Kefir grains: sixteen short answers
In short
The questions that reach us every week, in four groups: the grains, buying, using, and the drink. Each answer in a few sentences, with the same numbers as every page: 20 g of grains, 1 litre of whole milk, 24 hours at 20 to 25 °C.
The grains
What are kefir grains?
Small white, jelly-like clusters where bacteria and yeasts live together. In milk they make kefir in 24 hours and grow as they go.
Are they really grains?
No, the name comes from their look. There is no cereal in them.
How fast do they grow?
By a quarter to a half each week in whole milk. 20 g becomes 40 to 60 g in a month.
How long do they last?
Years, as long as they get fresh milk every day or every few days.
Buying
Where do I buy them in the UK?
Online: shops sell the drink, not live grains. Where to buy.
How much should I buy?
One 20 g pouch. It makes a litre a day and grows quickly. A 10 g pouch is there if you want to start with half a litre.
Live or dried?
Both work. Live to start this week, dried to keep in reserve. Side by side.
How long does delivery take?
Dispatch within 24 to 48 hours, then a few working days, tracked. Delivery.
Using them
Which milk?
Whole, pasteurised cow's milk is the easiest. Semi-skimmed works, thinner. Goat's milk works. Plant milks only now and then.
Going away for a weekend?
Grains in fresh milk, lid resting on, in the fridge. Strain and carry on when you are back.
Two or three weeks away?
Fresh whole milk, lid resting on, in the fridge for up to three weeks. One or two jars at room temperature to restart.
Can I freeze kefir grains?
Yes, in a little milk, for up to six months. Thaw in the fridge, then three to seven days of daily jars.
The drink
How much alcohol is in it?
About 0.2 to 0.5 % after 24 hours, up to about 1 % after a second ferment in a closed bottle.
Can children drink kefir?
Many families give older children first-ferment kefir, often mixed with milk. Because of the traces of alcohol, it is the parents' call; for little ones, ask your GP.
What does it taste like?
Tangy and fresh, between buttermilk and drinking yoghurt, with a light fizz.
How long does kefir keep?
A week in a closed bottle in the fridge, getting a little tangier each day.
Your question isn't here?
Write to hello@natural-probio.com: a real person answers, usually the same day. And to start this week, 20 g of live grains with a guide and a money-back guarantee, tracked across the UK.
Order live milk kefir grainsGrains from time-honoured methods, unique and resilientDelivery across the UK, trackedMoney-back guaranteeOver 20,000 customers
