Kefir for Beginners

[@maurichaves6770]

That was good... Short and directed.

[@HealthyFarmLiving]

Glad you enjoyed this one!

[@lynclarke6184]

Thank you. Just got some grains this morning and had no idea what to do with them.

[@HealthyFarmLiving]

Glad you found this one useful. If you're a fan of Kefir, you're going to love it fresh. It's potent, but there's nothing like having it freshly made!

[@Victoria-pf7hc]

This video answered all my questions. Thank you!

[@HealthyFarmLiving]

Glad you found this one useful!

[@MarLindaPerez-s1i]

Love it! You told me what it was and how to make it in a short, to the point video! Only thing I want is to make a flavored version. I'm guessing I just add the fruit to it. Also, you did a great job of getting rid of everything else from the background that distracts from what you're doing! Lastly, I love your large wooden cross. God is good!🥰

[@HealthyFarmLiving]

I'm really glad you enjoyed this one and thank you for the kind words. God is good all the time!

[@anneboychuk989]

​@@HealthyFarmLivinghow much kefir milk are we supposed to drink each day?

[@HealthyFarmLiving]

@@anneboychuk989 I don't know that there is a guideline on how much, but we typically drink about 1/2 cup/day. If you're having it for the first time I would start with a small amount to see how your digestion reacts. 😉

[@anneboychuk989]

@@HealthyFarmLiving I'm still trying to get some kefir milk grains. I live in Canada

[@HealthyFarmLiving]

@@anneboychuk989 ugh, that is just frustrating!

[@EM-fg3hm]

Excellent video. Best i found.

[@HealthyFarmLiving]

Glad you enjoyed this one and found it useful!

[@triciahollingshead9971]

Thanks for sharing so much information in these comments.

[@HealthyFarmLiving]

There have been some great comments, questions and suggestions. It helps to answer a few things we didn't think to address in the video!

[@goodgolly8465]

Here's my nightly kefir recipe: 2 cups kefir 2 tablespoons flax seed 2 tablespoons chia seed 2 tablespoons shelled hemp hearts 1 teaspoon fenugreek 1/2 a package sugar free vanilla pudding I ate it every night for one month and my glucose levels dropped to a normal range. The midnight cravings I have been struggling with for one year completely went away and I've lost 5 lbs. I think it tastes amazing and I look forward to my 4 or 5 hundred calorie snack all day long. Before I started doing this I was easily eating over a thousand calories in midnight snacks every night and couldn't stop. I'm so glad I heard about kefir and high fiber. It kills my appetite all night long. I'm finally getting a solid 7 hours of sleep as well.

[@HealthyFarmLiving]

Wow, what a wonderful routine and great results! Thank you for sharing this with us!

[@Earth2Flo-v6f]

Where did you buy your kefir grains? There’s so many options out there!

[@HealthyFarmLiving]

@@Earth2Flo-v6f ours were gifted to us by a friend many years ago and I believe he got his from somebody else.

[@Earth2Flo-v6f]

@@HealthyFarmLiving great, I hope my teaspoon I ordered will be good for kefir!

[@lporter8240]

Why on earth would you take something healthy and add pudding mix to it? It's nothing but bad chemicals. Just add some vanilla extract and stevia. Maybe some plain protein powder or collagen...

[@strawberryyogurt0]

A possibly easier way to strain the grains is to place the kefir grains into a mesh bag, and plop that into milk (then cover loosely with lid). Once fermentation is complete, remove bag contains grains and drop it into another jar of milk. This avoids the hassle of using a separate strainer. I’m giving this a go this week with a gallon glass jar. I’m just tired of continuing to use a colander, catch bowl, and then washing these material, and thought there has got to be a better and faster way.

[@HealthyFarmLiving]

I imagine as long as you can put enough pressure on the mesh bag to get the thicker material through the mesh that would work. You'll have to let us know how that works for you!

