How to Make Kefir Grains

So you know how to make kefir drinks from the kefir grains you have now, but you may be wondering how to make kefir grains yourself. The answer: you cannot actually create the grains yourself without first purchasing some, but once you have your initial batch of kefir grains, you never need to buy more - unless they are damaged or get lost at some point.

Basic info on making kefir grains

Commonly, people grow kefir grains by stirring them into milk. Raw milk is best to use for health benefits.

By adding a large spoonful of kefir grains into a jar, about quart size, and then filling the rest of it up with milk, you will naturally grow kefir grains. This mixture should be stored at room temperature to ferment.

Length of kefir fermentation

Mild flavor is best achieved after overnight fermentation. On the other hand, you can leave the kefir grains for several days if you like a thick, sour flavor and consistency.

Once refrigerated, your kefir will continue to ferment, but at a slower pace.

Storing kefir grains

When you are ready to drink your homemade kefir, strain the current batch and filter out your grains. You can store these in a small amount of fresh milk in the fridge, or you can just start a new batch right away. The interesting thing is that the amount of kefir grains you have will grow because the organisms that make up kefir grains multiply.

So you can literally make kefir grains from the original ones.

When your kefir grains become too large to handle, peel some off and discard them - or better yet, give them to a friend.

How to Make Kefir at Home

Want to make your own kefir at home? The health benefits of kefir are great, aiding in digestion and improved immunities. Choosing to make your own kefir is a great decision.

Here is how you can start making kefir at home.

You will need:

1. milk
2. 500 ml jar
3. kefir grains

Step 1: Purchase kefir grains. You can get these online or at some health food stores. They are required to start the fermentation process.

Step 2: Place one tablespoon of kefir grains into the jar.

Step 3: Fill jar with milk about 2/3 full.

Step 4: Put a thin cloth over the jar to make it airtight.

You will then need to put the jar somewhere it will be safe from light, for about 24 hours. The temperature at which you leave the kefir will determine its consistency.

When it is finished fermenting, you'll have to stir it and strain it. You can also add fruit and various flavorings to your kefir if you like it sweeter or with different flavors.

You can reuse your kefir grains for several batches, but you will need to learn special ways to clean your kefir grains in order to get the best taste from them.

Kefir from Kefir Grains - What is Kefir?

Kefir is a fermented milk drink that originated in the Caucasus region. It was created by shepherds who realized that milk carried in leather pouches sometimes fermented into a different beverage. Kefir is made by inoculating cow, sheep, or goat's milk with kefir grains.

Kefir grains are a mixture of bacteria and yeasts as well as some sugars. These grains actually look like cauliflower, but have a softer consistency.

Kefir grains grow during fermentation and additional grains can be produced. They can be purchased, donated, or grown at home. They look white-yellow and are usually around the size of a walnut.

Why kefir? There are many health benefits of kefir, including prevention of disease, suppression of high blood pressure, and even a reduction of some cholesterol. The drink has also been known to aid lactose digestion.

On its own, kefir is not very sweet, but frozen fruits, sugar, and flavoring can be added in a blender. Kefir is bottled and sold in various health food and whole foods grocery stores such as Trader Joe's.

The drink can also be made easily at home by using kefir grains grown at home or purchased online in bulk.