got Kefir?
Kefir is a wonderful, pro-biotic liquid that is so easy to make! When it’s finished, it has a sweet yogurt/buttermilk-type smell and can be used on cereal, for smoothies or enjoyed as a drink. It’s so incredibly versatile and useful, more about that in a minute.
I got a batch started with some milk kefir grains from “Cultures for Life“. You’ll find their links on our homepage.
When you open the package, you’ll find a little paper envelope that your kefir grain are in. Carefully open it as you read the directions.
First, start with re-hydrating the grain. You’ll add one cup of milk to the grain and just let it sit on the counter in a glass container (I like Mason jars), for 4-7 days.
You can use cow’s or goat’s milk. I’ve been using our goat’s milk, obviously. Every morning, the milk must be rinsed out and replaced it with fresh milk (throwing the old milk away) during the re-hydration process.
Just strain out the kefir grains, wash your container out really well with hot soapy water, cool the jar with cold water, put the grains back in, add your cup of milk and you’re done! Just cover loosely with cellophane. I mark on a sheet of paper nearby what day I’m on.
As the cultures grow, they look like little cauliflower. They continue to grow, soon you’ll have enough to share with your friends.
Once the kefir grain has completely developed (again 4-7 days, depending upon environment), your kefir grain is ready to be used regularly.
The kefir grain can then be added to milk and used within 24-48 hours. You will want to sniff your kefir after the first 24 hours and decide if it’s about the strength you want. I like my kefir at the 24 hour point, however, you may like it a bit stronger. If that is the case, let it sit another day and repeat the sniff test.
Once you’ve reached the thickness and aroma you desire, strain the kefir grains and enjoy your kefir! Then you can start over again. It’s easy and pretty much effortless.
Need more ideas for what to do with kefir? “Cultures for Health” has a wonderful little recipe book, free when you sign up for their very informative newsletter. I use and recommend it. Today, the newsletter has a recipe for “Chocolate Kefir Bread“. Works for me!
Still have a few questions? Read FAQ here.
Have you ever tried kefir? Ever thought about it?
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About kmorris
I want to try this soon. I just got started with Kombucha. That has been a lot of fun. It’s amazing how the flavor can really change with the fermenting process. I was also curious if you are in northern, southern or central ohio? I live in Northern ohio and think it’s cool you live in ohio too!
Melissa,
I haven’t tried Kombucha, do you like it? It’s on my list.
Yep, I’m a Buckeye and live in SW Ohio! O-H-I-O!
I’ve made kefir, but it was quite strong and occasionally even a bit alcoholic, I think. It’s now sitting in my fridge, waiting while I decide what to do with it….and it’s been there for a LONG time.
What do you suggest?
Annie Kate
Hey Annie Kate,
Oh my! Well, without knowing details, I couple of things come to mind.
Are you keeping it in a really warm place? Sounds like it’s getting too hot.
How long are you letting it ferment? 24 hours may be all you need.
I would definitely pitch what you have and start over. Hope that helps.
I’ve made yogurt and buttermilk before, but I’ve never tried the kefir before. It sounds interesting.
Teresa,
It’s easier than the other two! Let me know if you try it!
Kefir is used a lot in my homecountry of Norway but I have never aquaired a taste for it except for when I was very young and my grandmother made some dessert of it. Unfortunately the recipe died with her.
It really looks fun to make and maybe some time in the future I will be able to try this too.
Marianne,
While I find it to be mild, I agree that it does take some of us a bit to acquire a taste for it. I find it best to use in smoothies and as a yogurt alternative.
Thanks for commenting!
Yes I love the kombucha. Most of my kids like it too! we are learning how to play with the taste to do new flavors right now.
Melissa,
Don’t you just love trying new things??!! It’s one of the best parts of life for me.
I have been trying to get into “eating clean” and I noticed a lot of recipes had kefir as an ingredient. I couldn’t find kefir in my city, Oklahoma City, so it was kind of a bummer! I didn’t know I could actually make my own. Although, I think I may get raised eyebrows from my husband when he sees a strange concoction on our counter! lol
BTW I found your blog through Moneysavingmom.com.She had a link to your free recipe ebook and I think your blog has a lot of helpful info! I have three kids (ages 4, 2 years and 8 months) and still trying to figure out how to balance meals, cleaning, homeschool, etc.
Hey Emily,
Kefir is a lot of fun to make…and enjoy. The family comes along slowly sometimes, but they eventually get there.
I hope you enjoy the cookbook and thanks for commenting!