Milk Kefir FAQ
Kefir has unexpectedly taught us so much about life and ourselves. This is our place to share what we're learning so far with you as we continue to enjoy observing and caring for this miraculously simple yet complex culture.
Remember, your own kefir will be your best teacher through time, trial and error.
The information below is generally agreed upon amongst the 'kefiring' community, but as a word of advice, just as in all things, use your best judgement in the end!
Lastly, kefir is not an exacting science, so relax and have fun!
Below is a snap-shot of each category:
Introductions & Basics
What is milk kefir?
What other names does kefir go by?
How are kefir grains different to powder starter (such as Body Ecology's products) or store-bought kefir?
What's the difference between dried and fresh/live kefir grains?
What is the advantage of taking kefir instead of a probiotic supplement?
Why is Kefir good for your health?
Why is kefir generally tolerated by the lactose intolerant?
Is Kefir a good option for those with Candida?
What strains of bacteria and yeast are found in kefir grains (and kefir itself)?
Can you make your own kefir grains or get kefir from just milk?
What milks or other liquids can you ferment with kefir grains?
What about raw milk?
Does Kefir contain alcohol?
What does milk kefir taste like?
What should kefir grains look like?
Are all kefir grains the same?
How long do active kefir grains last?
Do kefir grains need to be fed every day?
What other uses does milk kefir have?
Grains 101
What should kefir grains look like?
What's the difference between dried and fresh/live Kefir grains?
How do you know if the grains are 'healthy'?
What size are kefir grains?
What size is best for kefir grains to be?
Are all kefir grains the same?
What are kefir grains composed of?
What strains of bacteria and yeast are found in kefir grains (and kefir itself)?
How long do active kefir grains last?
Do kefir grains need to be fed every day?
Do kefir grains have a milk preference?
What are the tiny sticky threads between my kefir grains?
Should kefir grains float?
Do kefir grains change shape?
What causes grains to change appearance or shape?
Why do my kefir grains look like ribbons?
What is the orange or hard crust discoloration on the surface of kefir grains?
What are the seasonal differences in kefir (summer vs winter, etc)?
Do you have to be gentle with kefir grains?
Can you cut/blend/tear kefir grains?
Do you have to wash or rinse your grains?
What if a grain drops onto the counter or floor?
Should I give my kefir grains a rest once in awhile?
Do you always have to use the grains to make kefir?
How fast do kefir grains grow?
How can you encourage kefir grains to grow more quickly?
What if my grains are not multiplying at all?
Can you make your own kefir grains or get kefir from just milk?
Preparation & Supplies
How do you make authentic milk kefir?
Do I have to start using my fresh kefir grains right away?
What do you need to make milk kefir?
Can you make your own kefir grains or get kefir from just milk?
Can you use artificial sweetener or lactose-free milk with kefir?
Do kefir grains have a milk preference?
Is metal a safe material to use?
What type of container can I ferment and store my kefir in?
Do utensils need to be sterilized for kefir similar to making yogurt?
How much or how little milk (and grains) can be used?
How much or little kefir can I make?
Do you always have to use the grains to make kefir?
Does the milk have to be warmed before adding it to the grains?
How full can I fill my kefir jar?
What temperature does milk kefir prefer?
Should I put a lid on kefir?
Does Kefir need a breathable lid?
Can you use kefir liquid as a starter (instead of the grains)?
Can kefir be in direct sunlight?
During the Ferment
Can kefir be in direct sunlight?
What temperature does milk kefir prefer?
Can you add other things in with kefir while its fermenting?
Should milk kefir grains float?
Should you stir kefir?
Should I put a lid on kefir?
Does kefir need a breathable lid?
What type of container can I ferment and store my kefir in?
How short or long can you ferment kefir?
How long does it take for dried or live shipped kefir grains to balance?
How long does it take for stored, frozen or dried kefir grains to reactivate?
How do you know when the kefir is ready?
What if I forgot to strain my kefir when it was ready?
Straining & Finishing
How do you know when the kefir is ready?
How do I remove my kefir grains from the kefir once its ready?
What size strainer is appropriate for straining kefir grains?
Do you have to be gentle with kefir grains?
Do you have to wash or rinse your grains?
How can I reduce the amount of lactose in kefir?
What is 'ripening' kefir and how do you do it?
How do you strain kefir to make it thicker or to separate it from the whey?
How do I get my kefir to be more fizzy and carbonated?
How can I get my kefir to be creamier or thicker?
Do kefir grains need to be fed every day?
How long do active kefir grains last?
How long does it take for dried or live shipped kefir grains to balance?
How long does it take for stored, frozen or dried kefir grains to reactivate?
What if I forgot to strain my kefir when it was ready?
