Kefir Grains

Kefir grains are the reason the drink "Kefir" is so popular. Kefir is a fermented milk beverage which was discovered by the shepherds of North Caucasus region. The beverage is prepared when the milk of a cow, goat or sheep is mixed with kefir grains. These grains are a mixture of bacteria and yeast in a cubical of proteins, lipids and sugars. This cubical or matrix is the main reason of the peculiar shape which the grains form that resembles a cauliflower. Looking at it more closer, you can find a range of different bacteria and yeast in it. As I've mentioned before, kefir grains looks like a cauliflower and are white in color with a gelatin like texture. Kefir has been a favorite in many parts of the world such as Europe, Russia, the Middle East, and since the past few years, Americans have also grown very fond of kefir milk and grains.

Kefir Grains for Free

Now, the main question here is where to buy kefir grains from? Trust me, I am as confused on this as you are. Although I have found some information on the purchasing on kefir grains but I would recommend you to personally check it for yourself before making a decision based on my information. There are many start up communities which sell you kefir grains. These grains can't be grown from the beginning, you have to grow them during fermentation in which additional grains are produced. They are often donated for free by its growers. There are many websites on the Internet which offer you free kefir grains, but I would suggest you to have a search before going for this offer.

Water Kefir Grains

Many people use kefir grains as whole foods and the most popular way of making them is milk kefir. Most of us love having dairy products but what about those who don't? It's not necessary that everyone loves having milk kefir grains. So in this case let's twist the recipe and substitute the milk with water. Learn to make water kefir grains.

Ingredients

• Milk kefir grains, 1 tbsp
• Mineral water, 1 liter
• Cane sugar, ½ cup
• Dried figs, 2
• Lemon slice
• Items needed (2 liter glass container, lid for container)

Preparation

Take the glass container and pour the water in it. Now add the sugar and mix until the sugar gets dissolved. Now add the kefir grains, dried figs and the lemon slice. Now cover the glass container with a lid and allow the mixture to ferment for 48 to 72 hours. Make sure you've kept the glass container away from sunlight. After 72 hours remove the lemon from the water and squeeze the juice. Strain and separate the kefir grains from the water and keep it separate for future usage. Drink your water kefir.

Storing Kefir Grains

After learning about kefir health benefits, it's obvious you would want to store it for a long time and enjoy its nutrition for a long time. But how do you do it, you don't just pick them up and keep it in a jar. There's a method which you follow. Here are the steps.

• Place your kefir grains in a clean, dry jar. Now pour milk on top of the grains until the jar is ¾ full.
• Now seal the jar with a proper lid and keep it in the refrigerator. You can store these grains without straining them for at least a week. If you want to store them for a longer period, after straining add fresh milk at once in a week.

Hope this article on kefir grains benefits was a good read. Kefir is the perfect source of nutrition that you've been missing in your other foods. Due to high content of vitamins, minerals and proteins, it's good for the immune system and is also effective against various health ailments.