I think I have developed a fool-proof method of judging the degree of “shadow” gentrification in a neighborhood. By “shadow,” I mean all the rental apartments being newly occupied by people considered by most to be “gentrifiers.” They’re not as obviously present as the residents of shiny new condos or those populating the loft districts, but they are the majority. That’s why it’s only now that those of us who live in regular residential Bushwick proper are starting to get more restaurant — and likely soon retail — options, while those in the loft areas have had amenities for a couple years.

Yes, I hypothesize that by merely glancing at the milk cooler in grocery establishments in any neighborhood, one can make an educated guess as to the level of gentrification. I declare Bushwick to be in the “2%” phase. That means when I visit local grocery stores, I find the organic milk selection to be advanced up to the level of 2% milk at the Associated and a couple bodegas I have been in. Exceptions exist: Mr. Kiwi’s now offers organic whole milk. Why are food markets the place to look? Because they respond to demand almost instantly when people request items. They are the perfect barometer for measuring population trends.

Why organic milk? People who demand organic food are health conscious. Health conscious people tend to prefer lower-fat items. So until critical mass exists for those who like to put half and half in their coffee and don’t want Polysorbate-80 in it, too, the organic milk selection will trend toward lower fat.

I propose entrepreneurs trying to gauge demand in a neighborhood for certain services look at what kind of milk is available. As Bushwick approaches the “whole” phase, I look forward to being able to wander into any corner store and get a pint of organic cream for my coffee. Until then, I’m off to Brooklyn’s Natural.