Kefir is a drink resulting from the fermentation of milk, prepared using “kefir grains”, a sourdough made up essentially of lactic acid bacteria and yeasts. The drink obtained is slightly carbonated, thicker than milk and filled with probiotics.
Choose your milk between: cow, goat, sheep, camel, low-fat or whole milk, but ultra-filtered or ultra-high temperature (UHT) milk must be avoided. Once in a while, you may also make kefir using vegetable milk, just remember to go back using animal milk to feed your grains.
Dried milk kefir grains should be activated prior to kefir production. If you plan on taking a break between batches, the grains should be stored in the refrigerator in fresh milk. When stored like this, milk should be changed at least every 2 weeks.
Activation and procedure
- Transfer the kefir grains in 250ml of fresh milk. Close loosely with lid.
- Place in a warm spot, between 20 and 30°C, to culture. Let ferment 24 hours.
- With a nylon strainer, filter kefir grains. Discard the first batch of milk that served for activation, or use it in pancakes or baking.
- Place activated kefir grains in 1L of fresh milk.
- Follow steps 2-3 but do not discard the finished kefir.
- Drink kefir fresh or store in refrigerator for 2 weeks.
Buy milk kefir grains once, they can be reused and will multiply with each new batch.
Follow this link to print instructions.