Kefir

[Momtezuma Tuatara]

We have kefir plant coming out our ears.

Anyone in NZ want any?

otherwise the chooks will get the surplus.

[Sarah]

Hi MT. Have just done a very quick search on Kefir - as I am going to have to show my ignorance and say I am still not sure what it is. What I did read though is that it may not be suitable for lactose-intolerant people such as myself??

[Momtezuma Tuatara]

Is that right? That's not what medical literature says, but then we can't always trust it I guess.

i've attached for you an article on kefir and lactose intolerance, as well as another pdf called kefir, which is my husband's instructions on what to do once you have your florets.

I'll also put up a 1990 medical article which talks about what kefir is.

[Momtezuma Tuatara]

While we made kefir when I was a child, and it was my job to make it, this is the first ever magazine article about kefir in this country.

[Momtezuma Tuatara]

This is an Australian page on kefir:

http://users.chariot.net.au/~dna/kefirpage.html

[Sarah]

Thanks for info MT, will have a read.

[Sarah]

Think I have the jist of it - and yes I would like to try some, sounds like a great way to get good probiotics into my girls and me (not sure if hubby would try it). Does it have a natural yoghurt taste? I can pick it up from you if thats easier, we are in Ramarama and have family in Tuakau.

[Momtezuma Tuatara]

Sure, just drop in.

How it tastes depends on what you feed it on, and how long you leave it to ferment. Mine is made on a totally different milk to my husbands and I ferment mine a lot longer, so it's a lot tarter.

Nothing like experimenting. The other option too, is to mix it half and half with yoghurt. We don't have a sweet tooth so it's not a problem for us.

[Seaweed]

You know I always try kefir but loose it for some reason. I think usually over the winter when I can't get raw milk. I should probably give it one more go & see what happens as they had some out of season calves so I am still getting milk.

[Momtezuma Tuatara]

We dont use raw milk. Are you wanting me to send you some?

[Seaweed]

If you use just the normal pasteurised unhomogonised milk & it comes out OK. Yes please :)

[Momtezuma Tuatara]

If you use just the normal pasteurised unhomogonised milk & it comes out OK. Yes please :)I use organic pasteurised unhomogonised milk, and my husband uses sun latte.

[Paper Cut]

Does anyone have any ideas where I can get a hold of some Kefir grains down in the lower part of the North island? (anywhere from the Manawatu to Wellington is fine)

[Momtezuma Tuatara]

Yes. email me with your name and addy, and when we do our next kefir split we will send you some.

in the meantime, read up on it.

[Paper Cut]

Yes. email me with your name and addy, and when we do our next kefir split we will send you some.

in the meantime, read up on it.

I've been a readin for 2 months on it *grins* .... *toddles off to email you* Your a gem :)

[jasmina]

Where do you buy cultures to make your own kefir. I remember years ago, my mum and dad were making it (back in my country). I am in Christchurch, can anyone point me to the shop ? thanks

[Momtezuma Tuatara]

You can't. You find someone who has a plant, and when they are dividing it, get them to toss the bits your direction. papercut will get our next divide, and if you want some, let me know.

Our hens will be devastated though. the kefir grains are the subject of intense battles to see which hen can get there first.

[jasmina]

You can't. You find someone who has a plant, and when they are dividing it, get them to toss the bits your direction. papercut will get our next divide, and if you want some, let me know.

Our hens will be devastated though. the kefir grains are the subject of intense battles to see which hen can get there first.

I would love some, if you can spere me a bit. thanks

[Paper Cut]

Y
Our hens will be devastated though. the kefir grains are the subject of intense battles to see which hen can get there first.

hehe *chicken fight!*

[Momtezuma Tuatara]

Jasmina,

PM me your address please.

[Tici]

Take care of the "plant" on a regular basis and it will keep on growing and producing.

Just wondering what you mean by this ?
I am just straining it every 24 hours and putting my grains back in fresh organic unhomog milk. Should i be doing more to take care of them ?

Ive had my grains for a few weeks now. It is magic stuff isn't it :)

[Momtezuma Tuatara]

If it's doing fine, then you are taking care of it. But if you start to see things like membranes, and odd looking forming kefir, it's probably best to cull them to the hens. If the milk you are using comes from turnip fed cows, the kefir might do funny things... lol... learned from experience on that one.

[Tici]

I think kefir is odd looking anyway so I wouldn't know what to look for.

I leave that cheesy coating on them every time I put them in fresh milk too so I can hardly even see them to see if they are odd. I can see they are definetely growing.

When I get a chance I'll post a pic of mine to show you.

Do you rinse yours in fresh water every time ?

[Momtezuma Tuatara]

Nope.................

[gilima]

I have been using "water grains" since my kids really like it. I usually ferment them for about 24hrs in water + sugar + some raisins and then second ferment adding some organic grape juice, the end result is a fizzy kind of grape "soda" which the kids love. it is actually more like something in between a sparking juice and a sparkling wine!!