Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 3: What you need to make kefir
• Method 2 of 3: Make kefir
• Method 3 of 3: Apply kefir
• Tips
• Necessities

Kefir is a fermented drink made from cow's or goat's milk, water or coconut milk. Like yogurt, kefir is rich in healthy bacteria and yeast. Kefir also contains various healthy strains of bacteria that are usually not found in yogurt. The curd in kefir also has a finer structure than that of yogurt, making kefir easier to digest. Kefir also contains essential amino acids, complete proteins and an abundance of minerals.

To step

Method 1 of 3: What you need to make kefir

1. Buy kefir grains. Kefir grains can be ordered online or bought in health food stores. Kefir grains multiply themselves, which is why you can do with a kefir starter for years. You can also divide the kefir into portions and give some of that to your friends. Like sourdough, kefir multiplies itself, so you never run out.
   • The kefir grains can be frozen or dried. You can keep the dried kefir grains for a long time.
   • If you expose the kefir grains to chemical substances or to extreme temperatures, the grains will not keep well.
2. Buy a weck jar where you put the kefir in. If you want to get into the habit of making kefir every day, it's worth buying a preserving jar that is just the right size for kefir drink. For an average amount of kefir you can use a 500 ml weck jar. You need a lid for the kefir that allows air to pass through. You can use a coffee filter for this, which you secure with the rubber of the preserving jar.
   • Do not use a plastic jar, as the molecules can leak out of the plastic and end up in the kefir.
   • If you want, you can sterilize the jar before adding the kefir by putting the jar in boiling water for 5 minutes. Then let the bottle drip on clean kitchen paper.
3. Decide what to take as the basis for the kefir. Kefir is usually made with whole milk. The whole milk gives the kefir a powerful taste and a texture that resembles yogurt. This makes the kefir delicious to drink neat, or to use in a smoothie and all kinds of recipes. If you like even thicker kefir, you can also add some cream. If you'd rather not drink cow's milk, you can try the following alternatives:
   • Water. If you want to make a fermented water-based drink, you can use water as the base. This way you get all the healthy nutrients. Make sure to use distilled water - tap water contains chemicals that can cause the kefir to decay.
   • The human body is more able to digest goat's milk than cow's milk, so goat's milk is a good alternative if you have lactose intolerance.
   • Coconut milk. Fermented coconut milk-based kefir is great if you like fruity healthy drinks. Use the purest coconut milk you can find, without additives or sugars. If possible, make your own coconut milk. The grains do not multiply in coconut milk, so you have to keep some of it aside and put it in milk after making the coconut kefir.

Method 2 of 3: Make kefir

1. Put 2 tablespoons of kefir grains in a clean glass jar. This is a good amount of kefir grains to start with, because this gives the kefir a nice moderate taste. Once you've gotten to grips with making kefir, you can start experimenting with the amount of grains you add. You will notice that the amount of grains you add affects the taste. It is of course a matter of taste which amount of grains is the best.
2. Pour 2.5 cups of milk into the jar. Again, the amount of milk you add is a matter of taste. Still, 2.5 cups is a good amount to start with. Do not fill the jar all the way to the top, as the mixture needs space and air to breathe during the fermentation process; the pot should be filled to about ⅔.
3. Cover the jar and place the jar somewhere at room temperature. Choose a permanent place on your counter or in a kitchen cupboard where you can put the kefir. If you put the jar in the fridge, the kefir cannot ferment.
4. Let the kefir ferment for 8 hours. The fermentation process can take several hours, so it is best to prepare the kefir grains and milk in the evening, and then use it in the morning. The longer you let the grains ferment, the stronger the kefir will taste and the thicker it will become.
   • If you prefer to drink kefir without a strong flavor, you can use the kefir grains after about 5 hours, instead of waiting all night.
   • Kefir in coconut milk takes longer to ferment. Let it ferment for more than 8 hours.
5. Drain the kefir. Place a cheesecloth or fine colander on top of another preserving jar or bowl. Pour the kefir from the mason jar it came in over the cheesecloth, separating the kefir grains from the liquid. Now the kefir is ready to be drunk or put in the fridge.
6. Rinse the granules with water and start over. Rinse them in distilled water (never in tap water). Put them in a clean jar, fill it with milk, and start the whole process again. If you don't want to make new kefir just yet, you can leave the kefir grains in a jar, add milk, and leave it in the jar for a week. Then you drain the grains.

Method 3 of 3: Apply kefir

1. Use milk kefir instead of milk. Whenever you want to eat or drink milk or yogurt, or add it as an ingredient in a recipe, you can replace it with kefir. Kefir is very suitable as a base for sauces. It can even be used for baking, as a healthy alternative to dairy. Give these applications a try:
   • Kefir with muesli for breakfast.
   • Stir kefir into your coffee.
   • Bake a yogurt grapefruit cake with kefir instead of yogurt.
2. Eat coconut kefir as a refreshing snack. Milk cannot always be substituted for coconut milk in recipes, but you can use coconut milk in other recipes that will taste great. Coconut kefir is also delicious to eat straight. Try the following:
   • Make a coconut kefir smoothie by blending a cup of kefir, a banana, and a handful of berries.
   • Use coconut kefir as the basis for a homemade pina colada.
   • Add coconut kefir to soups and sauces to make them thick, rich and creamy.
3. Drink water kefir throughout the day to maintain your hydration levels. Water kefir is much lighter than other forms of kefir, so you can drink it throughout the day. In a soup recipe, add it instead of water. You can also flavor the water kefir by adding fruit juice, mint, or other flavors, so that you have a great tasting drink.

Tips

• The fermentation process described above can be repeated endlessly, provided that the correct temperatures and hygiene are used.
• You can sterilize glass jars by washing them with soapy water and then soaking them in a bleach solution for 10 minutes. The ratio is 1 part bleach and 10 parts water. Then rinse the bottles well with water. You can also sterilize the bottles by washing them with soapy water and then putting them in the oven at 100 ° C or in boiling water. Do this for a maximum of half an hour. Let the bottles cool for at least 20 minutes before using them.
• Before you put the kefir in the fridge, you can add fruit and / or herbs.

Necessities

• Glass jar with a lid
• Kefir grains
• Milk, water or coconut milk
• Cheesecloth or a fine colander