[@strawberryyogurt0]

@@HealthyFarmLiving … Update. Works best using those mesh/net bags that holds kids toys where the pores are large. Found one at the dollartree. You can probably find them at the grocery store as well. Initially I tried Walmart’s Joie reusable mesh produce bags, but the pores were too small and had to hand squeeze to extract the liquid. With the mesh from the dollar tree, I was able to extract most of the kefir liquid by running a hard straw a few passes over the mesh bag. No longer need a colander, or getting my hands messy, or even washing any straining equipment. Currently using a gallon sized glass container from Target. I keep the straw inside the glass container.

[@Maryellengray]

I tried that way. My kefir likes more room.

[@chrissyyankee]

​@strawberryyogurt0 can you share a link to the kind of mesh bag you are referring to. I am a newbie, just got some raw milk and grains and now I have to get the other supplies that I just didn't think about, lol.

[@fleurencealmonor4853]

Great video

[@HealthyFarmLiving]

Glad you enjoyed this one!

[@user-ub2md5lo3u]

Thank you 🥰

[@HealthyFarmLiving]

Glad you enjoyed this one!

[@cindynielson4231]

Great lesson! TFS

[@HealthyFarmLiving]

Glad you enjoyed this one Cindy!

[@doobidoo2251]

Short & sweet, thank you. Can I keep the next batch of Kefir out to ferment 12-24 hours instead of refrigerating it, want to make few batches at a time. How many times can you use the same grains?

[@HealthyFarmLiving]

It depends on how quickly it's fermenting for you and that can vary quite a bit. Room temp really effects that and during the summer months when it's warm in the house we can't leave it out longer than 24 hours (sometimes less!) or it starts to separate heavily and clump. You'd just have to keep an eye on them. As for re-using grains, we make 1-2 batches every week and have been using the same grains for almost 5 years now!

[@doobidoo2251]

@@HealthyFarmLiving , wow, 5 years is a long time. I need to keep the Kefir mild on hand daily. It scares me to start making it, just want it right. Thanks for your help.

[@GlennMarshallnz]

Thanks for an informative and helpful video. Some people use a coffee filter or cheesecloth on top and other a solid lid screwed tightly on. Have you tried both variations and which one is best for maximum probiotics and health? Thanks.

[@HealthyFarmLiving]

We have not used that method as we find the fermentation always moves very rapidly for us (typically less than 24 hours except the middle of Winter). As long as there is air in the mix the bugs will do their thing, so I would assume additional airflow would simply speed things up a bit vs affecting the total probiotic count in the end.

[@deepikagrover1163]

Thanks for this... Quick question: How big is that pyrex measuring cup? I like the look of your set up with the cup and strainer -- it looks sturdy and easy to use.

[@HealthyFarmLiving]

That one is 8 cups (2 quarts) and it's our go-to measuring bowl. We have another one, different manufacturer, and the Pyrex is much easier to pour from. I tried to find the Pyrex on Amazon and I don't see the 8 cup sold separately. I'll link to a Non-Pyrex brand that seems very similar for reference here; amzn.to/3IOGbYx

[@lauranglover521]

You can make it with ultrapasteurized...still has lactose and because it's ultrapasteurized, it just means there's no competition for your kefir (no other bacteria to compete with it). Caveat: you can't sustain it with that, but it will work temporarily, if you have nothing else.

[@HealthyFarmLiving]

We've had this one going for several years now with pasteurized milk, but wouldn't be able to speak to the ultra-pasteurized version. Good to know!

[@bullheimer]

THANKS for what to do when i dont want to start another batch right away. Is that a metal strainer?

[@HealthyFarmLiving]

Glad you found this one useful and yes, we always use a metal strainer and have not had any issues.

[@dodgerfan296]

Do you have to sanitize everything that comes in contact with the Kefir? I'm used to making cider, which tends to require sanitized equipment.

[@HealthyFarmLiving]

Great question. No need to sanitize anything here. We wash everything with soap and water, but nothing else. It's bacteria and yeast based, so there's no need to take that extra step.

[@vandthebees9249]

Could you also use goat milk? I’m allergic to cow’s milk.

[@HealthyFarmLiving]

Great question and yes, you can definitely use goat's milk. In fact, we plan on switching ourselves once we have the dairy goats on the farm. Let us know how it turns out!

[@ilba70]

Works very well with goat milk but I prefer sheep milk, the kefir is thicker and very creamy.

