Kefir is a fermented milk drink that is full of probiotics. It is very easy to prepare kefir at home. Read out full article to make kefir at home, and the storage of kefir grains.
Kefir is a cultured dairy product that originated in the Caucasus Mountains. Actually, it was made by shepherds who realized that milk would ferment if left in leather pouches for enough time. Kefir is made from grains, or "starter" (which can be purchased from health food stores) and milk. Kefir is an enzyme-rich food filled with friendly micro-organisms that help to balance your "inner ecosystem." It is more nutritious and therapeutic than yogurt. It provides complete protein, essential minerals, and valuable B vitamins.
The consistency of kefir varies with its preparation. Original product is not very flavorful or sweet but fruit flavorings, sugar, or other such additions can be put into kefir. To improve texture and bring health benefits, it can even be added to smoothies. The beneficial yeast and friendly micro-organisms in the kefir culture consume most of the lactose (or milk sugar). It is best created from raw, fresh, whole, organically-raised goat or cow milk as it has not been pasteurized and contains enzymes. These enzymes help to break down fats and proteins and make it less mucous-forming. Kefir has more therapeutic value than yogurt.
- Kefir can be made into a delicious smoothie that kids love.
- Kefir is simple and inexpensive to make at home.
- Kefir is used to restore the inner eco-system after antibiotic therapy.
- Kefir is outstanding sustenance for pregnant and nursing women, the elderly, and those with compromised immunity.
Kefir contains:
- A complete protein (all the essential amino acids)
- Tryptophan to help calm the nervous system
- Abundant calcium and magnesium
- Vitamin B6
- Biotin (another vitamin which helps in the manufacture and oxidation of fatty acids and carbohydrates)
- Phosphorus (an important mineral for utilizing carbohydrates, fats and proteins for growth, cell maintenance and energy)
- Vitamin B12 (essential for longevity)
- Vitamin B1 (thiamin), linked with enhanced learning capacity, growth in children, improvement in muscle tone of the stomach, intestines and heart, and is essential for stabilizing appetite and improving digestion
How to Make Kefir at Home?
To make kefir, you only need a few things:
- 500 ml jar
- Milk
- Kefir grains
Method of preparation:
First of all purchase kefir grains. Kefir grains are a combination of bacteria and yeasts that come together in a cauliflower shape and are used to start the fermentation process. They are white or yellowish in color and available in size as large as a walnut or as small as a grain of rice. Kefir grains are easily available at health food stores and online.
Then, clean your glass jar with very hot water. With glass jar, also wash the lid. Take 1 tablespoon of kefir grains and place it in the jar.
Fill the 2/3rd of the jar with milk and place a thin cloth over the jar to make sure the seal will be airtight and put on the lid.
Put the jar in cupboard or other spot out of direct sunlight. Let it sit for 24 hours. How long you leave it will be determined by the temperature you live in and the consistency you like. Leave it out only for 12 hours if you like it really thin or live in a very hot climate. You may need to leave it out for 48 hours if you like very thick consistency or live in a cold environment.
After the completion of time, open the jar and use a clean wooden spoon to give your kefir a good stir. Then, strain your kefir through a strainer into another jar.
You can reuse kefir grains by putting them into a new jar and repeating the same procedure described above. Put kefir grain in the jar as they are; don't try to clean the grains by rinsing them.
Homemade kefir - what milk is best to use?
To produce high-quality kefir, the best milk is organic whole milk - with the cream on top that comes straight from cows and never get injected with anything synthetic like hormones. During the boiling of milk, you can skim the cream off if you wish. To ensure that no harmful bacteria are left behind in milk, you should always heat the milk. Actually, you can put kefir culture right into your boiled milk and then let it sit for several hours.
Storage of kefir grains:
It is very important to know about proper storage of kefir grains if you buy your own kefir grains in bulk.
Few ways to store kefir grains:
- Active storage for kefir grains:
- Place kefir grains in a tall glass jar
- Pour milk until jar is 3/4 full
- Close jar and store in fridge for up to one week
- Longer storage for kefir grains:
- Boil 2 cups water and allow water to cool
- Then, rinse kefir grains in cooled water
- Pat kefir grains dry on a soft, clean towel
- Finally, store in airtight bag. These will keep for up to a few weeks.
How to make milk kefir at home:
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