Kefir

[Macca]

Hi all,

I have been reading about a food/liquid called Kefir. As far as I can tell it is quite a lot like yoghurt but better. It can be made at home in an endless cycle by using kefir grains which feed on milk.

I only know what I have been reading on the net, does anyone have any practical experience with it ?

 

[Strannik]

yeah i practically grew up on it

it's very common in eastern europe, especially ex-USSR countries

it's kinda similar to butter milk, but not quite.
you can make it at home from grains like you said

you can also buy it in ethnic shops.
the one i buy from russian deli in brisbane is made by a company called Blue Bay Cheese: http://www.bluebaycheese.com.au/

they also have one called Ryazhenka, which is very good as well

 

[Macca]

Hi Strannik,

I have tried the powdered form from health food shops but on the net they all claim the homemade grain one is the best.

I found one guy selling grains but there are claims that he is not a reliable supplier. Some folk offer them for free but have waiting lists of people.

Before adding my name to the list and taking advantage of their generosity I thought I would ask the SS mob for comments

 

[littlelee]

My husband and I have it everyday we make it with raw goats milk, it is very sour and not like yogurt at all (non commercial stuff). If you want good quality kefir grains check out this site http://users.sa.chariot.net.au/~dna/Makekefir.html
although he can sometimes be slow to respond. Kefir is very good for you as it is full of beneficial bacteria and yeast and all diseases start from the gut, so good to keep it in good health

 

[Strannik]

i've never tried making it, as it was always freely available in the shops.

some people do make a home made one, and the grain is usually passed from person to person. but i wouldn't have a clue where to get it here, i usually just buy kefir from the deli when i feel like it.