[@Sarai_Anna_bornagain]

This was a great video! Thank you!

[@HealthyFarmLiving]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@marycarney2050]

Also , I’ve hear “ second fermenting “is way more beneficial .. your thoughts ?

[@HealthyFarmLiving]

Hmm, I'm not sure what the difference would be in letting it go longer in 1 shot vs separating it into 2. The reality is, it continues to ferment, albeit slowly, once it's in the fridge. So technically it's always fermenting. Also, it gets very thick quickly, so the longer you ferment the thicker it gets.

[@terrim.602]

Wait, what do you do with kefir? It kinda looks slimy.

[@HealthyFarmLiving]

Hey Terri. We usually use Kiefer in our smoothies, although we have used it in a few baking recipes (it makes a really good soda bread!). The consistency when you shake it is much like a liquid yogurt.

[@danielconsidine3863]

What's the best way to consume this to get full effect of the health benefits

[@HealthyFarmLiving]

I don't know that there's a "best" way to consume it, but we always mix it in our morning smoothies. This way it includes natural occurring sugars and fiber that helps to feed the probiotics.

[@danielconsidine3863]

@@HealthyFarmLiving do you know if mixing it with certain things dilutes it's effects in anyway? sometimes I'll put it in my chocolate protein shake or on Cereal mixed with normal milk. Is this ok

[@HealthyFarmLiving]

@@danielconsidine3863 those should be fine. The only thing that I know that definitely effects it negatively is heating it which kills the bacteria.

[@GoogleUser-dm1jq]

What do you do with the grains when you arent using it and what all do you user the kefir for?

[@HealthyFarmLiving]

The grains are stored in the fridge with a little bit of milk. We use kefir in our smoothie every day and in cooking from time to time. It is a great ingredient for bread!

[@marycarney2050]

Hello . How long is the strained kefir good for in the refrigerator ?

[@HealthyFarmLiving]

I don't know what the longest period of time would be, but we always finish ours within a week or two. Typically it's less than a week.

[@roywoodruff8161]

What does this taste like. Does it still have a milk taste? Never heard of it.

[@HealthyFarmLiving]

Hey Roy. It's more like a tangy/sour, thin yoghurt. We like it for our smoothies, but you can also add some fruit, blend it together and it makes a really good smoothie on it's own. The biggest benefit is the probiotic content as this has up to 12 times the probiotics of Greek yoghurt.

[@roywoodruff8161]

@@HealthyFarmLiving Oh, wow! I will have to give this a try. Thanks!

[@LCamp-cr7fs]

@@HealthyFarmLiving some sources claim that it helps you create new gut flora while yoghurt just feeds existing bacteria. I don’t know how true that is but I like it and take my chances.

[@HealthyFarmLiving]

@@LCamp-cr7fs we're right there with you. We'll take the extra "good bugs" as well!

[@CptApplestrudl]

Easy enough...is there a way to reduce or get rid of the carbonization though?

[@HealthyFarmLiving]

While there is some carbonation from the fermentation process we've found it to be very minimal. Shaking the finished kefir in the container will reduce that and also consuming it in a short period of time as even in the fridge it will continue to ferment, albeit very slowly.

[@cosmicgamer6648]

How did you make those Kefir Grain?

[@HealthyFarmLiving]

The grains were gifted to us from a fried of ours, but you can find them on Amazon as well if you don't know of a local source. I'll link to one for you here; amzn.to/3SeyleQ

[@ald6409]

Two questions. 1. How many times can you reuse the same kefir grains? 2. How long will the kefir keep in the fridge? Thanks.

[@HealthyFarmLiving]

I don't know that there's a limit on how long the grains can be "re-used" as they continually make new grains. We're still working from the original grains we were gifted back in 2020! They can keep in the fridge for several weeks, but we typically go through a quart in a week. That has stretched into 2 weeks on a few occasions when we've been out of town with no problems.

[@amandapoe-jh9je]

@healthyfarmliving is it ok to wash the jar before you put the kefir grains back in it?

[@HealthyFarmLiving]

Sure, it's not going to hurt to wash it. It's just not necessary for this one as the beneficial bacteria that remains in the vessel simply assists with the next batch's fermentation.

