Kefir grains are living symbiotic colonies of yeast and bacteria that transform milk into milk kefir, a probiotic powerhouse. When the kefir grains digest the lactose in the milk, it creates a tangy, creamy taste and texture, giving milk kefir its original taste.
However, kefir grains are delicate because they are living colonies, and where to buy kefir grains is a big question. It can be difficult to find kefir grains near you, as it is difficult to stock live milk kefir grains in any store.
The short answer is that purchasing milk kefir grains from a reputable online dealer is often the fastest and safest way to obtain kefir grains. Milk kefir is made from one of two kefir culture methods: a mother culture method called “milk kefir grains” or a powder culture starter specifically designed for kefir production. The latter contains a unique blend of different bacterial strains, while the former is a little more complex. We grow our milk kefir grains in-house in our own facility using high quality organic milk and regular testing to ensure safety and quality products.
Milk kefir grains are live probiotics in the form of soft jelly-like “grains.” It gets its name because it grows in milk. The term “kefir grain” describes only the appearance of the culture, but in fact it is not a grain. If healthy and fed, these grains will continue to grow and multiply. milk…
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Milk Kefir Grains Basics: What are milk kefir grains? Where do they come from?
Milk kefir grains are a mother culture, whose main physical structure consists of polysaccharides, the main one of which is kefiran. Within this polysaccharide matrix, both bacteria and yeast live in symbiosis with each other. These bacteria and yeast are cultivated by feeding on milk. These grains have a gelatinous feel and look like a kind of miniature floret shape, much like cauliflower.
The bacterial and yeast composition of milk kefir grains tends to vary depending on its origin and culture environment. In other words, where the grain comes from and where it is currently used can influence the composition of microorganisms present in the milk kefir particles.
Learn more: Composition of milk kefir grains
Can I grow kefir grains from scratch?
This is a frequently asked question and is worth looking into. Most sources agree that milk kefir grain culture was utilized somewhere near the Caucasus Mountains. The grain itself is quite unusual in that no other cultured dairy products are known to be derived from grains.
While the details of the origin of milk kefir grains are quite a mystery, one thing is clear: Milk kefir grains have to come from somewhere. The specific polysaccharides, bacteria and yeast that make up milk kefir grains have been passed down from generation to generation. However, once you have milk kefir grains, you can multiply them to pass on your culture.
Can you make milk kefir without kefir grains?
Depending on your definition of milk kefir, it is possible. Milk kefir grains are a very special culture containing a very special combination of microorganisms. Milk kefir, which contains all the bacteria, yeast, and polysaccharide kefiran, cannot be made without milk kefir grains. If you already have milk kefir grains, you can grow them under suitable conditions.
However, milk kefir can be made from kefir starter cultures, which are enriched mixtures that mimic cultures of milk kefir particles. These powdered starter cultures create a cultured dairy product similar in flavor and consistency to milk kefir made from grains, but do not contain the exact characteristics of kefir made from grains and are similar to milk kefir grains. will not continue to reproduce indefinitely. .
How and where to get kefir grains and cultures
1. Decide which kefir culture is right for you
Choosing the right milk kefir culture for you should be based on your own personal needs. You can choose between two kefir cultures (milk kefir grains and a direct hardening culture) based on what you want from your cultured kefir, how much kefir you want to make, and how long you want it to last. Continue making kefir.
If you prefer a simple cultured dairy product that contains some of the bacteria present in traditional milk kefir, kefir starter cultures may be right for you. On the other hand, if you want to make milk kefir for specific types of bacteria or yeast, or the much talked about polysaccharide kefiran, getting milk kefir grains is a better option. If you only want to make milk kefir once in a while, it may be better to choose a kefir culture starter. Alternatively, if you want to make fresh milk kefir every day or two, choosing milk kefir grains might be a better option. Finally, if you only want to make milk kefir for a short period of time, a kefir culture starter may be the most convenient option. Conversely, if you want a culture starter that can be used over and over again, milk kefir granules are a more practical option.
Get the Culture: Kefir Starter Culture | Milk Kefir Grains
2. Where to buy kefir grains: Find kefir near you
Milk kefir grains start fresh, but in that state they are not very stable. Specific temperatures and feedings are required and are difficult to maintain during grain transportation or shipping. As a result, kefir grains are often sold in a dehydrated state.
Dehydrated kefir grains are dormant and must be handled with care, but they are not as fragile as fresh grains. Dehydration causes mild stress to all cultures, but once properly activated they can be up and running quickly.
Designed for beginners, this kefir starting kit includes milk kefir grains and three proven culture supplies to easily start making milk kefir at home. Just add milk! The packaging and equipment in the kit may differ from the photos. 1 packet included in the kefir starter kit…
Dry kefir grains also have the advantage of a long shelf life. This is advantageous in that it provides a buffer of time both when grain is shipped and in the time frame after grain is received. So if your kefir grains take 3-4 days to ship and you don’t have time to start your kefir grains for a week after that, the live kefir grains will die, but the dried kefir grains will be fine.
You can get fresh kefir grains from a friend who already makes kefir at home, assuming you can trust the grains to be healthy. Fresh grains can also be purchased online from retail stores, but they must be shipped quickly under suitable weather conditions and placed in fresh milk as soon as they arrive. Otherwise, the culture may die due to temperature changes or lack of food.
Want to learn more about kefir grains? Download our milk kefir guide and recipe book now!
What’s next to buy kefir grains?
Whether you’re making kefir with starter cultures or kefir grains, we’re glad you’re considering adding this wonderful fermented food to your daily life.
Cultures for Health supports all your milk kefir endeavors with an impressive range of products.
The Milk Kefir Starter Kit has everything you need in one place. It comes with everything you need, including tools and milk kefir grains, so you can start making milk kefir at home as easily as possible.
If you’re a little more advanced, we have milk kefir grains that are perfect to get started right away.
Check out our collection of milk kefir products and get your milk kefir starter kit when you’re ready to get started. You can do this!
Click here to download the complete milk kefir recipe book and learn more about kefir grains. Packed with tips, tricks, and recipes for making great milk kefir at home.
Cultures for Health’s milk kefir grains are versatile and can be used in many types of milk, including cow’s milk, goat’s milk, and non-dairy milks such as almond and soy milk. Using different types of milk can change the texture and taste of your kefir, so feel free to experiment and find what you like.
Have a happy culture!
source:
Prado, M. R., Brandon, L. M., Vandenberghe, L. P. S., Rodriguez, C., Castro, G. R., Thomas Sokol, V., and Sokol, C. R. (2015). Milk kefir: composition, microbial culture, biological activity, and related products. Frontiers in Microbiology, 6, 1177. http://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2015.01177
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