There is beneficial, important information on Nourishing Foods for Optimal Health and Healthy Lifestyle Habits for Wellness
It’s no secret that at the Secret Lands Farm, we believe food is medicine.
What you put on your plate is one of the most direct ways to influence your well-being day to day. That’s why at Secret Lands Farm, we pour our hearts into making foods that are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients to fuel your body. Our philosophy is that you shouldn’t have to choose between health and taste – you can have both! In this part, we’ll highlight some of our star products and the benefits they bring to the table:
Sheep’s Milk – A Nutritional Powerhouse
When it comes to dairy, sheep’s milk is like the underappreciated gem of the culinary world.
Many people are familiar with cow’s milk or goat’s milk, but did you know that sheep’s milk outshines them in several nutritional aspects?
Sheep milk contains significantly more protein, calcium, and key vitamins and minerals than cow’s milk.
In fact, researchers have found that it has almost twice the calcium and zinc per glass as cow’s milk. That means stronger bones and a robust immune system for you. It’s also rich in what we like to call the “good fats.”Sheep’s milk has higher levels of medium-chain fatty acids and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) – these are fats that your body can readily use for energy and that have been linked to health benefits like improved cholesterol levels. Reduced inflammation
The protein in sheep’s milk is highly digestible and comes packed with all essential amino acids (the building blocks of protein). A recent New Zealand study confirmed that sheep milk protein is digested and absorbed more readily than cow milk protein, delivering more branched-chain amino acids, which are crucial for muscle building and recovery.
Perhaps you or someone you know has struggled with digesting dairy. Here’s more good news! Many people find sheep’s milk gentler on the stomach. One reason is that the fat globules in sheep’s milk are smaller than those in cow’s milk, making them easier to digest.
Sheep’s milk is also typically A2-casein (a type of protein structure). Which is considered easier to tolerate for some individuals who are sensitive to the A1 Casein found in most cow’s milk.
Naturally Lactose-Free
Anecdotally, and in the study we mentioned, folks who avoided dairy reported better digestive comfort after trying sheep’s milk. Moreover, during cheesemaking, much of the lactose is removed with the whey, which means aged sheep cheeses are naturally lactose-free!
This is a blessing for those who are lactose intolerant but still want to enjoy cheese.
Sheep’s milk isn’t just a beverage for us; it’s the core of so many nourishing products.
Our yogurt, kefir, and artisan cheeses (like pecorino, feta, ricotta and more) are all made from 100% sheep’s milk. These traditional fermentation processes (yogurt, kefir, and cheese aging) offer additional benefits—probiotics for gut health and higher vitamin levels.
For instance, our kefir is a tangy drinkable, that’s teeming with beneficial bacteria to support your digestion and immune system.
And here’s a fun fact: just two cups of sheep’s milk or about 93g of sheep cheese provide the entire daily requirement of calcium and riboflavin (Vitamin B2), plus a hefty dose of many other essential nutrients.
No wonder we consider it a superfood!
We know some of this sounds pretty scientific – but at the end of the day, the proof is in the pudding (or the panna cotta, as we make here!). Sheep’s milk products have nourished communities for centuries. In parts of the world like the Mediterranean and the Middle East, sheep dairy is a dietary staple. People have historically enjoyed excellent health and longevity.
Secret Lands farm’s own little twist on this ancient wisdom is to bring you sheep’s milk dairy that’s as pure and wholesome as it gets, from animals raised on open pastures and cared for with love. The result is creamy, flavourful milk, yogurt, and cheeses that do your body good.
So, if you haven’t tried sheep dairy yet, consider this an invitation to discover its benefits – your taste buds and your body might thank you!
Pasture-Raised Lamb – Powerful Protein for Strength
For those who enjoy meat, lamb can be a nutritional star on your plate, and our grass-fed lamb is raised to be just that.
Lamb is often praised as one of the most nutrient-dense red meats. It’s packed with high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues (from muscles to organs to skin). In fact, lamb provides all nine essential amino acids, making it a “complete” protein source.
If you’re aiming to stay strong and active, getting enough protein is key, and lamb delivers it in every succulent bite.
But protein is just the beginning.
Lamb is naturally rich in a variety of vitamins and minerals that support health. Notably, it’s an excellent source of iron – and specifically heme iron, which is the form of iron most easily absorbed by our bodies (far more so than the iron in spinach or legumes). This makes lamb an excellent food for maintaining healthy blood and energy levels, especially for people who might be prone to anemia. Lamb is also loaded with zinc (great for immune function and wound healing) and vitamin B12 (vital for nerve health and DNA production).
Just a 100g serving of lamb can provide a significant portion of your daily B12 and zinc needs. And let’s not forget other B vitamins like niacin and B6, plus minerals like selenium and phosphorus – lamb brings them all to the table.