[@ajadid1]

How did you get the kefir grains to start with ?

[@TheHodzi]

Just brought mine from eBay

[@HealthyFarmLiving]

We were given ours by a friend who bought them on Amazon originally. I'll link to a couple for you; amzn.to/47qUSvE amzn.to/449b5Ts

[@2lipToo]

@@HealthyFarmLiving Any links for those of us in Canada?

[@HealthyFarmLiving]

@@2lipToo I'm not sure on that one. I tried searching Amazon.ca and there doesn't seem to be much in the way of options there. I'm going to link to a popular option on Amazon in the US, but this is their home website. It might be worth asking if they can ship up to you guys; culturesforhealth.com/products/milk-kefir-grains

[@2lipToo]

@@HealthyFarmLiving Thank you for your response. I checked my local Craigslist and that seems to be the way to go - several people sharing their extra grains. ❤️

[@2lipToo]

I'm confused a bit regarding the kefir grains. Firstly are they hard or soft? I ask this because the kefir I currently buy is thick, almost like a yogurt not a liquid like a lot of others (which I don't like). In fact, the grains used in your video look just a bit stiffer than the kefir I buy. I wouldn't want to put this through a sieve because I don't want it all smooth. So how does one make the kind of kefir I buy? (The brand is organic Saugeen Country from Ontario, Canada and I LOVE it.)

[@HealthyFarmLiving]

The kefir grains are a bit hard and rubbery, which is why they don't pass through the strainer along with the rest of the liquid. As for consistency, I can't speak to the brand you're buying, but you can "adjust" the thickness based on how much you let it ferment. The longer it ferments, the thicker it will become. That being said, check the ingredients on your store bought kefir. It may have a thickening agent (like carrageenan) in it which I've seen in other store brands here in AZ.

[@purelightapologetics4930]

How long does Kiefer milk last in the fridge (the one that’s already been strained) and also how long does the fermentation process take in the fridge?

[@EdgeofNowhereFarm]

I don't know how long it can last in the fridge, but we've had it in there for over a week unused and it's been just fine. I also don't know how long it would take to do the whole fermentation process in the fridge, but it would be a very long time. We have kept extra grains in milk for a few months and there is not near as much fermentation as what we get in a day on the shelf.

[@corteltube]

Is the milk that you put in the kefir grains to keep it alive in the fridge turn into kefir you can drink?

[@HealthyFarmLiving]

Yes, but it ferments much more slowly than the milk you ferment at room temp.

[@marybradley3705]

Ok. But how do you make the grains?

[@HealthyFarmLiving]

I'm not aware of a way to make them from scratch, but they are readily available on Amazon and other online websites. We have a link in the description of this video to one on Amazon that I'll link for you here as well; amzn.to/4gCJUHS

[@i.k.320]

Other people said you can't use metallic strainer and spoon, and I see you use that, its not a problem to the grains?

[@HealthyFarmLiving]

We have not had any issues with it and have used a metallic strainer since day one. The kefir we're making this week is descendent from the grains you're seeing here in this episode from a couple of years ago.

[@peggyspence9081]

Did you have any digestive problems when you first started drinking kefir ?

[@HealthyFarmLiving]

We've been drinking Kefir for over a decade, so I don't recall to be honest. However, I would take it slow if you're new to this. Especially if you're changing from a store bought kefir to home made. The home made kefir usually has a LOT more probiotic activity then the store bought versions in my experience.

[@DianeWalden-x3y]

How often can you reuse the kefir grains?

[@HealthyFarmLiving]

I don't know that there's a limit. We make 1-2 batches every week and the grains we're using were gifted to us almost 5 years ago.

[@ursulaalbrecht6259]

What if I used UHT milk for my first batch. I didn’t realize it was bad to do that

[@HealthyFarmLiving]

That's not a problem, we've used it before as well. The key ingredient in the milk is the sugar which is needed for the "good bugs" to feed on and reproduce. Still plenty of that in UHT milk. 😉

[@azreenakhan5108]

What is room temperature for you?

[@HealthyFarmLiving]

It varies based on the season, but anywhere from about 70 degrees to as high as 80-82.

