Read below how to make raw milk kefir and all the benefits that come with it! Kefir is one of the easiest way to include more fermented foods in your diet, providing your gut with more natural probiotics.
I just whipped myself up a smoothie from my freshly made Kefir that’s satisfying my hunger, and tastes amazing as I’m writing this blog.
My family and I have been making kefir for a couple months now, and just beginning with the raw milk. The concept is the same, but the turnout is much different I must say.
I have been wanting to start this raw milk journey here for the past 6 months, & have finally found a local farmer with open herd shares. More onto why we chose to drink raw milk will be on the blog soon.
But what is kefir? You may wonder what is so beneficial about it and maybe asking yourself why you should drink it.
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WHAT IS KEFIR?
Kefir is fermented milk, to sum it up. It’s comparable to a thin yogurt but packed with many vitamins & minerals. It is made using Kefir grains, and acts as a beverage mostly. It is high in protein keeping you fuller longer, and very rich in probiotics.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF KEFIR?
It’s high in calcium helping with preventing osteoporosis in women and the fermentation process of it can hep with digestive issues.
Kefir is also lower in lactose since the lactic acid bacteria in the fermented milk turn the lactose into lactic acid – so cool! You can also make it with non-dairy products if that’s what your prefer or need.
On top of all the health benefits, it tastes amazing. If you love yogurt, then you will love Kefir. If you don’t love yogurt, mix it with a smoothie and I promise you won’t regret it.
WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO MAKE RAW MILK KEFIR?
Pure Vanilla Extract
HOW TO MAKE RAW MILK KEFIR:
Add in grains to a clean half gallon mason jar. If you are new to this, then the grains do not look like grains that you would use for flour. They are live active bacteria. {Also if this is your first time doing kefir, you will need to activate the grains. There is a step by step manual to do this if you purchase from the link listed above.}
Next you will add in 4 cups of fresh raw milk to the mason jar.
After that, you will use a cheese cloth or coffee filter as a lid with a rubber band. Set aside on your counter for the next 12-36 hours.
Start checking your Kefir after 12 hours. Once the milk becomes like a cream consistency, your kefir has been made!
You will then take a large bowl and put a fine mesh strainer in it. Pour the kefir mixture into the strainer/bowl to strain our the kefir grains.
Once the Kefir grains have been separated, scrape the bottom of the strainer as much as possible. Put Kefir grains into a clean mason jar, and start the process all over again to have have Kefir constantly in your home!
The Raw Milk Kefir has now been made! Pour the Raw Milk Kefir in a clean half gallon mason jar and put it in the fridge of storing.
We love to make smoothies out of ours or I mix it also with some sauces that I whip up. Kefir is just something you need in your home for you, your family, and your gut!
HOW LONG DOES MILK KEFIR LAST?
Raw Milk Kefir can last up to two weeks in the fridge.
HOW LONG DO THE KEFIR GRAINS LAST?
If you take good care of your grains, they can last for years!
Alexa, The Kolbe Farms