HOMEMADE KEFIR
Make your own milk kefir with our easy-to-follow recipe. This tangy fermented dairy drink is similar to yogurt and packed with beneficial probiotic bacteria
Provided by Caroline Gilmartin
Time 10m
Yield Makes 500ml
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Put ½ tsp kefir grains in the jar. Add the milk, leaving about 2cm head room if using a clip top jar, or at least 5cm for a cloth-covered jar.
- Set aside at room temperature for 18-24 hrs to ferment. It's turned to kefir when the milk has thickened. It may have set and separated, with pockets of whey forming - this is quite normal.
- If you can't strain it straight away, put it in the fridge to stop it fermenting further, the flavour can get quite strong - you can strain it anytime over the next 48 hrs.
- Strain the kefir through the sieve or straining funnel into the jug or bottle. The grains are quite robust and will withstand gentle stirring.
- You can drink it straight away, flavour and refrigerate it (a slice of lemon peel or a drop of lemon oil add a delicious fresh taste), or leave it at room temperature for a few hours to make it taste stronger. Storing it in the fridge will slow down the fermentation by the microbes and it should remain pleasantly useable for 7-10 days.
- In order to make some more kefir, rinse out the jar, return the grains (don't wash them, there's no need), and start again from the beginning.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 63 calories, Fat 4 grams fat, SaturatedFat 2 grams saturated fat, Carbohydrate 4 grams carbohydrates, Sugar 4 grams sugar, Protein 3 grams protein, Sodium 0.1 milligram of sodium
MILK KEFIR DOES YOUR BODY GOOD
A sour and pungent, milk kefir is a cultured dairy food originally from the Caucuses - the region where Europe meets Asia. I find it's texture to a drinkable plain yogurt Rich in beneficial bacteria, phosphorus, vitamin K, biotin and folic acid - nutrients that are essential to health and well-being. Good reading about kefir http://nourishedkitchen.com/milk-kefir/ Kefir Grains can be found http://www.culturesforhealth.com/ or http://www.kefirlady.com/orderkefirgrains.htm
Provided by Rita1652
Categories Beverages
Time P2DT5m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Place milk kefir grains in the bottom of a clean mason jar. Cover with 1 quart fresh milk.
- Very loosely, place the lid and band on the mason jar. You do not want to tighten it because, as with all fermentation, carbon dioxide is created and needs to escape. Culture for 24 - 48 hours at room temperature. For a for a thin, mild kefir you can culture for 12 hours.
- Once culturing is complete, strain milk kefir into a new mason jar, cap and refrigerate. Begin re-culturing a new batch of kefir, if desired or allow your kefir grains to rest in water in the refrigerator for a few days until you're ready to make kefir again.
- "Cultures for Health suggests that it may take a batch or two for the milk kefir grains to adapt)" and for the grains to grow.
- Optional second ferment:.
- After the first 24 hours I strain and add a half an organic lemon to it and let it set for an other 24 hours. Then chill.
- Or I add a bunch of organic fresh or frozen berries and let sit for 24 hours then chill.
- You can combine the lemon and berries or add whatever fruit u most enjoy.
- But it must be organic.
- If you desire a smooth texture you can blend it. Yes the lemon rind at all!
Tips for Making Milk Kefir:
- Choose fresh, whole milk: Whole milk provides a better environment for the kefir grains to grow and thrive. Avoid using ultra-pasteurized milk, as it may not contain the necessary bacteria and yeasts.
- Maintain a clean and sanitary environment: Kefir grains are delicate and prone to contamination. Make sure all utensils and containers used in the kefir-making process are thoroughly cleaned and sanitized.
- Monitor fermentation time and temperature: The ideal fermentation temperature for milk kefir is between 68°F and 86°F (20°C and 30°C). Fermentation time can vary depending on the desired thickness and tartness of the kefir. Regularly check the kefir and adjust the fermentation time accordingly.
- Strain the kefir grains gently: After fermentation, use a plastic strainer or cheesecloth to gently separate the kefir grains from the kefir liquid. Avoid using metal strainers, as they can damage the grains.
- Store kefir properly: Freshly made kefir can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. You can also freeze kefir for longer storage.
Conclusion:
Milk kefir is a nutritious and delicious fermented milk beverage that offers numerous health benefits. With its rich probiotic content, kefir can help improve digestion, boost immunity, reduce inflammation, and promote overall well-being. Incorporating milk kefir into your diet is a simple and effective way to enhance your health and vitality. Enjoy kefir as a refreshing drink, a smoothie ingredient, or a marinade for meats and vegetables. Experiment with different flavors and recipes to find your favorite ways to enjoy this versatile and health-promoting beverage.
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