Milk Kefir Grains

Questions on Milk Kefir Grains

From Tami at 6/3/11 9:41 PM
- I live in a cold area where my counter top at night is in the 30's or 40's. Can I use my yogurt maker for kefirs too?
- A yogurt maker is too warm for kefir. Over 80 degrees may cook the grains and make them inactive. However, it's possible that you could generate enough heat with the yogurt maker to set the kefir on TOP of the unit. Try putting a bowl of water on top of the yogurt maker with the machine turned on, and let it sit for an hour or so, then take the temperature of the water in the bowl.
  
  Another option is to wrap the jar of kefir (at room temperature) in a towel or some foam, then put it inside the yogurt maker turned off, or in an insulated lunchbox, to maintain the temperature of the kefir.
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From Barba at 6/4/11 3:36 AM
- Does kefir grains take the sugar out of the milk. Does it make it sugarless.??? And what about the carbs.???
- Kefir grains convert the lactose in milk into glucose and galactose. The glucose is used by the grains for nourishment, growth, and reproduction. The longer the milk cultures, the more lactose is converted. By the end of the culturing process, there should be no lactose left. Galactose and glucose are metabolized differently in the body than lactose is.
  
  The carbohydrate count would vary depending on the type of milk that is used, and how much of the lactose has been converted. It would not be any greater than the original milk you used to make the kefir with - and maybe 50% or less of that.
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From Barba at 6/4/11 3:52 AM
- How much milk kefir are you supposed to drink in a day to get the best benefit out of it. ???
- The optimum amount of kefir to drink would be different for each person. It is something you should talk about with your health care professional.
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From Marybeth at 6/10/11 7:35 AM
- I will be putting my kefir grains in the refrigerator with milk as I am going on vacation for a week. I have started using the grains in coconut milk per your instructions. When I return from vacation should I put the grains into regular milk for 24 hours before I start the coconut milk procedure again? Thanks for your help.
- The "milk rest" you are giving your grains should be sufficient to re-charge them. Making a batch of milk kefir before you go back to coconut milk couldn't hurt, but you will probably be fine if you go straight to the coconut.
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From Susan at 6/10/11 2:32 PM
- 2 days ago I made kefir and let it culture for 24 hours which was a mistake because it caused some serious gastrointestinal problems since it is hot in my kitchen without AC. I dumped the rest out and used the grains again, this time leaving it out yesterday for about 8 hours; it was still really hot yesterday and by the time I came home, it had seperated into what looked like curds and whey.
  
  Today, I've made kefir and it's already pretty ready after about 6 hours. But, things in my refrigerator are turning sour/into kefir. Yesterday I thought I was crazy when my milk in the fridge went sour and wasn't expired yet. This morning, I threw out curdled half and half. Now, another jug of milk.
  
  Are my grains ruined? Is all of this just because of the heat? Why is this causing problems in the fridge?
- If the kefir is covered in the refrigerator, and the other products are covered as well, it is very unlikely that there would be cross-contamination. Is it possible that the thermostat in your refrigerator needs to be re-set?
  
  It is possible that the kefir is working faster in the heat. One way to slow it down is to put the jar in a shallow dish or pie plate, and fill the dish with water. The evaporational cooling will help bring down the temperature of the kefir jar.
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From Zak at 6/12/11 1:37 PM
- Hi, I just got some kefir grains for free from a person from an internet kefir grain network, they arrived in a plastic sandwich bag and was all mushy and stuff (they said they shipped it in organic liquid raw milk), I plan on potentially using it, but I don't know if it's safe as I have been storing it in a thermos jar until I find it's safe to use. The time the kefir was in transit was about 3 days or so, and I am still storing it in the container. I know you are probably thinking that this has nothing to do with your site, but I am getting instructions from your site, and I will buy your kefir grains unless these current ones seem legit to you.
  Also, would rinsing the milk stuff off of them help?
  
  Thanks, I look forward to your response!
- If the kefir grains you received in the mail smell okay, you can go ahead and try them in a jar of milk to see how they do. Kefir grains will either work (produce kefir) or not work (not produce kefir). They won't produce bad kefir. It's possible that if they're not working, the milk you put them in will just go bad from sitting out, but you should be able to tell that from the smell.
  
  You do need to get those grains into some milk though, or they will starve. They also need some oxygen unless they're refrigerated, so if they're in a closed thermos they could be having problems. You shouldn't need to rinse them, but it won't hurt. Make sure the water you use is free of chlorine and fluoride. (Bottled spring water is fine.)
  
  If these grains don't work from you, we'll be happy to sell you some of ours! :-)
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From Zak at 6/12/11 2:03 PM
- Hi thanks for the response, that was incredibly quick! Great advice, I will definitely take them out of the thermos, The bag smells like, well..a mix between old milk(?) and a farm. But I'll give it a go and if it does not work I'll be placing my order with you guys when I get the chance ;)
  
  Thanks again, and your website is like a goldmine of fermented stuff!
  
