story of Hay Milk in Italy and a Star Producer, Ferrari Bio

While countries like Austria see significant Hay Milk production, in Italy, it remains a more niche choice, embraced by producers who are exceptionally attentive to quality and tradition. This exclusivity makes it even more special.

One such beacon of Italian excellence is Ferrari Bio. Nestled in the picturesque hills of the Reggiano Apennines, this fully organic farm boasts an animal husbandry history dating back to 1978, always guided by a profound respect for animals and nature.

Ferrari Bio's decision to produce Hay Milk TSG is particularly noteworthy as their milk is primarily destined for the creation of world-class Organic Parmigiano Reggiano. Their commitment is absolute: a short supply chain, "kilometer zero" principles (using only milk from their own cows, fed fodder from their own fields), and an unwavering dedication to quality that earned their 24-month Parmigiano Reggiano a gold medal at the WORLD CHEESE AWARDS in 2014.

When you choose Ferrari Bio, you're choosing a product with a "triple guarantee": it complies with the Organic standard, the Parmigiano Reggiano standard, and, of course, the Hay Milk TSG standard. Beyond their champion cheese, Ferrari Bio also uses this precious milk to create delectable yogurts, a uniquely soft spreadable Parmigiano Reggiano cream called "Pillow," and desserts like puddings and panna cotta. Their organic Hay Milk is also outstanding for direct consumption.

Partner with Gourm.it UK to Bring Authentic Italian Dairy to Your Business

At Gourm.it UK Ltd, we understand the passion and precision that goes into crafting exceptional food. That's why we're excited to facilitate access to extraordinary ingredients like Latte Fieno TSG and connect you with exemplary producers such as Ferrari Bio. We can help you navigate the sourcing process, ensuring you receive genuine, high-quality products that will inspire you and delight your customers.

Are you ready to explore the potential of Hay Milk for your business? We invite you to get in touch with our team to learn more about product specifications, potential applications, and how we can help you source this remarkable Italian speciality.