Milk kefir is a cultured dairy product originally from the Caucuses mountains – the region where Europe meets Asia. There it has been traditionally heralded as an elixir of long life and health. Milk keifr is rich in beneficial bacteria, phosphorus, vitamin K, biotin and folic acid – nutrients that are essential to health and well-being. A single component of milk kefir may prove particularly beneficial as it successfully protects beneficial bacteria from damage in the hostile environment of the digestive tract. Milk kefir is strongly anti-inflammatory. . 

Milk kefir grains are white, lumpy and gelatinous and are comprised primarily of lactic acid producing bacteria. Though, of course, strains of bacteria present may differ from one culture of grains to another. Milk kefir grains are, like kombucha cultures, also a SCOBY (symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast). However, unlike kombucha SCOBYs which grow in a disk shape, milk kefir grains / beads grow in small cauliflower-shaped, jelly clusters. 

Once you’ve acquired a kefir grains, simply mix them in with milk – preferably full fat rather than skimmed, but any kind of milk will do. The higher fat content the more thick and creamy it will become, Allow it to culture at room temperature for 24 – 48 hours. If you are able, give it a stir or a shake to make sure the grains come into contact with the milk as often as possible. As it cultures at room temperature, the beneficial strains of bacteria and benign natural yeasts will proliferate, metabolize the milk’s lactose and create a sour, thick beverage with vitamins, probiotics, kefiran and other nourishing components. You will notice that in warmer temperatures coagulation (thickness) develops more quickly. You can consume milk kefir as a slightly thicker, drinkable milk product (perfect for making smoothies) or let it culture longer until it separates into curds and whey. The longer milk kefir cultures the more sour and foliate-rich it becomes, but take care not to culture it too long lest it become unpalatable. 

Ingredients: 

1 tablespoon milk kefir grains 

1⁄2 liter milk (roughly) ed or allow your kefir grains to rest in water in the refrigerator for a few days until you’re ready to make kefir again.

Milk Kefir with other Milks / non dairy milks : As milk kefir grains feed on the milk sugar (lactose) that is naturally occurring in animal milk, these grains will not survive long term in lactose free milks such as soy, almond, oat or coconut milk. However, they still are able to ferment the milk creating a light sour and thickened 'non-dairy' kefir. From my experience with many milks, I find coconut milk (I prefer varieties sold in a tetra-pack rather than a can) works the best. Coconut kefir results in thick, Fluffy probiotic clouds like the picture above after sifting out the kefir grains. I would alternate the grains from a lactose containing milk to a lactose free milk, so that the grains get a feeding in between each fermentation process and stay active. 

Storage: Extra grains may be stored in the refrigerator in a glass jar in milk or whey - can be kept like this for many months even over a year - however the longer they are in hibernation, the longer they will take to restore and rejuvenate in fresh milk at room temperature. For longer-term storage you can also dehydrate the grains (at temperatures below 118 degrees so you don't destroy the enzymes). To revive dormant grains, simply put them in a small amount of milk, you may find that it takes a few batches to restore their former liveliness and taste. 

Other Heritage Yogurt Cultures: Your heritage yogurt cultures have been traditionally heralded as an elixir of long life and health. These cultures are rich in beneficial bacteria, phosphorus, vitamin K, biotin and folic acid – nutrients that are essential to health and well-being. Studies show that cultured dairy may prove particularly beneficial as it successfully protects beneficial bacteria from damage in the hostile environment of the digestive tract. Yogurt cultures are easy to use as there is no SCOBY and one simply uses the cultured milk to proliferate and culture more milk. 

Other heritage milk cultures you may have heard about: Filmjölk, Matsoni, langmilch, Swedenmilch, Piimä , Viili, Skyr…