Allotment Gardening Advice Help Chat
Eating and Drinking => Kitchen Natter => Topic started by: Auntiemogs on October 09, 2017, 19:30
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I've just ordered some milk kefir grains, as I've read that it's full of beneficial bacteria (far more so then live yogurt) and is easy to make. I just wondered if anyone had tried it?
AM :)
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No but as someone with gut problems I am very interested I have never heard of this. What do you do with the grains?
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From what I understand, you just put them in a jar with some milk, cover and leave (unrefrigerated) for around 24 hours to ferment. Then you strain the grains out (to use in the next batch) and drink the liquid.
Apparently, you should start with small amounts, as your body has to grow accustomed to the beneficial bacteria colonising your gut.
The milk kefir grains change the structure of milk proteins, which makes it easier to tolerate if you're sensitive to lactose, although you can also buy water kefir grains.
Really looking forward to trying them, as I love all things dairy! :tongue2: :D :lol:
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Let us know how you get on! I am fine with dairy but gluten is a different issue - and sometimes just stress is enough to make it bad. Good bacteria is the way forward...
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I've been recommended chuckling goat, who offer excellent advice. A lady at dog training uses unpasturised goat, but you can buy pasturised goat milk in the supermarket, it does take a bit longer. Recommended for me for my dog
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I drink the one sold in asda every day. I drink it for the health benefits and it is deffo an aquired taste. You have to drink it without tasting it if you know what I mean. It tastes and smells like a pint of milk that's been left in the sun for a week. Complete with lumps. It slides down. My mum reckons it smells like liquid stilton. It is however very good for you and came recommended by a polish friend.
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Well, my grains arrived, so I put them in some full fat milk (as per instructions), covered with a cloth (I could have used a lid, but apparently the liquid is then slightly fizzy), and left them on the mantelpiece to do their thing. The next day, I strained out the grains and put them in more milk to make the next batch. The resulting liquid was slightly thicker than milk, with a pleasant, creamy, yogurty taste. I'm on day 3 now, and the liquid does seem to be a little thicker, so I think they're off to a good start. There's just enough for a small glassful (120ml or so), but as the grains grow and multiply I'll be able to increase the amount of milk.
I'm pleased with how easy it is to make the kefir, and I really like the taste. For a few pounds (£6.99 inc postage), I think it's well worth it, and it's much cheaper than buying pre-made (or in powder form).
AM :)
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I am definitely intrigued. Where did you get yours from as I've read you have to get them from a reputable seller to ensure they are real ones
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I'll post a link to the ones I bought RJR. There are kefir Facebook sites where people share their grains (for postage), but I preferred to buy them from a company that specialises in kefir. :)
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B06XYMQ5X5/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 (https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B06XYMQ5X5/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
http://www.livekefircompany.co.uk/?gclid=CjwKEAjwjozPBRCqoubWiKPBkCgSJADrFM5gsCb3h8U7POPOSnCCQuWsXs2WqZSUJkOPPpwqqP_XxxoCmlvw_wcB (http://www.livekefircompany.co.uk/?gclid=CjwKEAjwjozPBRCqoubWiKPBkCgSJADrFM5gsCb3h8U7POPOSnCCQuWsXs2WqZSUJkOPPpwqqP_XxxoCmlvw_wcB)
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Thanks I've ordered some to try! By complete coincidence one of my colleagues at work today was thinking of trying kefir as well so it must be fate!
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Thanks I've ordered some to try! By complete coincidence one of my colleagues at work today was thinking of trying kefir as well so it must be fate!
If yours takes off like mine has RJR, there'll soon be plenty to share! :tongue2:
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Day 3 and it is definitely growing in volume! It is an odd taste, fizzy thick milk but no unpleasant. I could see it working well in smoothies!
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Have you put a lid on your fermenting jar RJR? I just cover mine with a piece of cloth held by a rubber band (so that the gas can escape), and that seems to remove most of the fizz.
My next project will be to use it to make a sourdough starter. :tongue2:
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Mine is covered with a muslin cloth like you. It was less fizzy today although from what I’ve read fizzy is good as it means the yeast is very much alive
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I weighed mine a couple of days ago, and they've gone from 5g to 40g! At this rate, I'll have kefir coming out of my ears (I may have to pop it in the fridge for a couple of days while I 'catch up')! :lol:
Do let me know if you notice any beneficial effects RJR. I've read that it can help with inflammation, and don't seem to be taking as many pain meds, but that could just be coincidence or placebo effect....
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Mine have already gone from 5 to 15 as well! I haven’t noticed any benefits yet although this is usually the half term when I am most run down so hard to tell at the moment! I’m adjusting to the taste of it as well and don’t feel like I am forcing myself to drink it each morning. I’m glad it is having positive effects for you though!
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My tummy has been a bit 'rumbly', which I presume is due to the good bacteria moving in (they must have a lot of furniture! :lol:). It's probably my fault for drinking too much (apparently, it's supposed to be a gradual process)!
I've read (UK Kefir site on Facebook) that the addition of flavourings (milkshake syrup/fruit etc.) can help with the flavour, although I've always loved yoghurt, so I actually enjoy it. :tongue2:
I've had to move my grains to the fridge to slow ferment for a couple of days now, while I catch up. Fortunately, my Mum, her friend and my niece (who has tummy troubles) would like some grains (Dad will undoubtedly be partaking, with the addition of some strawberry syrup).
Do let me know how you get on RJR. :)
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I hadn't heard of kefir till I read this post - have now googled it and can't wait for some feedback on here about whether people are both benefiting from and enjoying this!
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I know people who give this to their dogs.
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I'm really enjoying mine ManicMum. :tongue2:
I usually have a glass in the morning, or pour it on my cerial (it's very filling), and both Mum and I have noticed that we feel a bit slimmer and 'better in ourselves', which may be because we feel less bloated.
I did start to feel a bit 'kefired out', so I used some to make Greek yoghurt (much easier than having to pre-heat the milk and keep it at the right temperature, as kefir ferments at room temperature).
Now I'm into a routine where I make enough for a few days and store it in a container in the fridge. I then put the grains in some milk in the fridge (the fermentation slows right down) until I need them again.
Some people make smoothies with it, but I understand it's possible to also make probiotic cheese, butter or use it as a sourdough starter.
I'm now going to buy some water kefit grains for my niece, as she's not a huge dairy fan, and while it's possible to use the milk grains with coconut milk, it's not ideal.
And yes Grinling, dogs apparently enjoy kefir (particularly the excess grains). :)
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The water kefir grains arrived today, and they are now in some spring water with sugar. I bought them for my niece (not a fan of dairy), so I'll split them between us and see how it goes...