You might be surprised to learn that kefir actually isn’t from Greece.
The word refers to a small cheese-like food that was popular among people living in the Caucasus Mountains between the Black Sea and Caspian Sea.
Kefir is a type of probiotic drink that’s traditionally made from cow’s or goat’s milk.
What is kefir?
Kefir is a fermented milk drink that originates in the Caucasus Mountains but is now enjoyed all over the world.
It’s made by combining water with yogurt starter cultures (yeast and bacteria), then adding kefir grains and letting it ferment.
When making kombucha tea, you add tea leaves to the same procedure as kefir.
What are the benefits of drinking kefir?
Some health benefits include improving digestion, boosting immunity, reducing inflammation, and helping prevent cancer.
A study published in the journal Nutrients found that consuming this beverage may help lower cholesterol levels.
You can also find kefir at health food stores and some supermarkets.
What are the different types of kefir?
There are two main kinds of kefir you can buy — regular kefir and organic kefir.
If you have allergies to dairy products, you might want to stay away from regular kefir because it contains traces of lactose and other dairy proteins.
Organic kefir is free of these ingredients and therefore safer for those who are lactose intolerant.
How is kefir made?
To make kefir, you start off by using a starter culture to turn milk into yogurt.
Then, after the yogurt reaches a certain consistency, you add kefir grains.
This causes the bacteria to multiply rapidly and create a thick liquid called kefir.
To keep the bacteria active, you leave your kefir out on the countertop for 24 hours before using it.
How long does kefir last?
Once opened, kefir will keep for about three weeks if refrigerated.
Once stored at room temperature, however, it will only last one week.
Keffir should be kept cold until you use it or consume it within three days.
How do you drink kefir?
You can either drink kefir straight out of the bottle or mix it into something else, such as smoothies, soups, or salads.
Just remember to shake it well before serving so that you don’t end up with lumps.
What are the side effects of kefir?
If you have an allergy to kefir, you could experience a rash or hives.
Some people have experienced headaches, stomach aches, and dizziness when they drank too much kefir.
There have also been reports of some people having difficulty digesting kefir because of its high sugar content.
In addition, there have been cases of E coli infections linked to kefir consumption.
So, if you have any concerns about drinking kefir, speak with your doctor first.
Is kefir good for you?
Yes! Kefir is a healthy probiotic drink that promotes gastrointestinal health.
It helps boost immunity, reduce inflammation, treat digestive problems, and fight disease-causing pathogens.
It’s also important to note that kefir doesn’t contain added sweeteners, artificial colors, or preservatives.
How many calories are in kefir?
One cup of regular kefir has roughly 160 calories, while organic kefir has slightly less than 100 calories per cup.
You can get more information here.
What does kefir taste like?
It tastes similar to plain yogurt.
If you’re used to eating yogurts, you won’t notice anything new in kefir.
But if you’ve never had kefir before, you might not think it’s very palatable.
What does kefir look like?
Although it looks somewhat grainy, kefir is actually clear and transparent.
You can see how much of it remains in the bottle once it’s finished fermenting.
As mentioned above, the color of kefir depends on what kind of milk you use to make it.
Regular kefir is usually yellowish in color, and organic kefir is almost always white in appearance.
Kefir Recipe
Equipment
- 1 jar
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons kefir
- 3 cups milk
Instructions
- Put the kefir seeds, about 2 teaspoons of cereal, and about 3 cups of raw milk in a clean glass jar. Make sure to leave the top of the jar with about 1 inch of space.
- On top of the jar, put a plastic cap; do not tighten. You want the jar’s top cap to remain securely fastened.
- For 24 hours, keep the vial warm and out of direct sunlight. I stowed my jar in a kitchen cabinet. When your kefir is slightly thick and has an easy-to-ferment aroma, it is finished.
- Secure the cap, then vigorously shake. Over a clean jar, place a stainless steel or plastic sieve. Into the container, strain the kefir.
Video
Nutrition
I have a true passion for cooking and experimenting with new ingredients, and I have been creating and perfecting recipes for friends and family for years.
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