How to make Milk Kefir
In order to make authentic milk kefir, you need to get the supplies ready and follow the steps carefully. Here is the step by step direction on making authentic milk kefir:
- Get the supplies ready: First of all, you need milk, but you should make sure that the milk is not lactose free or ultra pasteurized. Raw milk or low fat milk is preferred. Next, you would need a strainer made of stainless steel or nylon. The other supplies that you would require are a bowl, a jar, a breathable lid, a plastic spoon, vanilla or fruit extract.
- Prepare the kefir grains: In order to prepare the kefir grains, strain off the kefir milk in which they are dispersed. Then, rinse the kefir grains in a bowl with spring water or milk. Strain off and rinse again till you are satisfied.
- Feed the kefir grains: After the kefir grains are prepared, you need to feed the kefir grains adequately. Place the kefir grains in a sterile jar and fill the jar with milk. You must ensure that the jar is large enough to have adequate space between the lid and the milk. The ideal ratio is for every 1 teaspoon of kefir grains, you need 1 cup of milk.
- Cover and ferment: The jar should then be covered with a breathable lid. You can use a coffee filter or a paper towel. However, do not use a cloth with large holes as it will result in contamination. You should keep the jar in a cool place. Sunlight is not required. Allow the kefir grains to ferment for about 24 hours.
- Determine if the kefir is ready: It is quite tricky to determine when the kefir is ready. Tilt the jar slightly to see whether it is gel-like or runny. If you find that it is gel-like, be sure that your kefir is ready. It has been found that fermentation is faster in summer than in winter.
- Strain the finished kefir: Place the strainer over a plastic bowl or bowl made of stainless steel. Pour the contents of the entire jar into your strainer. Allow it to strain slowly. You can use a sterile spoon to stir the kefir, so that it strains through the bowl perfectly, leaving behind the grains in the strainer.
- Add flavors: You can mix fruit extract with the strained kefir to enhance its taste.
Video – instructable – how to make milk kefir
Basically, these are the 7 steps that you need to follow to make milk kefir. You can store the kefir grains in the jar so that so you can again feed them with fresh milk and repeat the process.