[@azreenakhan5108]

@@HealthyFarmLiving Thank you. I am in the tropics so it a lot hotter here. Room temperature can be between 86-94 degrees

[@HealthyFarmLiving]

@@azreenakhan5108 ah ok. With that you'll just want to watch it closely as it will ferment much more quickly. During our summers it only takes about 12 hours for it to fully ferment!

[@azreenakhan5108]

@ yes, it takes about 10 hours here. Thank you for your advice.

[@lindagore8003]

Where do you get the Kefer grains🤔

[@HealthyFarmLiving]

Hey Linda. These were from a friend of ours who ordered them online, but you can get them on Amazon. I'll link to a couple of options for you there; amzn.to/3rKYYhM amzn.to/3Qa6Js3 Once you get them started you'll start having extra grains to share with other folks wondering the same thing!

[@joannbryant3685]

how do u make it with out the kefir ,do u have to have kefir grains to start it

[@HealthyFarmLiving]

We started with Kefir grains that were purchased online and have kept them going ever since. That was back in 2019 and they are still going strong.

[@jenniferbingaman6048]

If I want it less tangy do I just ferment a little less time?

[@HealthyFarmLiving]

Bingo, that's exactly how you limit that tangy flavor. You'll also want to consume it more quickly as it will continue to ferment (and sour) over time in the fridge.

[@jenniferbingaman6048]

@@HealthyFarmLiving perfect, thanks

[@LeonelGuzmanContinousLearning]

I left the grains in the fridge a few days because I had a business trip. Now, they seem to ferment the milk much faster. Is that normal? Thank you

[@HealthyFarmLiving]

I really wouldn't be able to say for sure, but we find our ferments are much faster when it's warmer in the house. Even a degree or two can make a difference in how fast they ferment.

[@marycarney2050]

I have a question. I know you pour about 4 cups of milk and with the grains to let them ferment again. What if I am only eating about a cup of kefir a day ?

[@HealthyFarmLiving]

I'm not sure if you're asking if you can increase or decrease the batch size, but if you're going through a cup a day you should be good with a quart for each batch. It can last several weeks in the fridge after fermentation. It will get a little thicker with time as it continues to ferment, but it's VERY slow once it's in the fridge. That being said, you can do smaller or larger batches. You may need to add or subtract grains and the fermentation time may change.

[@marycarney2050]

@@HealthyFarmLivingI haven’t received my grains yet they are coming shortly . I guess what I’m asking is, with each new batch after fermentation, you have to put the grains back into a quart jar and add 4 cups of milk. I won’t be able to go through 4 cups of milk a day. So, how would I decrease it? I’m not trying to sound stupid, but I’ve never made it before. I don’t know how many grains are in each batch.

[@HealthyFarmLiving]

@@marycarney2050 ok, I think I understand. You can keep the grains in the quart container without straining them for several weeks in the fridge until you're ready to strain and repeat the process. So essentially, you get your grains, add them to milk, ferment for 24 hours, strain and repeat the process but don't strain the grains out until you're ready to use the kefir (just keep the finished kefir in the fridge w/the grains in it). Does that help?

[@marycarney2050]

@@HealthyFarmLivingthat helps so much thank you !!!!! Just one more question if I may … what is the ratio for grains to milk ? I’ve heard one tsp OR one Tbs of grains per cup of milk ?

[@HealthyFarmLiving]

@@marycarney2050 there's not a hard an fast rule, but the ratio we have here works well. It's essentially 2-3 TBSP with 4c of milk. The grains do reproduce over time, so every once in a while we remove 2tbsp and start over either giving away or using the excess grains as a supplement for our farm animals.

[@LightsOn128]

I’m in flagstaff. How can I get starter grains from you please.

[@HealthyFarmLiving]

Hey there. We don't offer Kefir grains for sale, but you can find them readily on Amazon. I'll link to an option for you here; amzn.to/46Tw3Im

[@leesg3]

Just an added thought. If you put the lid on tightly the Kefir has an effervescent taste. That's how it got the name, the champagne of milk...

[@HealthyFarmLiving]

It can even have a small amount of alcohol as well, of course nothing like grape champagne!

