Make Your Own Probiotic Milk Kefir

:: Make Your Own Probiotic Milk Kefir ::

What is milk kefir?

Kefir is the magical elixir that is basically the product of milk (cow, goat, coconut, sheep, buffalo, or camel)  having been cultured with kefir grains.  The grains are white to bone colored granules resembling clumps of rice or cauliflower.

Weird, right?  I agree. They are strange little living clumps – but don’t write them off!  The grains basically thrive and feed on the lactose in the milk and create a thick, creamy substance so rich in beneficial bacteria and yeasts that it’s been said they form a swat team in the digestive system: cleansing & rejuvenating as it changes the very environment it’s in.  As a result, the body becomes actively and intensely more proficient at combatting harmful bacteria and parasites.

What does milk kefir taste like?

The result tastes similar to plain Greek yogurt, but it can also readily compliment many other flavors as it’s used in your diet in combination with other foods (fruits, vegetables).  Also, kefir will take on the flavor of “add-ins” during a second ferment (more on that in a bit).

How can milk kefir be used?

I have been quite content to use kefir in smoothies, as a replacement for milk in foods like french toast casserole or bread pudding, peanut butter ice cream {don’t miss the recipe posted below!}, tzitziki sauce, and my most recent favorite: onion dip!

 I’m sure I’ve only experienced a fraction of the possibilities out there.

My family enjoys the onion dip with toasted tortillas, veggies, and mini pretzels.

How can I make my own milk kefir?

The easiest way to begin is by using regular whole cow’s milk. (Unless you already have another type of milk listed above you want to try.)  Many people contend that using raw milk is a must, but I don’t have any available to me yet until next spring when my goat will be milking.  The results I’ve had with regular store-bought whole milk (you can also use lower-fat milk) has been a good place for me to start.

You can either obtain your kefir grains from a friend that cultures, because the grains do eventually multiply, or you can get them online.  Cultures for Health is an amazing resource for many different starter cultures!  Kefir (milk, or water kefir made from an entirely different type of grain), kombucha, sourdough, yogurt, cheese culture starters, etc!

There is much varying information on the instructions, but not to worry!  Basically, 2 Tbsp of your kefir grains will culture 1 quart of milk.  The grains are placed in a clean quart jar of milk with the lid on, and left on the counter 6 feet from any other culture and out of direct sunlight.

Some information online says to stir your culture occasionally with a wooden or plastic spoon.  I do not and my culture is always great. The culture stays on the counter 24-48 hours (I always do 48 hours.) After your kefir has cultured, you strain your kefir grains from your culture, and they are ready to culture a new batch!

Your milk kefir is placed into the refrigerator for 2 days. You can also leave the strained kefir on the counter for a 2nd ferment which furthers the health benefits and smoothes the tart flavor quite a bit; also during the 2nd ferment you can add fruit, or vanilla (if using the kefir for a smoothie) or maybe some green onion or garlic if using your kefir to make kefir cheese for use as a dip.  If you choose to do a 2nd ferment, after the 4-6 additional hours on the counter, then place the kefir into the refrigerator for the next 12-48 hours.

I have used 2nd fermented unflavored kefir cheese in peanut butter ice cream and it was fantastic!!!

When your kefir has fermented a 2nd time for 4-6 hours, pour into a coffee filter-lined strainer over a bowl and place a lid on it loosely and refrigerate. It takes about 24 hours before you find your lovely kefir cheese ready for dips, spreads, or ice cream!

I hope you enjoy your kefir adventure as much as I have! I’m so glad I gave it a try … it enables me to inexpensively offer something full of goodness to my family on a regular basis!  Let us know what you think if you try it!