Now, you might be thinking, “Isn’t red meat high in fat?”
Interesting Parts
It’s true that lamb, like beef, contains fat – but here’s the interesting part!
Lamb meat from sheep raised on pasture has a better fat profile than you might expect.
Secret Lands’ flocks graze freely on chemical-free pastures, and this grass-fed diet means the lamb meat develops higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids compared to grain-fed meats. Omega-3s are the same heart-healthy fats found in fish, known for their anti-inflammatory benefits and support for heart and brain health. Lamb’s fat also contains oleic acid, a monounsaturated fat also found in olive oil, that can benefit cholesterol balance.
Plus, lamb is one of the best dietary sources of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). A healthy, naturally occurring fatty acid that studies suggest may aid in fat metabolism and even have cancer-fighting properties. In moderation, the fats in lamb can absolutely be part of a healthy diet; they help you feel satisfied, and they transport fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin D and K2.
Perhaps equally important is what isn’t in Secret Lands’ lamb.
Ethically raised
Because our animals are raised without growth hormones or unnecessary antibiotics, and they live low-stress lives outdoors, you can feel good about the meat you’re eating. It’s clean, pure, and humanely produced. Which we believe also translates to better taste and healthfulness.
There’s a saying among farmers: “A happy animal is a healthy animal, and healthy animals make for nourishing food.” We stand by that 100%!
Each lamb chop, roast, or leg from our farm is not just a treat for your taste buds. But also a boon for your body, providing iron to keep you energetic, protein to keep you strong, and various nutrients to keep your system humming. Enjoying lamb as part of a balanced diet (paired with plenty of veggies and whole grains) can be a smart way to meet your nutritional needs.
So, whether you’re grilling up our lamb sausages, slow-cooking a lamb stew, or roasting a rack of lamb for a special occasion, you’re getting a meal that’s rich in both flavour and health benefits.
Bon appétit to that!
Wholesome Indulgences – Dessert Can Be Healthy, Too!
Let’s talk about the sweet side of life. Yes, even desserts and treats can have a healthy twist!
We firmly believe that enjoying food is part of a healthy lifestyle – and there’s no need to cut out desserts entirely to be “healthy.” The key is what’s in them and how they’re made. That’s why we set out to create guilt-free indulgences in our farm kitchen. We are using the same top-quality ingredients and nutrition-focused approach as we do in our dairy and meat products.
The result? Decadent goodies that satisfy your sweet tooth and provide nourishment.
Sheep’s Milk Gelato
One of our favourites is our sheep’s milk gelato. Ice cream lovers, gelato is basically the Italian cousin – ultra-creamy and rich. Using sheep’s milk as its base, Secret Lands’ gelato is packed with protein and calcium. And those good fats we talked about earlier, making it naturally more nutrient-dense than a typical store-bought ice cream made from skim milk and corn syrup.
The texture is velvety, and the taste? Heavenly. We also keep our ingredient lists short and real: farm-fresh milk and cream, farm egg yolks, organic sugar in moderation, and natural flavours (like real vanilla bean or fruit purees). There are no artificial additives or weird chemicals. So when you treat yourself to a scoop (or two) of Secret Lands’ gelato, you’re mainly getting wholesome dairy and pure ingredients. A treat your body can recognize and utilize, not just empty calories.
Pecorino Truffles
Our Pecorino chocolate truffles are another delightful example. Yes, you read that right!
We combine our aged pecorino cheese with high-quality chocolate to make truffles that are out-of-this-world unique. Cheese in a chocolate truffle might sound avant-garde, but trust us, it works!
The pecorino adds a subtle nuttiness and depth, plus a boost of protein and calcium. Meanwhile, good dark chocolate (we use premium cocoa) is rich in antioxidants and minerals, such as magnesium. These truffles are tiny bites of bliss that also carry some nutrients from their star ingredients.
Similarly, our cheesecakes, cookies, and pastries are all made with whole ingredients!
Real sheep’s milk butter, our own cream and yogurt, free-range eggs, almond flour or heritage grains, natural sweeteners, etc. We often sneak in extra nutritious twists, like yogurt in cake batter for protein and moisture, or nuts and seeds in cookies for additional vitamins and healthy fats. The goal is that every treat is not only delicious, but also leaves you feeling satisfied and nourished, without a sugar crash.
Healthy Desserts
“Healthy desserts” might sound like an oxymoron, but when you start with nutrient-rich raw materials. Like sheep’s milk, nuts, fruit, and high-quality cocoa, you end up with a dessert that can actually contribute something good to your diet.
For example, our sheep’s milk cheesecake is naturally high in calcium and protein (thanks to the milk), and we infuse it with real vanilla and a touch of honey – a simple, elegant sweet that provides as much calcium as a glass of milk.
And because these treats are so flavorful and satisfying, a small portion is advantageous, allowing you to treat yourself without overindulging.