[@kirrajaye]

Hi. I'm new to kefir. I have a kit but haven't actually made any yet - I have question about batches and resting the grains. It's just me drinking it - and I drink 1 cup per day with breakfast (currently buying it premade but it's way to $$). If a batch takes 12-24hrs, and I need to keep it alive, I'm not sure how to cycle to grains and batches so that I am not wasting it. making way more than i can drink, and not wasting milk with resting it too often! Does anyone have any suggestions. Eg: Do you make a ton of batches all at once over a week and then rest the grains longer? Do you make fewer batches more often and rest the grains shorter??? I guess I need 7 cups per week, which is 2 batches per week in the jar size that I have.

[@HealthyFarmLiving]

I'm going to do my best to answer, but please follow up if I didn't get this right. We always make 1 quart at at time and typically go through about 5 cups a week (just over a quart). Once we make a quart we have a new one in 12-24 hours that goes into the fridge (keeping the grains in it) until we're finished with the first quart. Then we start the process you see here over again. The quart that has the grains in it while it's waiting to be strained very, very slowly ferments in the fridge until it gets processed. If you think it's going to be several weeks before you get to that second quart you can remove the grains and put them in a smaller jar, cover them with milk and let them slowly ferment until you're ready to use them. One thing to keep in mind is Kefir will store in the fridge for quite some time. We go on vacations from time to time and have had it sit for a few weeks before being used with no issues. I hope this helps!

[@kirrajaye]

@@HealthyFarmLiving Thanks. So just to clarify... you make the second quart fully, and then place it in the fridge with teh grains in it after it has fermented... So eg: start a quart monday 5pm - it's done Tuesday 5pm-ish - make a second quart right away - it's done 5pm-ish Weds. Put the weds quart in the fridge with grains in it. Drink quart #1 over a few days, strain quart #2 when that's finished and drink quart 2 over a few days. Start grains on quart #3 after straining quart 2.(which would be #1 for the new week) Is that kind of the cycle? And then it just goes on forever...

[@HealthyFarmLiving]

@@kirrajaye Bingo! That's exactly what we do week in, week out and never run out of Kefir using the same set of starter grains from many years ago.

[@desertdanblacksmith1394]

goin to try this ...shared....thx...I looking on Amazon/your store? for Kefir grains? What do you reccommend?

[@HealthyFarmLiving]

Hey Dan! Forgot to add them to the shop but I will link it here for you: amzn.to/2VPonHC

[@desertdanblacksmith1394]

@@HealthyFarmLiving Thanks!

[@maryxuereb2995]

How many times i can use the left over kefir ..to make more pls

[@HealthyFarmLiving]

The Kefir grains we are using now are from the original batch we started with over 2 years ago. As long as you keep the alive, they just keep multiplying!

[@rosalincastillo8754]

​@@HealthyFarmLiving I am a beginner who would want to try making kefir. how to make the kefir grains as starter or where can I get ir buy them?

[@HealthyFarmLiving]

@@rosalincastillo8754 there are several options on Amazon to purchase your starter grains. I'll link to one here for you; amzn.to/47UcwrV

[@margritbarnett3058]

Where do I get the initial starter?

[@HealthyFarmLiving]

There are a few options on Amazon. I'll link to a good option for you here; amzn.to/3EIJ9vl

[@ajinkyanagare6835]

Pestarization milk use kefir?

[@HealthyFarmLiving]

Yes, we use pasteurized milk every time we make our batches and have no issues. It's been several years with the same original kefir grains and they still ferment really well.

[@ajinkyanagare6835]

@@HealthyFarmLiving thanks 🤠

[@maryxuereb2995]

How many times do i keep alive the kefir grains after i do the kefir milk?

[@HealthyFarmLiving]

We usually make 1-2 batches every week and are using decedents from the first batch a friend gave us over 2 years ago.

[@maryxuereb2995]

Thks now i understood gd nite from here

[@naomianagaw6610]

For how long can we put the kefir in refrigerator?

[@HealthyFarmLiving]

I'm not sure how long it's good to keep in the fridge, but we've had it in the fridge for a couple of weeks before using it with no problems.