  -Zak
- Good luck! If you run into more difficulty, email us: customersupport@culturesforhealth.com
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From Chuck Shelton at 6/13/11 1:40 PM
- What can excess kefir grains be used for?
- You can give them to friends, blend them up in a smoothie, feed them to your pets, eat them plain or with a little cinnamon, put them in compost, use them as a salad topper (like feta cheese)... they are completely edible, and you can probably think of even more fun things to do with them.
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From Jana at 6/14/11 7:59 PM
- Can Kefir grains get cross contaminated from yeast?
  
  If so, how do you know they have and what do you do about it?
  
  My grains gradually disappeared. Can the strainer not be fine enough and let the grains pass through?
  
  I find it hard to separate the grains with the milk fat on top. Is there a trick to having lump-free creamy kefir that doesn't get the moldy smell on the cream that is at the top?
  
  Sorry about all of the questions, but I don't know what I'm doing.
- What you describe sounds like the grains were somehow weakened, and have disintegrated. As you describe it, they probably are still there and active, but too small for you to sort out from the milk. This can happen from cross-contamination if the kefir is too close to something else that is culturing.
  
  To keep the cream from rising to the top, you can stir the kefir gently as it is culturing. If the cream rises to the top, it's possible that the surface is reacting with the air and going sour a little before it is kefiring.
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From Barba at 6/14/11 2:19 AM
- When do you get the best benefit when drinking you're kefir. After it's fermented for 12hrs , 24hrs , 36hrs or when the curd and whey are separated.
- The kefir will have distributed the probiotics into the milk after about 12 hours. The total length of time you let it ferment depends on how thick and how sour you like it. Most people prefer not to let the kefir separate into curds and whey, but some people like it that way. The longer it ferments, the more lactose is used up, and the more acid the milk becomes. If you let it sit for too long, the grains will run out of food, and can become weakened or even die.
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Customer Reviews

milk kefir grains Review by Susan

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I've been able to save money by making my own kefir with good quality grains from Culture for Health. The taste is much fresher than store bought and the instructions were easy to follow. (Posted on May 15, 2013)

Milk Kefir Grains Review by Julie

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At first I was disappointed and thought that either I was doing something wrong or my grains were just "not right." I contacted the oh-so-patient customer service reps so many times when I first started kefering that I started feeling a little on the kefir-challanged side. But, at last, with patience and good advice, I am now a kefir making mama! The grains are very forgiving and are now, about 5-6 weeks later, growing every day! I now make a quart of kefir each day and it is so very thick, just like I like it! The step I changed is actually mentioned not to be necessary, but it made all the difference in the world for me. After each batch of kefir I make, I thoroughly rinse my grains with cool water before adding the next quart of milk. Before doing this my kefir was runny and just not thick at all. Now, it's thick like a milkshake. And so good! I am very happy with the purchase and would definitely recommend CFH to everyone! I am going to be ordering more products, as the customer service is outstanding and the prices are great, also! (Posted on May 13, 2013)

Meh Review by organyc

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My milk grains have not grown at all, they are tiny. I am always worried that they are escaping through my strainer. In the beginning it takes a few tries for them to make decent kefir and it seems like they aren't as happy in soy milk? but all-in-all, the milk grains do work.. they are just miniscule and delicate. (Posted on April 16, 2013)

Wonderful kefir! Review by R. Schumaker

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We have really enjoyed our kefir from Cultures for Health! I make a batch daily and either mix it with natural fruit jam or make it into smoothies with frozen fruit. We've also used it for making salad dressing and kefir cream cheese. I have a very busy schedule but the kefir is so easy to keep up with and I have found it much more convenient than making yogurt. (Posted on March 23, 2013)

WOW Review by Mae

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i received my started kit on Saturday and by Monday afternoon i was having Kefir. Im having a blast with them and just ordered some water kefir cultures. I need to thank my neighbor that got me started on this. This is so much better than buying kefir from the store (Posted on March 15, 2013)

excellent Review by Diane

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The kefir grains arrived quickly after I placed the order for them. i was fully expecting it to take more than five days to rehydrate, but, by day three I had kefir :)

I do keep a thermometer in the kitchen, and after moving the jar a couple of times, found a spot that stays at 72°consistently. At first I placed the jar on a warming mat I keep on the counter for soaking/sprouting buckwheat groats, but was worried it might be too warm,I kept checking with a candy thermometer and it was right at 85° when set on the mat.

The grains were activated in reconstituted powdered goats milk, (also checked with a candy thermometer after mixing with warm water) and I think maybe the fact that the milk was warmer than refrigerated when grains first went in, contributed to the speed that they began to begin working.

