Description
Learn how to make homemade milk kefir a creamy, probiotic-rich drink that boosts gut health, supports digestion, and strengthens immunity. This simple step-by-step guide walks you through fermenting milk kefir from scratch, with tips for flavoring, storing, and maintaining your kefir grains.
Ingredients
- 1 to 2 teaspoons active milk kefir grains
- 2 cups fresh milk (cow or goat)
- Optional: kefir starter kit for beginners
Instructions
- Pour milk into a clean glass jar and add kefir grains. Stir gently with a non-metal utensil.
- Cover the jar with a breathable cloth and secure it with a rubber band.
- Let the mixture ferment at room temperature (68–85°F) for 12–24 hours until slightly thickened and tangy.
- Strain the kefir through a nylon or stainless-steel mesh strainer into another jar, separating the grains from the liquid.
- Transfer the finished kefir to a sealed glass jar and refrigerate. Reuse the grains immediately for your next batch.
- Taste and adjust fermentation time in future batches for your preferred flavor and consistency.
Notes
Use only non-metal tools to protect the kefir grains. Avoid ultra-pasteurized milk. Adjust fermentation time based on your room temperature. You can flavor your kefir after straining with fruit puree, vanilla, or honey. For thicker kefir, use full-fat milk or ferment longer.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Fermented
- Cuisine: Probiotic
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