[@خواطرأمرأة-غ9ب]

أن كانت في الثلاجه اخرجها لمده 12س قبل الاستخدام

[@tldenisova68]

It's not Kiefer ( Sutherland). The stress is on the second syllable.

[@HealthyFarmLiving]

That's what we've been told. I love the reference to Sutherland, btw. 😉

[@istabrqaljnna5826]

How can i get the keefer, thank

[@HealthyFarmLiving]

Here is a good option on Amazon for some starter grains; amzn.to/484tLH8

[@istabrqaljnna5826]

@@HealthyFarmLiving thanks alot 😊

[@altabriziyehya4735]

How is it 101 when you don’t tell us where and how you get that grain

[@HealthyFarmLiving]

They are easy to find on Amazon and we have an option linked in the description of this video for you.

[@elaineedgar2913]

So I can’t use soya milk for this? Or oat milk?

[@HealthyFarmLiving]

Hey there Elaine. I wouldn't be able to say from experience, but it would definitely be worth trying. The sugar is what the bacteria and yeast are feeding on!

[@JBSoulmates]

More than likely no. They require full fat milk.

[@mikeballew3207]

What I've read is that you can use coconut milk if it has a high enough fat content, but other milk alternatives tend to starve the kefir. This is just what I've read from guides online, so I can't say for sure from experience

[@michaelhargis7036]

Milk comes from a mammal. Anything else is not milk.

[@lilihillis1449]

Soy anything except tofu or tempe because these are (Fermented/ Predigested)..is not digestible by humans. In Asia they use soy for animal fodder/ food.

[@davidgmerek7601]

What type of milk can u use. I like coconut and Almon and oat.?

[@HealthyFarmLiving]

Hmm, I'm not sure on that one. We have only used cow or goat milk to make this.

[@MythicGMR-StumbleGuys]

Where do you get those cauliflower looking things to put inside the jar before putting the milk please?

[@sallycarrer3976]

It looks like you used a metal strainer? I thought the kefir musnt come into contact with metal? Thats what my notes said. THanks otherwise for a great video

[@HealthyFarmLiving]

We've seen those suggestions as well and have not had any issues with a metal strainer. We're still working from the initial batch of Kefir grains that were gifted to us almost 4 years ago and have always used a metal strainer. That being said, I'm sure a plastic strainer would work just fine as well.

[@chipdouglas9847]

Yeah.....WHERE do you get the starter grains?? No one addresses this obvious question.

[@HealthyFarmLiving]

Lots of options. 2 from Amazon; amzn.to/3OaGyjs amzn.to/3pRW6PB Ours were from a friend of ours, so once you get yours started, be sure to share. That's what we do.

[@danielfisch655]

Too bad I’m lactose intolerant, interesting process and thank you for sharing.

[@HealthyFarmLiving]

Hey Daniel. Well, that's a bummer. I do know there is water Kefir as an option, but it won't have the same benefits as the milk kefir.

[@LadySublimity]

The kefir grains consume the lactose so its digestible

[@LCamp-cr7fs]

I am late to the party but want to add my two cents to the topic. I am also highly sensitive to dairy products. However I find that I can tolerate fermented milk products and hard cheeses. So I consume yogurt and kefir in moderation.

[@sapnapaul3477]

If you over ferment this kefir you have all lactose ( milk sugar) consumed by microbes in kefir . This is then safe for consumption for lactose intolerant.

[@JBSoulmates]

Daniel, Kefir feeds on the lactose in milk so it is recommended for people who are lactose intolerant.

[@sajida625]

Some people here say that don't use iron/steel containers,spoons and filters? Is it OK if we use it?

[@HealthyFarmLiving]

We have not had any issues with stainless utensils when making Kefir. The amount of time it's in contact with the material is very limited. I wouldn't use iron though.

[@tonisee2]

Great video! Looks like now you need just kama flour... :-)

[@HealthyFarmLiving]

Ok, now I need to know what that is. Off to Google I go...

[@triciahague6287]

Kefer is curd sour milk

[@HealthyFarmLiving]

Hmm, haven't heard it called that before, but that does describe it pretty well!