Where can you store kefir?
How long can you store kefir/when should you drink it by?
Look, Aroma, Taste & Texture
What does milk kefir taste like?
What is kefir supposed to smell like?
What should the consistency of kefir be?
Why is my kefir grainy, gritty, lumpy, thin or watery?
How can I get my kefir to be creamier or thicker?
Is kefir supposed to separate?
Does kefir contain alcohol?
Why do the milk curds sometimes stick in a huge mass to the grains?
What are the tiny sticky threads between my kefir grains?
What are the seasonal differences in Kefir (summer vs winter, etc)?
How do you strain kefir to make it thicker or to separate it from the whey?
How fast do kefir grains grow?
What if my grains are not multiplying at all?
What if my grains aren't turning my milk into kefir?
Upkeep & Contamination
Do kefir grains need to be fed every day?
Do you have to wash or rinse your grains?
What if I forgot to strain my kefir when it was ready?
What if I forget about my kefir and its really old?
What should kefir grains look like?
How fast do kefir grains grow?
Should kefir grains float?
Do kefir grains change shape?
What causes grains to change appearance or shape?
Why do my kefir grains look like ribbons?
Why is my kefir grainy, gritty, lumpy, thin or watery?
What are the tiny sticky threads between my kefir grains?
What is the white fuzzy or brown film on my kefir?
What is the orange or hard crust discoloration on the surface of kefir grains?
How do you know if its contaminated?
How do you know if the grains are 'healthy'?
What if I suspect my kefir has been cross-contaminated by another culture?
What are the seasonal differences in Kefir (summer vs winter, etc)?
Adjusting Quantity & Timing
How much or how little milk (and grains) can be used?
Do kefir grains need to be fed every day?
How much or how little kefir can I make?
How short or long can you ferment kefir?
Can kefir grains adjust to ferment more milk?
What are the seasonal differences in kefir (summer vs winter, etc)?
How do you encourage sluggish kefir grains or relax over-active kefir grains?
How fast do kefir grains grow?
What temperature does milk kefir prefer?
Can you use kefir liquid as a starter (instead of the grains)?
Fermenting Other Milks
Can you use artificial sweetener or lactose-free milk with kefir?
Is it easy to switch to another brand or % of milk?
Can you use kefir liquid as a starter (instead of the grains)?
What about raw milk?
What milks or other liquids can you ferment with kefir grains?
Can you ferment nut milks such as almond and cashew milk?
How can you convert milk grains to kefir other liquids such as coconut or soy?
What can you do to encourage growth and proper fermenting in milk-alternatives?
Can you add other things in with kefir while its fermenting?
Reviving, Sharing & Storing Grains
What is the best way to store milk kefir grains?
How do I rest milk kefir grains?
What if I forget about my kefir and its really old?
What's the difference between dried and fresh/live kefir grains?
What should dried kefir grains look like?
How do you reactivate stored, dried or frozen milk kefir grains?
How long does it take for dried or live shipped kefir grains to balance?
How do you share milk kefir grains with others through the mail?
Should I give my kefir grains a rest?
How long does it take for kefir grains to balance after fasting/resting?
How do you dry milk kefir grains for storage?
How long does it take for stored, frozen or dried kefir grains to reactivate?
Should kefir grains float?
What is the difference between a secondary and continuous ferment?
How do you do a continuous ferment?
What is 'ripening' kefir and how do you do it?
How do I get my kefir to be more fizzy and carbonated?
How can I flavor my strained milk kefir?
Can you add other things in with kefir while its fermenting?
What other uses does milk kefir have?
How is kefir consumed in other cultures?
Why is kefir generally tolerated by the lactose intolerant?
How can I reduce the amount of Lactose in Kefir?
What is the advantage of taking Kefir instead of a probiotic supplement?
Why is Kefir good for your health?
Is Kefir a good option for those with Candida?
Is Kefir a good option for those with digestive problems?
Is kefir appropriate for everyone?
Has kefir ever made anyone sick?
How are Kefir Grains different to powder starter (such as Body Ecology's products) or store-bought kefir?
What are kefir grains composed of?
What strains of bacteria and yeast are found in kefir grains (and kefir itself)?
Does Kefir contain alcohol?
What part of the kefir is considered the drinkable kefir?
How much kefir should I drink?
Is it ok to consume kefir that is still in the process of balancing or re-activating?
How long can you store kefir/when should you drink it by?
Can you eat the kefir grains too?
Can pets have milk kefir?
What if a grain drops onto the counter or floor?
What if I'm having adverse reactions to drinking kefir?
Do you have to wash or rinse your grains?
How do you know if its contaminated?
What type of milk should I use?
What about raw milk?