Kefir Grains
Kefir grains are a symbiotic combination of bacteria and yeast that form a grain-like structure, which is used to ferment various types of liquids to produce kefir. Kefir grains are typically used to ferment milk, resulting in a tangy, effervescent and probiotic-rich drink called milk kefir. Milk kefir is an excellent source of beneficial bacteria and yeast that can promote gut health and boost the immune system.
Apart from milk kefir, there are other types of kefir made from different liquids. For example, water kefir is made from water, sugar, and kefir grains, and can be flavored with fruit juices or herbs. Water kefir is also rich in probiotics, making it a healthy and refreshing drink.
Coconut water kefir is another type of kefir that is gaining popularity. It is made by fermenting coconut water with kefir grains and has a slightly tangy taste with a hint of coconut flavor. Coconut water kefir is an excellent source of electrolytes, making it a perfect drink for post-workout hydration.
Other types of kefir include tea kefir (fermented sweetened tea), fruit juice kefir (fermented fruit juice), and vegetable juice kefir (fermented vegetable juice).
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Ginger Lemon Water Kefir | Raw, Unfiltered and Unpasteurized | Made with Real Organic Ginger, Lemon (330ml, Pack of 3)
Mr. Kefir – Live Milk Kefir Grains (15 Grams.) | Lab Tested – Contains 2.2 Billion CFUs per Gram
Kefir Grains Buying Guide
If you are interested in buying kefir grains, here are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you get a quality product:
- Source: Make sure you purchase kefir grains from a reputable source. This can be from a local health food store, online retailer, or from a friend who has extra kefir grains.
- Type of Kefir: Decide what type of kefir you want to make, whether it is milk kefir, water kefir, or another type. This will help you narrow down your search for the right kefir grains.
- Freshness: Look for fresh kefir grains, as older or dehydrated grains may not be as effective in fermenting your desired liquid.
- Quantity: Determine how much kefir you want to make and purchase the appropriate amount of kefir grains. A general guideline is 1 tablespoon of kefir grains per 1 cup of liquid.
- Quality: Check the appearance and texture of the kefir grains. They should be white or yellowish, plump, and gelatinous.
- Storage: Kefir grains should be shipped and stored in a cool, dry place, and should be kept in a sealed container until ready to use.
- Instructions: Make sure to get detailed instructions on how to care for and use your kefir grains, as proper maintenance is crucial to their long-term health and effectiveness.
How to Make Milk Kefir
Making milk kefir at home is a simple process. Here are the steps to make milk kefir:
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon of milk kefir grains
- 1-2 cups of milk (dairy or non-dairy)
Equipment:
- Glass jar with a lid
- Non-metallic spoon
- Strainer
Instructions:
- Place the milk kefir grains in a clean glass jar.
- Pour 1-2 cups of milk over the kefir grains, making sure that the milk covers the grains.
- Stir the milk and kefir grains gently with a non-metallic spoon.
- Cover the jar with a lid, but do not tighten it fully as the fermentation process releases gas.
- Leave the jar at room temperature for 24-48 hours. The longer you leave the kefir to ferment, the tangier it will taste.
- After 24-48 hours, strain the kefir using a non-metallic strainer to remove the kefir grains. The kefir is now ready to drink.
- Rinse the kefir grains with fresh milk, then start the process again from step 1.
- Store the finished milk kefir in the refrigerator until ready to drink.
Tips:
- Do not use metal utensils or containers when handling kefir grains as they can damage the grains.
- The fermentation time may vary depending on the temperature and the amount of kefir grains used. You can adjust the fermentation time to achieve your desired taste.
- You can use different types of milk, such as dairy or non-dairy milk, to make milk kefir.
How to Make Water Kefir
Water kefir is a fermented drink made from water, sugar, and water kefir grains. Here are the steps to make water kefir:
Ingredients:
- 1-2 tablespoons of water kefir grains
- 4 cups of water
- 1/4 cup of sugar
- 1/4 cup of fruit juice (optional)
Equipment:
- Glass jar with a lid
- Non-metallic spoon
- Strainer
- Plastic funnel (optional)
Instructions:
- Place the water kefir grains in a clean glass jar.
- Dissolve the sugar in 4 cups of water, then pour the sugar water over the kefir grains.
- If desired, add 1/4 cup of fruit juice to the mixture to flavor the water kefir.
- Stir the mixture gently with a non-metallic spoon.
- Cover the jar with a lid, but do not tighten it fully as the fermentation process releases gas.
- Leave the jar at room temperature for 24-48 hours. The longer you leave the kefir to ferment, the less sweet and more tangy it will become.
- After 24-48 hours, strain the kefir using a non-metallic strainer to remove the kefir grains. The water kefir is now ready to drink.
- Rinse the kefir grains with fresh water, then start the process again from step 1.
- Store the finished water kefir in the refrigerator until ready to drink.
Tips:
- You can experiment with different types of fruit juice or flavorings to customize the taste of your water kefir.
- Do not use metal utensils or containers when handling kefir grains as they can damage the grains.
- You can use the plastic funnel to pour the water kefir into a bottle for easier storage and transport.