[@whatsinthesky5634]

I thought you're Not supposed to use metal... if it touches metal, it's no good...?

[@HealthyFarmLiving]

We've been making home made Kefir for over 5 years now and have always used a metal strainer with no issues.

[@OZARKMEL]

Somehow the thought of drinking "sour" milk has a huge "ick" factor for me. While I love fermented foods I think I'll have to pass on this one! But, it was very informative none the less!

[@HealthyFarmLiving]

If you want "try before you buy" there are usually a few options in grocery and/or supplement stores, but I can definitely understand the hesitation!

[@connieheaps4838]

The stuff you buy in the store does not taste like what you make at home. The store Kiefer is processed so IMO tastes very different. Store-bought tastes much sweeter than anything I've made it home

[@zedmeinhardt3404]

Do you, i have foods i won't eat also. Do you eat yogurt or sour cream? Alternatively buttermilk in baked goods and many cheeses are all versions of "sour milk"

[@2lipToo]

A real shame because it's delicious, very similar to yogurt but healthier. When you compare the massive cost of probiotic supplements (and efficacy) this is clearly the simplest, most effective option, except for other naturally fermented foods. Its benefits also extend to my dogs and cats.

[@MW-hm9ub]

Metal strainer is a BIG BIG no no. No metal should ever touch the kefir grains.

[@HealthyFarmLiving]

I've read that in several places as well, but we have never had an issue with it. The grains you see us using here are still in use today, almost 5 years old and going strong. We've always used a metal strainer for it. 🤷

[@truthbetold2354]

Your smashing and grinding the kefir grains into a metal strainer? Huh?

[@HealthyFarmLiving]

We sure do. We're going on 4 years with no issues using metal strainers and the grains are growing strong still.

[@truthbetold2354]

@@HealthyFarmLiving who knew you didn't have to be careful?! Lol

[@wildaviswordandworship]

It's Kuh-feer

[@HealthyFarmLiving]

That's what we've been told. I imagine the whole issue with it being another language adds to some of the issue with proper pronunciation.

[@JBSoulmates]

@@HealthyFarmLiving Ask google how it’s pronounced and it’ll give you the phonetic spelling and a voice pronunciation. Kuhfeer

[@3v3ryd4yw1nn1n6]

It's also RE-frigerator

[@JustJara75]

Wow. Stop needling her.

[@kakayagadost]

It’s kefIr. Emphasis on I

[@gasparini76]

nobody teaches how to create a culture (symbiotic matrix) from scratch. Precisely what I would like to learn....

[@HealthyFarmLiving]

Hmm, I would be curious as to how that's done as well. Given how easy it is to grow and share the cultures you would be hard pressed to find one truly made from scratch.

[@backpacker3421]

It's pronounced kuh-fear with a little emphasis on the second syllable. You can google this - "pronounce kefir". Sooooo many people get it wrong.

[@HealthyFarmLiving]

Yeah, we got that one wrong as well!

[@sharonphillips3700]

Doesn’t matter

[@backpacker3421]

@@sharonphillips3700 It only matters if you care about respecting other cultures. So maybe it doesn't matter to you, but it matters to me and to most people who would be using kefir. Or maybe you don't care but you'd like to seem educated enough to know how to pronounce it.

[@ruthkirk9429]

Potato pototo how ever you say it it's still a spud

[@HealthyFarmLiving]

Tomato, tomoto. 😉

[@rydout]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/q37cg5aHgJh8npI correct way to say it

[@HealthyFarmLiving]

Well, there you go.

[@sandiebrown9521]

It’s pronounced Kufeeeeerrrrr

[@HealthyFarmLiving]

True.

[@kakayagadost]

Too much water in this kefIr video😂

[@HealthyFarmLiving]

Water?

[@kakayagadost]

@@HealthyFarmLiving meaning bla-bla- bla… But your video is very educational. Thank you❤️

[@phbytfuurfs]

Wonder who will get crucified on that wooden thing...

[@HealthyFarmLiving]

I assume you're referring to our custom, end grain cutting board? Countless heads have rolled on that....Romain, Green Leaf, Butter, even an Iceberg or 2. 😉