How to Reuse Your Kefir Grains

Filmed to help others understand how kefir grains can be reused day after day.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• kefir
• nourishing traditions
• weston price
• cooking

[lllogical]

oh no i just put ultra pasteurized milk on my new kefir grains :(

what should i do?

[mommysgems]

@lllogical So, did it work? Was it a thick result, or runny?

[matthew4892]

how long do you ferment your milk? i have about 9 tbsp of grains with 1cup and a half of pasterized milk for 8 hrs and it is not even that thick like yours, mines seperate into whey and is super tarty

[mommysgems]

@matthew4892 It depends on a few factors. Winter takes longer than summer, for example. Also, the amount of time you've used the grains matters, too. A new culture, or one that has sat dormant for a while will take longer. I try not to let it sit more than 24 hours in the winter and 8 hours in the summer.

[mommysgems]

@matthew4892 It sounds like you used way too many grains for the amount of milk you used. It cultured very fast.  The culture is eating the sugar in the milk and once that sugar runs out, it will not ferment more but the milk will separate into whey and solids. Use less grains, or more milk.

A number of factors affect the time required: temp, amount of time the grains were dormant, amt of milk, amt of grains, air flow, and probably more that I am forgetting right now.

[jenniemc8]

you made it look sooooo easy! thank you. One question though, is Non-Homoginized Milk the same as Raw Milk? In my state Raw Milk cannot be sold so I have not been able to make kefir yet. Considering water kefir but would prefer the milk kefir.

[mommysgems]

@jenniemc8 You can buy pasteurized milk that is not homogenized at some grocery stores. Trader Joes carries a gently pasteurized non-homogenized milk that is very good. The only milk that I have had trouble culturing is the ultra-pasteurized. Regular grocery store (pasteurized and homogenized) has worked just fine for me. Raw milk is BEST but not possible for everyone.... not even me right now. :)

[lllogical]

@mommysgems no ultra pasteurized milk is terrible for kefir, its very runny and does not seperate like it should. I just took my grains out and put them in organic pasteurized milk which ferments in about half a day. I also tried raw milk which is ferments in about 4 hours, but its hard to get so i just use organic pasteurized milk. You should try putting honey and dried foods in your kefir sometime =)

[fetymann]

When using canning jars and their lid rings, I use two un-bleached coffee filters, works great for air exchange and keeps things out.

[jenniemc8]

@mommysgems Thanks! I'll check our Trader Joe's.

[mommysgems]

@monawachsler I have so many grains that I do not need anymore! :)