worms

[joebryant]

Quote:
Kefir?
I'd never heard of it, so I just now Google it and got this for information: http://www.kefir.net/
Sounds interesting, so I'll have to find a site that gives the details for making it.

ETA If anyone else is interested in reading about kefir, here's a list of topics on BYC:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/search.php?search_id=1094352991

It pays to advertise; a member just PMed me that she's sending me some FREE kefir grains to get started. Can't wait to try it, THANKS. From what I've read/seen on YouTube, it's even much better for you than yogurt or buttermilk.

 

[vmdanielsen]

My chickens love it! It is ready in a day. I strain it so I can reuse the grain. The grain is really a lump of culture (I think!). I put fruit in a blender and add the kefir for myself. Drink it for breakfast. Yum. Drink kombucha (fermented tea) in the afternoon.

 

[joebryant]

Quote:
vmdanielsen, will you please list the EXACT steps to take to make it, e.g., how many grains for how much milk, how long before it's ready, etc. Thanks
ETA I think that I'm confused because from what I've read and watched on YouTube it looks a hundred times easier to make than yogurt is. ???????????????

 

[emarble]

OK so I read all of this but I need more info on the Keifer Grains and how to make them or how to obtain them! It all sounds interesting not only for my lovely ladies but maybe even for my use!! Tell Me More Please!!

Ernie

 

[vmdanielsen]

I put milk (I do use organic milk) in a very clean mason jar (just out of the dishwasher or cleaned with hot soapy water and rinsed thoroughly). I don't sterilize, but remember that you don't want to grow other things. I put a couple cups of milk in. Stir gently with plastic or wooden spoon. I've been told not to use stainless steel, but that is what I use. Don't be confused, It's WAY easy! I leave it on the counter with a paper towel wrapped around the top, secured with a rubber band. It's ready the next day. If I don't use it it will get thick. I then scoop out the grain start a new batch. If it is really thick I add more milk, stir gently, then remove grain. Chooks love it at all stages. I think it will also grow in fridge, but it may take longer. After you do it a couple of times you will know just how you like yours. Good luck! Remember....this is not an exact science! It is easier than yogurt because there is no cooking.
Just keep things clean and enjoy. You may think I am hung up on clean, but as I regularly also make kombucha and have grown unwanted things, I've become a bit of a stickler about cleaning before hand.
Ginny

 

[vmdanielsen]

I got my kefir grain from my sister. She got hers from an "old timer" If you lived closer, I'd be happy to share, but I don't know if they would ship. Check out your local health food store. Look for the plain unless you want fruit flavored. Fruit flavored is very good, but I am trying to avoid the extra sugar. I think the kefir grain is just a lump of kefir culture, but I am not sure.

 

[joebryant]

Quote:
Yeahhhhhhhhh, that sounds MUCH easier to make than yogurt. It's almost like making buttermilk but even easier'n that is, and I didn't think anything could be easier'n buttermilk. THANKS!
BTW, Anne and I also make kombucha, but we don't have any going now. I just sent my daughter the directions for making it; she hadn't made it in so long that she'd forgotten the steps. Thanks again!

 

[vmdanielsen]

You are very welcome!

 

[emarble]

OK so now I have two different things to research Kombucha tea and Keifer grains! This is great and I thought I was pretty up on this kind of thing! WOW! Anybody tell me more

Ernie

 

[vmdanielsen]

check out the kombucha in a health food store. Most taste a bit vinegary to me. I don't brew mine as long. I like mine at two weeks.