The precious…. donkey milk!

In Greece we see donkey as a humble animal but in Europe a long time ago have discovered the beneficial qualities of donkey milk.

So far, the Greek legislation does not yet allow the consumption of donkey milk products, but few weeks ago the ministry of Growth made the first step so that we can see the donkey milk in the supermarket shelves.

It is noteworthy that the donkey milk average price in Europe varies from 30 to 100 euro per liter while in Greece it is up to 50euro. These prices are higher than the price of exquisite French champagne.

Donkey milk production unit in Serres

In the plain of Serres, outside Nigrita, Papliaka family owns for almost 30 years, the biggest Greek donkey breeding farm, aiming at the production of donkey milk and its by-products. It was created by the family’s father, Diogenis Papliakas and now his children Aggelos, Alexandros and Evaggelia are following his steps.

The production unit numbers today around 200 stabled free pasturage donkeys. Evaggelia Papliaka, although is a graduate of Pastoral and Social Theology from the Aristotelian University, today she stays permanently in Nigrita, focusing on the family business and the donkeys. She talked to Newsbomb.gr and described a typical day in the farm.

The day in the farm begins with milking the donkeys; each donkey produces approximately 1 liter milk per day and half of it goes to baby donkeys, the other half goes to consumption. The small quantity that remains is the reason that donkey milk is so expensive, compared to cow or goat milk. After the milking they feed the animals and according to Evangellia donkeys need plenty of food. Once a week they do a general cleaning in the establishment.

Donkey milk by-product

Papliaka family also produces donkey milk soap which sometimes gives for free to people that need it.

Evagelia Papliaka points out to Newsbomb,gr how important is the certification of donkey milk for them.

The deputy Minister of the Ministry of Rural Development and Food, Maximos Charakopoulos, stated that an institutional frame with strict specifications is created, as a motive of primary sector’s growth.

More expensive than a bottle of champagne

Donkey’s milk healing quality for certain conditions are known since the ancient times. Its composition is similar to the human and does not need pasteurization. It has sweet, odorless taste and it is suitable for sensitive skins.

It helps in cure of skin diseases like eczema and psoriasis and it regulates the physiologic metabolic activity of cells, it corrects the blur and revives the lines of face expression; it is also exceptional for its anti-aging factors and the treatment of wrinkles.

The Papliaka family at the present time trades soap from donkey milk and exceptional virgin olive oil.