That’s important because enjoying sweets in sensible portions is part of a balanced diet and a balanced mindset. Food should bring you joy, after all!
During this holiday season, we encourage you to savour your favourite treats and choose those made with love and quality ingredients. Perhaps a few of our chocolate truffles on the Christmas dessert platter, or a slice of our ricotta cheesecake at New Year’s – you can celebrate without guilt.
Delicious and nutritious can go hand in hand, and we’re proud to offer options that prove it.
Our 12-Year Journey: Health from Farm to Table
When we look back on the twelve years since we started Secret Lands Farm. One thing stands out clearly: our commitment to health – yours, ours, and our animals’ – has guided every decision.
Back in 2013, we were a family with a big dream: to revive a small farm and create products that genuinely make people feel good.
Health was top of mind from day one. We asked ourselves, “How can we do this the right way, so that everything we produce is genuinely beneficial to our customers?” That question led us down the path of traditional, sustainable farming and artisanal food crafting.
It meant choosing methods that prioritize nutrition over short-term convenience.
For example:
- We decided to grass-feed our sheep and avoid industrial farming shortcuts, even though it’s more labour-intensive. It improves the nutritional content of milk and meat (and aligns with our ethics).
- We chose to ferment dairy the old-school way, with live cultures and time, not ultra-pasteurization or fillers. To preserve all the natural probiotics and enzymes that boost health.
- We opted to use high-end, natural ingredients in our kitchen, meaning real vanilla, real fruits, and real chocolate. Even if they cost more, because we want every bite to be pure and full of goodness.
Over the years, we’ve had the joy of hearing from customers about how our foods have made a difference in their lives. Some have told us that our sheep’s milk products were the first dairy they could enjoy again after years of digestive issues. Others have shared how switching to our natural cheeses and yogurts. Incorporating our lamb into their diet, made them feel stronger and more energized.
Farming is not easy
These stories warm our hearts and reinforce why we do what we do. It hasn’t always been easy. Farming is hard work, and running a food business with uncompromising standards has its challenges. But knowing that we’re contributing to our community’s well-being is the ultimate reward.
We also take pride in being transparent about our practices. From the way we raise our sheep to how we age our cheese, we love sharing the process with you. If you’ve ever visited during one of our farm tours, you know we can talk for hours about sheep and cheese!
Trust and health go hand in hand!
We believe that trust and health go hand in hand!
You have the right to know where your food comes from and how it’s made. After all, you’re putting it into your body!
Secret Lands’ journey has also taught us that health is not just an individual matter, but a community effort. By choosing to support local, sustainable farms and by opting for foods that are made with care, you, as a consumer, are casting a vote for a healthier food system.
It encourages more farmers to adopt humane, eco-friendly practices, leading to healthier animals, healthier land, and ultimately healthier food for everyone.
In a way, the past 12 years have been a partnership between you and us. Together, we’re building a food culture that values wellness, flavour, and integrity.
We’re excited to continue this mission into the future, constantly learning and improving. Whether it’s experimenting with a new probiotic yogurt recipe or implementing renewable energy on the farm. We’re always looking for ways to further the healthfulness and sustainability of what we do. Here’s to many more years of growing, crafting, and nourishing!
A Toast to Your Health
As we celebrate this holiday week and prepare to welcome a new year!
We raise a toast to your health and happiness!
At Secret Lands Farm, we genuinely believe that taking care of yourself is the greatest gift you can give. And we’re honoured to be part of that journey. We invite you to continue exploring healthy, delightful eating with us as your friendly farmers and food artisans.
Why not start by trying something new and nourishing?
Visit our online shop to discover our range of sheep’s milk products, artisan cheeses, grass-fed lamb cuts, and wholesome treats. You might find a new favourite that your body loves and your taste buds adore. And if you’re already a fan, perhaps share the gift of good food with your friends and family. A curated cheese and charcuterie board or a box of our desserts makes for a unique, wellness-inspired treat for any occasion.
We also encourage you to subscribe to our newsletter. You can sign up on our website for more tips, recipes, and behind-the-scenes stories. We regularly share healthy recipe ideas, like how to make a nutrient-packed smoothie with kefir or a comforting lamb soup, as well as updates from the farm. It’s a great way to stay inspired and motivated on your healthy lifestyle path.
Plus, you’ll be the first to know about any new products or farm events.
In the spirit of the season, thank you for being a part of our community.
Your commitment to eating well and living well keeps us motivated every day. Remember, good health is a journey, and every positive choice you make counts. So savour those veggies, take that relaxing walk, enjoy that wedge of artisan cheese, and relish each moment of well-being. May the end of 2025 bring you peace and joy, and may 2026 be filled with vitality, delicious nourishment, and lots of delightful memories. From our family at Secret Lands Farm to yours – cheers to a healthy, happy New Year!