Milk Kefir | Our Easiest How to Make Milk Kefir Recipe - Cultures For Health (2024)

BEFORE YOU BEGIN MAKING MILK KEFIR

• These instructions utilize the traditional starter culture known asmilk kefir grains, rehydrated and ready to make milk kefir. If you wish to make milk kefir with a powderedKefir Starter Culture, consult our article onHow to Make Kefir with Direct-set Starter Culture.
• If you have purchased our dehydrated milk kefir grains, please follow the instructions included with your milk kefir grains or watch our how-to video onHow to Activate Milk Kefir Grainsto get started.
• If you wish touse raw milk to make milk kefir, be sure to activate your milk kefir grains using pasteurized milk first. You can thenslowly transition them to raw milk.

HOW TO MAKE MILK KEFIR

To get started,first,gather your suppliesand choose a variety of milk to use.

Suppliesfor Making Milk Kefir

You'll need the following supplies to make milk kefir, most of which can be found in theMilk Kefir Starter Kit. For more information on what supplies work best (and what to avoid) read our tutorial:Choosing the Best Equipment for Making Milk Kefir.

• • Glass jar
  • Non-metal stirring utensil
  • Breathable cover for the jar such as a tight-weave towel, butter muslin, paper towel, or paper coffee filter
  • Band to secure the cover to the jar like a rubber band or canning jarring
  • Fine mesh strainerfor removing the kefir grains from the finished kefir

Ingredients for Making Milk Kefir

Consult our article onchoosing milk for making kefirto help you decide which milk is best for you!

• • 1-2 teaspoons activeMilk Kefir Grains
  • Cow or goat milk

MILK KEFIR RECIPE

1. Transferthe active milk kefir grains into up to 4 cups of fresh milk.
2. Coverwith a coffee filter or butter muslin secured by a rubber band or jarring.
3. Placemilk kefir culture in a warm spot, 68°-85°F, to culture.
4. Cultureuntil milk is slightly thickened and the aroma is pleasant. This generally takes 12-24 hours but can take less time in warmer temperatures, so keep an eye on your grains.
5. After the milk changes the texture and culturing is complete,separate the kefir grains from the finished milk kefir.
6. Placethe milk kefir grains in a new batch of milk.
7. Storethe finished kefir in the refrigerator.

Milk kefir is a healthy, delicious, and nutritious probiotic drink that is easy to make. Download our Milk Kefir Guide and Recipe book which provides all the information you need to get started, including detailed instructions, recipes, and tips.

REMOVING GRAINS FROM FINISHED MILK KEFIR

Removing the grains can sometimes cause new fermenters some trouble. As the milk kefir ferments, curds will sometimes form in the kefir. This doesn't cause any problems, but it can be confusing when you're new to differentiate between curds and milk kefir grains.

Use Your (Clean!) Fingers

As your milk kefir grains grow in size, you may choose to remove the kefir grains by hand. Make sure your hands are very clean and well rinsed, but do not use anti-bacterial soap to avoid contaminating the culture.

Use a Mesh Strainer

Sometimes milk kefir can be a bit thick. If necessary, you can use a silicone spatula or plastic spoon (in a swirling motion) to help work the kefir through thestrainer. Stainless steel can be used if necessary; just be sure it's stainless steel and not a reactive metal.

Pour Milk Kefir Into A Shallow Bowl

This will make the grains easier to see. Using a plastic or wooden spoon, scoop the grains out. Once the grains have been removed, pour the finished kefir into a container.

Download our Milk Kefir book today and start making milk kefir as a great way to improve your digestive health. Get more probiotics into your diet and enjoy delicious and nutritious milk kefir drinks.

OVER-THICKENED MILK KEFIR

While milk kefir is culturing, it may culture faster than you expect. If it's over-cultured, it may be full of curds andyou may need to strain your kefir grains with extra care. You can find tips in ourStraining Over-Thickened Kefir tutorial. This extra thick kefir is also a great opportunity to make some fantastic kefir cheese!

Want to make milk kefir but don't know where to start? Download our free Milk Kefir Guide and Recipe Book today!

Following the above process, you can make milk kefir at home on a regular basis. If after making milk kefir for a while you decide you don't need 4 cups every day, it is possible to make smaller batches. Just choose a method in our tutorialHow to Slow Down Making Milk Kefir + Make Smaller Batches.

Resting Your Milk Kefir Grains

If you ever reach a point where you need to take a break from making milk kefir, there are a few ways you can put your kefir grains on pause. This includesrefrigerating them for shorter breaksordrying them for longer breaks.

In either case, it's important that your grains have been activated and culturing kefir regularly for3 to 4 weeksbefore you attempt either of these resting methods.

SEE INSTRUCTIONS:How to Take a Break From Making Milk Kefir

START MAKING KEFIR MILK WITH CULTURES FOR HEALTH

The best place to find all of your milk kefir needs is Cultures for Health. We have thelargest selection of fermentation and cultures productsin the world and the best customer service for any of your questions.

The best place to start is our amazingKefir Starter Kit. This kit comes pre-packed with everything you need including:

• 1 - Box of Milk Kefir Grains (re-usable heirloom grains)
• 1 - 2.5-inch Nylon Mesh Strainer
• 1 - Stick-On Thermometer
• 1 - Butter Muslin Jar Cover (1 square yard)

You'll also receive detailed instructions to complement the ones you just read to make the process as easy as possible.

Click here to check out the Milk Kefir Starter Kit now!

Ready to Learn More about Milk Kefir?

• How to Find Milk Kefir Grains
• Flavoring Milk Kefir
• How to Make Coconut Milk Kefir
• Straining Milk Kefir Grains from Over-thickened Kefir
• Everything You Need to Know About Making Almond Milk Kefir
• The Complete Milk Kefir Glossary: Making Milk Kefir from A to Z