Yemoos Blog
What is the optimal ratio of milk kefir grains to milk?
There is a great difference of opinion on what is the ideal ratio of grains to milk. On the one hand, growth and total probiotic count seem to increase with more grains per milk. However, you may be sacrificing flavor, texture, diversity and health of the grains with too many grains per milk.
What is Filmjölk?
Filmjölk is very popular in the Nordic region, especially in Sweden. Its traditionally consumed at breakfast in place of milk. It's typically mixed with cereal or muesli / granola.
Cold or Room Temp Milk for Making Kefir?
One of the biggest questions asked for those starting out is - Can you use milk straight out of the fridge or does it need to be warm / room temperature? The short answer is that YES you can definitely use milk directly out of the fridge when making milk kefir.
New study compares real kefir to a starter culture
I really like this study as it compares kefir made from real grains to a commercial starter culture, similar to what you would find in yogurt or anything store bought that contains lab based probiotics.
Is stirring or shaking milk kefir beneficial?
When you ferment milk kefir correctly, it doesn't necessarily need to be stirred or shaken up to make a good kefir. However, it can taste more balanced and less yeasty with 1-2 stirs mid way through.
Ginger Beer Plant vs Ginger Bug
If you want to lightly ferment some tea or juice, then a ginger bug is a fun choice. If you are looking for significant probiotics and diversity of strains, than an authentic ginger beer plant is recommended.
How many probiotics (CFUs) are in water kefir?
Both milk kefir and water kefir are known for their probiotic prowess. Even though most people agree that milk kefir is the king as far as the number of probiotic strains as well as the amount (CFU), water kefir should not be dismissed either.
Kefir prevents mold contamination
When you think about letting milk sit out for a day, you may be concerned about mold. However, when it comes to kefir, both milk kefir and water kefir, the chances of mold contamination is incredibly low (especially for water kefir).
Open or Closed Lid for Water Kefir Fermenting?
Water kefir can be fermented aerobically (with oxygen / open lid) or anaerobically (without oxygen / closed lid). Both have the advantages and disadvantages and it comes down to personal preference.
Open or Closed Lid for Milk Kefir Fermenting?
Milk kefir can be fermented aerobically (with oxygen / open lid) or anaerobically (without oxygen / closed lid). Both have the advantages and disadvantages and it comes down to personal preference.
Which vegetable juices work best with water kefir?
Vegetable juices are typically not as sweet or as tasty as fruit juices, but they have their own host of health benefits. Combine that with the power of water kefir fermentation and those vitamins and benefits can become even more readily accessible.
How much kefir should I drink each day?
The amount of kefir you should drink ultimately depends on the individual. Kefir is a natural nutritious food, so it's okay to trust yourself to know how much to drink. Just like eating one banana usually sounds great, but that 2nd banana usually does not for most people.