How To Make Your Own Kefir Drink

Kefir is a nutritious, delicious drink that can be enjoyed by all. Not only is it incredibly healthy and versatile, but you can also make your own kefir at home! Making your own homemade kefir is easier than you might think – not to mention cheaper, tastier and healthier than anything you could buy in the store. In this guide, we’ll go over what ingredients you need for making kefir, some easy steps for making it yourself, and how to customize it to make it perfect for you. So if you’re ready to start enjoying the joys of homemade kefir…let’s get started!

INGREDIENTS  

• 2 tbsp Kefir Grains
• 500 ml Milk

How to make homemade kefir

• Make sure your glass jars/lid are cleaned and sterilised.
• Add the grains to the jar and pour in the milk. Seal with a lid or muslin cloth. If using a lid you will need to let it breathe once or twice a day.
• Store at room temperature for at least 24 hours, then give it a shake (if using a lid) or a stir. Pour the liquid over a sieve into a fresh jar to strain the kefir grains. Your kefir is ready to drink. Keep in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• *Do not rinse the grains when straining. Use them for the next batch or put them in a jar with milk and keep them in the fridge ( for up to 3 weeks).

What is Kefir, and what are its benefits?

Kefir is an ancient, fermented health beverage made from a combination of milk and kefir grains. The cultures can contain as many as 30 strains of beneficial bacteria and yeast that help support probiotics’ growth. Kefir is bursting with amino acids, B vitamins, calcium, magnesium, and essential enzymes that work together to improve gut health leading to a stronger immune system.

With Kefir’s distinct creamy taste, it makes for a delicious morning drink or smoothie base. Not only that, Kefir has powerful antioxidant properties, which can help reduce inflammation throughout your body and may even reduce the risk of cancer. Kefir’s health benefits are truly remarkable — it’s an amazing natural source of probiotics many don’t take advantage of!

How to make your own Kefir drink

Kefir is a milk-based fermented drink that is believed to have numerous health benefits. Whether you’re looking for a boost in gut health or just curious about this age-old beverage, making your own Kefir at home is easy and rewarding!

Kefir making process

Gather some Kefir ingredients, such as milk and Kefir grains (either purchased dried or from a Kefir starter culture), and mix them together according to the recipe. Once your Kefir grains become active, let the mixture ferment for 24 hours before straining out the Kefir grains.

First batch of kefir results

The first batch you make may be a quite strong smelling (like a farm yard/cow smell), but the more you do, it gets milder and more pleasant to smell and taste.

The finished product will be a tangy, delicious Kefir that you can enjoy however you, please! For an added flair to your Kefir, add in some fruits or spices – such as honey, cinnamon or strawberries – during the fermentation process to customize the flavour. Try it yourself today and discover how easy and tasty homemade Kefir can be!

Only two ingredients needed

All of the necessary ingredients can be found in your local grocery store:

Kefir grains or kefir powder

Milk – Full-fat (preferably organic)

Where to find the Ingredients

Kefir has become an increasingly popular ingredient in recipes thanks to its probiotic power. Kefir is a tangy and delicious cultured dairy product, and it’s extremely easy to make at home!

Kefir grains are an amazing source of natural probiotics, but where can you find them?

Kefir grains can be found both locally and online. Locally, check with health food shops, natural grocers, or speciality stores in your area to see if they stock kefir grains.

As well, seeking out local farms or farmers’ markets could help you locate a source of Kefir.

Alternatively, the internet is full of resources offering Kefir grains to purchase—from well-known vendors to artisanal importers with unique cultures that have been carefully nurtured and preserved over generations.

Consider looking online for Kefir if you want access to a wider range of options.

Equipment for kefir making

All you need is the following:

A jar or container

Lid or cloth to cover the jar

Strainer or kitchen sieve.

Tips for making the perfect batch of Kefir every time

Start off by purchasing the best quality Kefir grains you can find. Kefir needs to ferment in dairy, so use whole milk for the most flavourful Kefir, plus it will produce a thicker end-product.

To ferment, set the mixture at room temperature—not warmer than 75°F/24°C—for 12 to 24 hours, stirring occasionally.

Once Kefir has achieved the desired consistency, pour it into clean bottles and store it in the refrigerator until it’s ready to enjoy! With these simple tips, you’ll be able to make perfect Kefir every time to satisfy your cravings for this healthful treat.

How much kefir can you drink a day?

Kefir is an incredibly healthy drink that may offer countless benefits to your diet and lifestyle. So, you may be wondering, how often should I drink kefir?

The answer is not cut and dry, as it depends on a variety of factors, such as the type of kefir you’re drinking and any existing medical conditions. Generally speaking, it’s recommended that adults enjoy no more than two 400ml glasses of kefir per day for maximum health benefits. There are so many varieties available that there are sure to be kefirs for everyone—enjoy exploring the different options and finding the kefir that your gut loves!

Start with one, and then gradually build up your kefir intake as you become more accustomed to the flavour. You can also mix kefir with smoothies or something else if you find the taste too strong by itself. Ultimately, kefir should be part of a balanced diet, so don’t forget to eat healthily and have kefir in moderation.

Recipes that use Kefir as a main ingredient

Did you know kefir is a highly versatile ingredient? Whether you want to make a delicious snack, breakfast treat, or dinner dish, kefir can help you make something special. Not only is kefir a nutritious drink full of beneficial bacteria, but it can add tart and creamy notes, as well as probiotics, to dishes. Kefir drinks can substitute for milk, cream, and yoghurt in many recipes.

Try kefir pancakes for breakfast, kefir-based cookies for snacks, and kefir Easy Leftover Roast Chicken Risotto for dinner! Plus, kefir has the potential to make spongier baked goods thanks to its acids breaking down starches more quickly. It would be the perfect ingredient for my Chocolate Yoghurt Cake. With kefir in your kitchen, you’ll never run out of new and exciting recipes to try.

How to store Kefir

After it’s made, kefir should be stored in a covered container at normal room temperature. If brewing kefir at home, you can keep your kefir cultures in the fridge until you are ready to use them again.

As time passes, kefir grains will double or triple in size – when this happens, just separate them with a small spoon or strainer and use them as needed. Be sure to give kefir some space to breathe, as there can be excess carbon dioxide during the fermentation process. Protect kefir from sunlight and other heat sources as this might inhibit its natural good bacteria.