I've since switched to raw goats milk, poured straight from the refrigerator, as using warmer milk was making kefir in about 17 hours, which was not all that convenient. (Posted on March 13, 2013)

Nice product. Review by lux

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I am really happy with my kefir grains. Not only did they arrive quickly, but they started making kefir super quickly. I was expecting to have to wait a while, as they were dehydrated, and most everything I have read while researching kefir said that it would take 4-5 days (if not longer) to begin. On the 2nd full 24 hours, my milk started becoming kefir. On the 3rd full day, it was sour, thick, creamy and absolutely delicious. I'm really satisfied with these grains! Thank you. (Posted on March 7, 2013)

Pleasantly surprised Review by Laura

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I had been following the instructions to rehydrate my culture, but after a few days, I wasn't sure if it was working or not. The milk didn't seem to have changed at all. Despite my uncertainty, I kept changing the milk as instructed. Lo and behold, I checked it one day and found kefir! It's been working perfectly ever since! I had some kefir in my smoothie, and it was delicious! (Posted on March 1, 2013)

Love my kefir Review by Ryan

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I love how simple it was to rehydrate my grains, and get them going. I now use them daily, and I have friends that want some of my extra grains. The videos on the website were extremely helpful and well detailed. (Posted on January 16, 2013)

Durable and resilient Review by Sara

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I live in North Africa and I had a friend bring me a pack of Milk Kefir Grains. I wasn't sure if they would hold up between the amount to time from their original shipment to my friend or the variable temperatures the grains experienced while traveling to me, but they did great! I've been able to rehydrate them with total success. Now I am just waiting for them to multiply so I can share them! I am so thrilled to finally have kefir. (Posted on January 13, 2013)

Very good~ Review by Amy

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I had never tried kefir before getting these, but I've become addicted to the idea and the tartness. I've been alternating between whole cow's milk and almond milk. My tiny two grains haven't grown much in the month that I've had them, but they did survive a week of sitting in the frig in milk while we were away for Christmas. At this point I think I'm going to stop using them with the almond milk to see if that helps them beef up a little. I've also gotten help from the LiveChat that makes me feel there's always someone to ask a question of. It's a great benefit! I drink mine plain a couple of times a day. (Posted on January 10, 2013)

Drink kefir! Review by Eloise

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I've been lactose sensitive since a child. We drank milk three meals a day every day and my stomach hurt all the time. My parents took me to the doctor and they said it was all in my head. I gave up drinking milk in college and now at 50+ found kefir. I have a large glass every morning. My stomach doesn't hurt. My nails and hair are stronger and look better. I feel myself getting healthier and healthier by the day. This product was easy to purchase, quick to arrive and had clear directions. I wasn't pleased with the first few batches. I thought they tasted off, but as it's aged, it has improved and now I love it. (Posted on January 10, 2013)

Very pleased! Review by Healthy gut

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I was a little skeptical of this whole kefir business, but in an attempt to create a healthier gut due to some health problems, I gave it a try. This product works exactly like it says it will. I followed the directions and within a couple of weeks, my grains were growing well. I hae been able to pass along grains to others due to growth. I drink my kefir unflavored (which is an acquired taste) and add it to smoothies for the kids. I have been making kefir from this starter for almost a year now! I would definitely recommend this product. (Posted on December 15, 2012)

Love Kefir Review by JoyK

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I have had my Kefir grains for several months and I absolutely love them. I use whole organic milk from my local grocery store and have not had one problem. I use a clean quart jar every day with a coffee filter and rubber band. Cheap! When I am tired or have too much stored, I simply place in the fridge for a few days with a cup of milk. This really requires minimal maintenance making it easier than I every imagined. My husband had been drinking Kefir from the store for years and he is very pleased that I am making it at home now. Go ahead and buy the kit because the strainer is a must-have for optimal results. I immediately wash my strainer after each use or it is almost impossible to clean after lying in the sink. (Posted on May 16, 2012)

Great Product Review by Laurie

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The grains are alive and well. My only disappointment was that it could only make a small amount of kefir. [Note from CFH: The milk kefir grains can be re-used indefinitely to make large quantities of milk kefir, but it may take some time for the grains to multiply sufficiently to make more than a quart at one time.] (Posted on May 9, 2012)

I simply LOVE this product! Review by Rebecca

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Yes, if you want a reliable kefir product, this is definitely the one to order. We ordered ours in March of this year and have had an unending supply of high quality kefir ever since, and we are now going on eight weeks of culturing it again and again. It has been worth every penny we spent on it. (Posted on May 8, 2012)

Perfect grains Review by sasha

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Today is 3rd day since we got grains in the mail and we already have great tasting kefir. This worked much faster than what instructions suggested. Note to shoppers: do buy that plastic strainer, we had to go though 4 stores by the time we found one.

(Posted on May 7, 2012)

Making my own kefir Review by Marc

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I ordered my grains a 4 weeks ago. I keep my house cool (63F), but that did not stop these grains from making some delicious kefir. It took about a week to get them up and going, but I cannot believe how much the grains have grown. Sure beats the store-bought stuff. (Posted on March 12, 2012)

Perfect quality!! Review by Tammie

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I will admit...I was a bit scared away for a minute due to the higher price compared to those that I saw on amazon.com. But as we know, higher priced often means better quality. I purchased the kefir grains and within 4 days I recieved my product. The first 24 hours I had healthy and beautiful grains and was quite pleased!! (Posted on February 23, 2012)

great product Review by rrteacherbear

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great product, we bought them and had kefir within 24 hours. we have been mixing with organic jam and using a stick blender to mix. we have our first batch of kefir cream cheese in the fridge now. (Posted on February 20, 2012)

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